Chief Investment Officer

Overview

The Chief Investment Officer (CIO) provides executive leadership and serves as the senior TFA Investment executive and a member of the TFA executive management team. This position is responsible for the administration and management of the multi-billion dollar TFA investment portfolio and overall investment program. Responsibilities include establishment and maintenance of sound investment policy in conjunction with the TFA Investment Committee. The CIO supervises and leads a small internal staff of skilled professionals who manage internal stock and bond portfolios as well as oversee external money managers.

Responsibilities

Position Goals:

• Executive Investment Leadership Expertise - Serve as the senior investment executive and fiduciary for Tompkins Financial Advisors (TFA). Advise the TFA President and executive team on investment activities and issues. Maintain awareness of trends, regulations, and best practices in institutional investments.
• Administration & Management of the Investment Program - Oversee the multi-billion-dollar TFA investment portfolio. Ensure compliance with TFA’s Investment Policy and applicable laws. Manage asset allocation, risk budgets, and investment strategies for optimal performance. Supervise internal staff and oversee external money managers and consultants.
• Consultation & Coordination with the Investment Committee- Act as the primary staff expert for the TFA Investment Committee. Develop and present policy recommendations and performance reports. Ensure the Committee operates efficiently, and members are well-informed and trained.
• Personnel & Fiscal Management- Lead and develop the investment team through hiring, training, and performance management. Prepare and manage the division’s annual budget. Promote professional development for staff.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• Executive Leadership & Investment Expertise
• Act as the senior investment executive and fiduciary for TFA.
• Advise the TFA CEO and executive team on investment matters.
• Lead research and application of modern portfolio theory.
• Stay informed on industry trends, regulations, and best practices.
• Contribute to strategic planning, budgeting, and policy development.
• Investment Program Management
• Administer and manage TFA’s multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio.
• Ensure compliance with investment policies and legal standards.
• Oversee asset allocation, risk budgeting, and investment strategy.
• Lead searches and negotiations for investment managers and consultants.
• Monitor performance and enforce corrective actions when needed.
• Provide investment performance summaries and client-facing materials.
• Investment Committee Support
• Serve as the primary expert and coordinator for the TFA Investment Committee.
• Present policy recommendations and performance reports.
• Manage committee meetings and member onboarding/training.
• Ensure compliance with fiduciary standards and ethics policies.
• Personnel & Fiscal Oversight
• Supervise investment officers and support staff.
• Manage hiring, evaluations, and professional development.
• Prepare and monitor the division’s annual budget.
• Ensure staff compliance with ethics and internal policies.
• Outreach & Representation
• Represent TFA’s investment program in client meetings and public engagements.
• Respond to media and public inquiries.
• Contribute to marketing and educational materials.
  

Key Characteristics

• Strategic Leadership & Execution: Shapes and drives the organization’s long-term strategy by aligning vision, mission, and values with strategic goals and business growth initiatives. Collaborates across leadership, fosters inclusive planning, anticipates future challenges, and cultivates a reflective, forward-thinking culture that values diverse perspectives and broad engagement.
• People Leadership: Champions employee engagement, retention, and development by fostering a culture of coaching, recognition, and shared leadership. Ensures succession planning, values individual contributions, and involves team members in decisions that impact their experience and growth.
• Influence: Establishes structures and leverages trusted relationships, alliances, and expertise to effectively position ideas and influence stakeholders. Promotes a culture where influence drives action, while remaining mindful of the inherent impact of their role on organizational outcomes.
• Risk Management: Provides strategic leadership in risk management by defining organizational risk tolerance, guiding the development of risk evaluation frameworks, and advising on complex risk scenarios. Analyzes organizational trends to shape short- and long-term risk strategies, while ensuring business continuity plans remain current and effective.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Promotes objective, forward-thinking decision-making by consistently applying the Tompkins model, seeking diverse perspectives, and considering long-term impacts. Builds a culture of trust and accountability by empowering others to make informed decisions and holding them responsible for outcomes.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Finance, or Economics preferred.
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is preferred
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience in investment management, portfolio oversight, or wealth advisory roles.
• Proven leadership experience managing multi-billion dollar portfolios and supervising investment teams.
• Deep knowledge of modern portfolio theory, asset allocation strategies, and fiduciary standards.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks including SEC, FINRA, and NY Ethics laws.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive strategic investment decisions.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate complex financial concepts to diverse audiences.
  
  

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) Match
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off
• 11 Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free Parking throughout Tompkins Community Bank
• Employee Referrals
  
  

EEO Statement

Tompkins is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") with respect to all team members and applicants for employment and a work environment free from discrimination (including unlawful harassment) based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender non-conformity, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, marital status, domestic violence victim status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status or status in any group protected by federal, state, or local law.

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Pay Range

USD $195,000.00 - USD $280,000.00 /Yr.

Bonus/Incentive Plan

This position includes participation in a performance-based cash incentive plan. May also be eligible for Equity Grants.