Job Description

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Location: On-site or Hybrid (depending on bank preference)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Community / Regional Banking

Overview

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) serves as the senior technology leader responsible for defining, implementing, and securing the bank’s technology strategy. This role oversees all core banking systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, data architecture, vendor integrations, and digital banking platforms. The CTO ensures the bank’s technology environment is resilient, compliant, scalable, and aligned with business growth objectives.

This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for a technical executive who can architect solutions, manage vendors, lead IT teams, and drive modernization initiatives across a smaller but highly regulated financial environment.

Key Responsibilities

Technology Strategy & Architecture

• Build and execute the bank’s multi‑year technology roadmap.
• Architect secure, scalable on‑prem, cloud, and hybrid environments.
• Modernize legacy systems and evaluate emerging technologies that improve efficiency and security.

Core Banking & Applications

• Oversee core banking platforms and digital banking applications.
• Manage fintech integrations and ensure system uptime, performance, and disaster‑recovery readiness.
• Lead secure API development and integration frameworks.

Cybersecurity & Risk

• Own the bank’s cybersecurity program, including threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management.
• Enforce Zero‑Trust, MFA, encryption, and regulatory compliance (FFIEC, GLBA, FDIC, NCUA).
• Lead audits, risk assessments, and board‑level reporting.

Infrastructure & Cloud

• Manage network architecture, firewalls, VPNs, SD‑WAN, and endpoint security.
• Lead cloud strategy (AWS/Azure), including migrations, containerization, and serverless adoption.
• Oversee backups, DR/BCP, and system monitoring/observability.

Data & Analytics

• Define data architecture, governance, and secure storage.
• Oversee ETL pipelines, reporting systems, and BI tools.
• Implement data security, encryption, and retention policies.

Team & Vendor Leadership

• Lead a small IT team across infrastructure, security, and support.
• Manage core banking vendors, MSPs, cybersecurity partners, and fintech providers.
• Negotiate contracts/SLAs and maintain ITIL‑aligned processes for change, incident, and service management.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive IT leadership experience, ideally within banking or financial services.
• Deep technical expertise in core banking systems, digital banking platforms, and financial technology integrations.
• Strong background in cybersecurity frameworks, network security, and regulatory compliance.
• Hands‑on experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), virtualization, containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and modern DevOps practices.
• Proficiency in enterprise networking, firewalls, identity management, and secure infrastructure design.
• Experience leading IT teams in a small or mid‑sized organization.
• Strong understanding of FFIEC guidelines, GLBA, and other banking regulatory requirements.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Jack Henry, Fiserv, FIS, or similar core banking systems.
• Background in API development, microservices, and integration architecture.
• Familiarity with SIEM tools, SOC operations, and advanced threat detection platforms.
• Experience modernizing legacy systems and driving digital transformation initiatives.
• Relevant certifications (CISSP, CISM, CCSP, AWS/Azure Architect, PMP, ITIL).

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong technical depth.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present to executives and the board.
• Strong vendor negotiation and contract management abilities.
• Ability to operate in a hands‑on capacity while also leading long‑term strategy.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to security and compliance.