VP & Chief Technology Officer

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The VP & Chief Technology Officer is responsible for developing and executing the technology strategy for the enterprise that is in full alignment with and support of the overall organizational strategy as well as the support of key business operational functions. The CTO will be responsible for the successful integration, operation, and functioning of all technology tools used by ACC, whether internally by staff or externally by members, customers, and stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

User Experience

• Develop an enterprise-wide strategy to achieve a seamless experience for ACC members and stakeholders. This objective involves, wherever possible, the removal of barriers, steps and friction for the member or stakeholder in using or accessing ACC’s technology tools and platforms, including the organization’s website, search engine, and affiliated systems.
• Monitor the ACC “net-promoter score” to strengthen the user experience and address/resolve any technology-related concerns. The “net-promoter score” (NPS) is a measure of how likely a member or stakeholder is to recommend ACC to a friend or colleague.
• Identify and implement an effective database and search management tool that can effectively deliver high-quality results for search queries from ACC members and stakeholders. The objective is to provide a “best-in-class” search experience whereby queries result in relevant results for the user. This will require coordination of an effective search engine tool, as well as collaboration with other ACC departments to accurately develop and implement the appropriate information architecture.

AI Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute a long-term AI strategic roadmap that positions the association as a market leader in AI for the legal profession.
• Lead a comprehensive digital transformation by architecting an AI-driven, personalized member experience leveraging automated concierge services to provide immediate support, while utilizing predictive analytics to drive member engagement and proactive retention before critical renewal cycles.
• Establish robust internal AI frameworks and governance models to ensure data quality, cybersecurity, and ethical AI usage across the organization. Architect and implement internal AI tools to modernize legacy data platforms and significantly increase staff delivery.
• Collaborate with HR to design and lead organization-wide AI literacy programs, ensuring staff are equipped to incorporate AI tools into their daily workflows.

Operations Support

• Develop a written technology strategy that is updated at least annually and describes how ACC technology will specifically support and advance the overall ACC organizational strategic pillars and objectives. The technology strategy will prioritize simplicity, interoperability, ease of maintenance and support, and the expected life cycle of the tools and assets selected. (e.g., the avoidance of bespoke systems that require expert programmers to maintain.)
• Establish and manage the ACC technology budget, including forecasting 1-3 years in the future to anticipate any major infrastructure or technology investments that may be required.
• Maintain an overview of all technology assets whether owned, leased, or licensed, and to include hardware and software, and the terms for acquisition, lease, or license of same. Evaluate all existing ACC technology assets and tools, whether owned, leased, or licensed, to determine which are relevant / best for continued use and which are not fit for purpose going forward.
• Work in collaboration with the ACC Chief Legal Officer to ensure compliance regarding all data privacy and security regulations. (e.g., opt-out features, acceptance of cookies, etc.). In addition, the ACC CTO will work with the CLO to enact policies and procedures that support the ACC risk management policies for protection against hacking and other security measures for the technology platforms (e.g., data privacy, anti-phishing practices, cybersecurity).
• Work closely with department heads to meet the expectations and needs of ACC staff/departments for IT support and tools. (Examples: Membership department – Membership management tools; Communications Department – tools related to social networks, emails, website; Legal Resources – database management and search capabilities, etc.). The CTO will collaborate effectively with department heads to understand how to leverage and use technology assets and capabilities to achieve ACC’s strategic objectives across the enterprise.
• Conduct a thorough assessment of all ACC internal staff requirements for technology tools and skills to execute the department level objectives and strategies. This needs assessment will distinguish between “must-haves” versus “nice-to-have” requirements and will strive for updated and continuous improvement as needs and available tools evolve.

Leadership and Communication

• Clearly and consistently communicate the organization’s global technology strategy, emerging trends, and user / member pain points, along with actionable solutions, to the ACC Board of Directors and senior leadership.
• Keep the CEO and members of the Executive (VPs) and Leadership Teams regularly informed of business and technology issues and be responsible for the ongoing timely update of the technology status - including budget, operational effectiveness, staffing, legal (contractual, licensing) and staff training/utilization issues.
• Lead a team in developing clear, data-driven progress reports for the ACC Board of Directors that highlight measurable improvements in members’ user experience.
• Assure that the CTO’s team educates, informs, and trains ACC staff on the effective use of
• technology assets and capabilities, along with awareness of technology trends and alerts.
• Maintain a dashboard that has the capability of providing a report on key metrics for management reporting on-demand. Reporting includes information directed to the CEO as well as prepared reports on the performance of ACC’s technology functions and platforms to the ACC Board of Directors, as needed.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution in Computer Science, Information Systems or a related field is required; a Master’s degree / MBA is preferred. IT or project management certifications are a plus.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 15 years of technical functional experience. Someone who brings earlier experience working with an association or not-for-profit industry areas would be considered a plus.
• Prior experience leading IT management as part of a larger globally distributed organization would be considered a plus.
• Experience in setting vision, roadmap, prioritization of features, cost assessment, and software delivery through multiple release cycles. Must be able to review, understand and comment on technical documentation including design specifications.
• Demonstrated experience leading a technology digital transformation based on a new strategic plan that has a heavy focus on driving better customer experience and customer service for internal and external constituents, and more collaborative systems.
• Experience with broad-based IT management, including IT risk management and cyber security, commercial applications, company website/internet, membership systems, mobile application development, CRM systems, infrastructure, etc.
• Skilled at developing customer-facing websites and software technology products with experience evaluating build/buy/partner for best solution development.

COMPETENCIES (KSAs)

• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to build effective work relationships with internal and external stakeholders and gain commitment to new ideas.
• Able to engage in technical conversations and architecture discussions while also being highly effective at communicating complex technology concepts to non-technical executive team members and stakeholders.
• Brings a visible level of passion, a growth mindset, and a strong entrepreneurial, roll-up-your-sleeves mentality.
• Collaborative, strategic leader who can have difficult conversations and has the ability to create consensus across various teams.
• Forward-thinking, with a passion for technology / trends and the ability to identify how emerging technologies can help an organization achieve its mission and enhance user experience.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to clearly and confidently articulate the organization’s
• technology strategy to the Board of Directors, CEO, and senior leadership.
• Self-starter, independent, and high emotional intelligence and change management capability. Ability to work across an organization that will be going through internal change and transformation.
• Exceptional tech team management skills, including strong mentoring capabilities and agile mentality.
• Demonstrated experience driving operational efficiency for an entire organization using technology.

Languages

ACC seeks to hire multi-lingual candidates. Fluency in English is required, and a second language is preferred.

TRAVEL

Travel as needed.

SALARY RANGE

$220,000 to $260,000 - When determining a salary offer, consideration is given to candidates that possess minimum requirements and preferred qualifications.

WHAT ACC PROVIDES YOU

• The flexibility of a hybrid schedule (only two days in the office on either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) and remaining days you can work from home. Staff working in the Washington, DC office must reside in the DMV area.
• Competitive base salary and benefits including:
  • 23 PTO days, 11 holidays, and a paid one-week end of year break
  • 401K match, annual bonus, and an additional annual employer retirement contribution
  • Subsidized healthcare plans, you can choose from an HMO, PPO, or HSA plan
• Office conveniently located in downtown Washington, DC with onsite fitness center and easy access to the Metro Center station.

ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION

The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is a global bar association that promotes the professional and business interests of in-house counsel who work for corporations, associations, and other organizations. We support our members by delivering a mix of relevant, timely services including information, education, networking, and advocacy.

We work diligently to anticipate and understand the needs of the in-house bar, help members deliver services to their corporate clients efficiently, promote the value of in-house services, and influence the practice of law as it affects the in-house bar.

With more than 48,000 members employed by over 10,000 organizations in 100 countries, ACC connects its members to each other and to the people and resources necessary for their personal and professional growth.

ACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer