Chief Information Officer

POSITION: Chief Information Officer

LOCATION:  Providence Rhode Island

ABOUT THE AMERICAN MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

The American Mathematical Society (AMS), founded in 1888, is a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to advancing research and connecting the diverse global mathematical community through our publications, meetings and conferences, MathSciNet, professional services, advocacy, and awareness programs.  The AMS has 30,000 members worldwide and offices in Rhode Island, Michigan, and Washington, DC. 

WHY WORK AT THE AMS

At the AMS we value excellence, inclusivity and teamwork. We work at the forefront of advancing and connecting the diverse mathematical community worldwide, and we are seeking curious, innovative, collaborative individuals to join our team.

• Excellent work-life balance with potential for hybrid work
• Generous benefit offerings including:
  1. 9.5% employer contribution to 403(a) Retirement Plan 
  2. 100% employer-paid Life, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  3. Medical and dental coverage with employer cost share 
  4. Voluntary vision, Life/AD&D, and Long-term Care Insurance available through payroll deduction
• 12 paid holidays 
• Generous paid time off
• Technology equipment reimbursement for applicable roles
• Tuition reimbursement
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and a welcoming environment

The American Mathematical Society (AMS) is a membership organization that supports the mathematics community and mathematical research via a complex network of meetings, programs, publishing, and other critical initiatives. The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is a strategic partner and member of the executive leadership team at the AMS, helping to shape and realize the Society’s vision.  The CIO provides leadership to the Information Services and Information Technology (IS/IT) units who maintain, develop, and implement computing initiatives in support of the Mission and the efficient functioning of the Society, and ensures the security of the AMS’s technology infrastructure.

The Chief Information Officer will

• Identify opportunities to improve the Society’s IS/IT infrastructure in support of the Society’s processes and initiatives;
• Direct the planning and implementation of enterprise computing systems in support of the Society's operations in order to improve cost effectiveness, service quality, and business development;
• Be responsible for all aspects of the AMS’s information technology and systems, including their security;
• Partner in the Society’s strategic planning and implementation processes; and
• Partner with others across the Society to ensure data integrity, the fidelity of communication across systems, and the ability to effectively apply data analytic techniques.

The CIO will have a deep understanding of the technical and operational aspects of IS/IT management, with a focus on enhancing the organization’s digital capabilities, including member engagement, grants management, meetings and conference logistics, and the publication and dissemination of mathematical literature.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Strategy & Planning

• Partner with other senior leaders in strategic planning and implementation efforts and in identifying opportunities to develop new or improve existing products and services. 
• Identify opportunities to improve the Society’s IS/IT infrastructure in support of the Society’s initiatives and business processes.  This includes: 
  1. Holistically evaluating the IS/IT infrastructure at the AMS, leading to a comprehensive IS/IT strategy that is aligned with the Society’s mission and goals.
  2. Coordinating the evaluation, deployment, and management of current and future computing systems across the organization.
  3. Collaborate with internal offices and departments, such as publishing, membership and marketing, and finance, to understand the business objectives of these departments and align the technology strategy to support them and enhance organizational operations.
  4. Identifying opportunities for the appropriate and cost-effective investment of financial resources in computing systems and resources, including staffing, sourcing, purchasing, and in-house development.
  5. Developing and assessing business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for computing spending and initiatives.
• Lead strategic and operational planning within computing services by fostering innovation and setting priorities for IS/IT projects.
• Assess and communicate risks associated with computing investments and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Develop and enforce data governance policies and practices that ensure the integrity, security, and utility of the Society’s data, including sensitive member information and publication content.
• Partner with others across the organization to make effective use of the Society’s data. 
• Collaborate with the Ann Arbor Information Services staff to coordinate planning and optimize resource usage across the entire organization. 

Acquisition & Deployment

• Coordinate and facilitate consultation with stakeholders to define business and systems requirements for new technology implementations.
• Define requirements for new technology implementations and communicate them to key business stakeholders.
• Approve, prioritize, and control projects and the project portfolio as they relate to the selection, acquisition, development, and installation of major information systems.
• Collaborate with staff across the Society to direct development of customer and member-facing web platforms and digital experiences.
    

Operational Management

• Ensure continuous delivery of computing services to end users through oversight of service and monitoring of computing systems’ performance.
• Manage, support, and ensure the ongoing professional development of the Directors of IS and IT.
• Supervise recruitment, development, retention, and organization of all computing staff in accordance with budgetary objectives and personnel policies.
• Lead the development of the computing annual operating and capital budgets and ensure that they are properly tracked and controlled.
• Ensure computing system operation and security adheres to applicable laws and regulations.
• Keep current with trends and issues in the computing industry, including current technologies and prices. Advise, counsel, and educate executives and management on their competitive or financial impact.
• Promote and oversee strategic relationships between internal computing resources and external entities, including government, vendor, and partner organizations.

The CIO will perform other or similar related duties as requested or assigned.

TRAVEL: 

 The CIO must be able to travel (domestically and perhaps internationally) to meetings and conferences, as needed, but usually two weeks or less in any year.

 INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

 Internal Reports to chief executive; works collaboratively with staff across the Society to plan and implement strategies that leverage the information technology and information systems to advance the society’s business objectives; and cooperates with staff in other departments on relevant projects. 

 External Support AMS committees and other groups; communicate with AMS board members and other governance leaders about the Society’s information technology and information systems environment and how it supports the AMS’s strategic objectives.

 SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

 Lead the Computer Services division comprised of two departments (Information Technology and Information Systems), each headed by a director.

 QUALIFICATIONS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in the field of computer science, or a bachelor’s degree in another field combined with extensive experience in IS/IT environments.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in IS/IT management, with at least 5 years of leadership experience, preferably with experience in a nonprofit, academic, or publishing environment.
• Familiarity with the mathematics community, its cultures, and technological needs.
• Understanding of scholarly communication and professional membership societies.
• Considerable knowledge of business processes, management, budgeting, and business office operations.
• Substantial exposure to data processing, hardware platforms, enterprise software applications, and outsourced systems.
• Experience with systems design and development from business requirements analysis through to day-to-day management.
• Proven experience in computing planning, organization, and development.
• Experience demonstrating successful project management.
• Demonstrated ability to apply technology in solving business problems.
• In-depth knowledge of applicable laws and regulations as they relate to computing.
• Strong understanding of human resource management principles, practices, and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to promote and maintain participatory and cooperative relationships within and across workgroups and in interactions throughout the organization.
• Demonstrated commitment to diverse communities, to inclusive work environments, and to diverse intellectual traditions.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to set priorities and advance multiple projects.
• Proven leadership ability. 

ATTRIBUTES AND COMPETENCIES:   The following attributes and competencies are indicators of the skills and/or behaviors necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position:

• Demonstrates understanding of the AMS’s mission, structure, culture, and constituencies
• Demonstrates knowledge of own department’s work activities and mission; understands how own job impacts work of department
• Responds positively to changes in the organization and the workplace
• Demonstrates flexibility in responding to work demands
• Demonstrates and communicates respect for the opinions and beliefs of other people at all levels and fosters a climate of mutual respect
• Plans and organizes work effectively
• Accepts accountability for job performance and results
• Receptive to feedback and willing to try different approaches in order to achieve the best results
• Works effectively with others in a variety of settings
• Uses communication tools effectively (e.g., presentation, verbal, writing, relationship building, negotiating, listening) to meet needs of audience and/or situation
• Maintains professional composure in challenging situations
• Exercises discretion in identifying, handling, and safeguarding confidential information
• Addresses issues constructively, building cooperative relationships within and across departments

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Duties performed cause light fatigue of eyes, fingers, or other faculties due to long periods of standing, sitting or repetitive motion
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other devices

 WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:   The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Typical office environment, climate-controlled, minimal noise.
• Performing primarily sedentary work with limited physical exertion and lifting up to 20 lbs.
• Extended work hours may be required to meet project deadlines or resolve unexpected problems.
• This position is required to be in-office with the possibility of limited, episodic remote work options. 

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

The American Mathematical Society is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The AMS supports equality of opportunity and treatment for all individuals, regardless of sex, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious belief, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability status, economic background, veteran, or immigration status, or any other social or physical component of their identity.

Other duties disclaimer: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. It is not intended as an employment contract.