Chief Technology Officer

Position Title:                        Chief Technology Officer

Unit:                                        Information and Technology

Reports To:                            Chief Operating Officer

Status:                                     Full Time, Regular, Exempt

Salary Range:                         $210,000 to $230,000

Location:                                Office in Long Island City (Queens) managing Fortune’s IT capabilities throughout the city

Schedule:                                35 Hours weekly, but on call as needed for emergencies and pressing matters

Organization Overview

The Fortune Society, Inc. (Fortune) has worked for nearly 60 years to support successful reentry from incarceration, promote alternatives to incarceration, and build a more just criminal legal system, strengthening both individuals and communities in the process. Founded in 1967 by David Rothenberg as an advocacy organization committed to educating the public about injustice within the criminal legal system, Fortune has remained steadfast in its belief that every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and the chance to build a productive future.

Today, Fortune is recognized as one of the nation’s leading reentry organizations and advocates for criminal legal system reform. With an annual operating budget of more than $100 million and approximately 600 staff, Fortune now serves over 20,000 people annually across New York City. The organization provides a comprehensive continuum of services, including alternatives to incarceration, supervised release, court advocacy, discharge planning, behavioral health treatment, housing, employment and education services, benefits assistance, care management, food and nutrition, and arts programming. These services are informed by the lived experiences and needs of the people we serve and strengthen Fortune’s advocacy for systemic change.

Alongside its direct services, Fortune is a recognized leader in policy and legislative advocacy. Working in partnership with directly impacted people, community organizations, and government leaders, Fortune has helped shape legislation and public policy that expand opportunity, remove barriers to successful reentry, and advance fairness within the criminal legal system. The organization continues to play a leading role in efforts to safely close Rikers Island, improve conditions of confinement, expand alternatives to incarceration, and promote policies that strengthen communities across New York and beyond.

The Position: 

The Chief Technology Officer has overall responsibility for the technological direction of the Agency. The incumbent oversees the delivery of IT services in an effective, efficient, and secure manner. A hands-on CTO that directs all operational activities of the department with special attention to customer service. Working closely with other executive decision makers at Fortune, the incumbent provides leadership and drives the strategic vision needed to create and support cost-effective, efficient, and secure technology solutions for all aspects of the organization. 

Core Competencies:

• Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the incumbent collaborates with the leadership team to establish the Agency’s technological vision, implements that vision, and manages the Agency’s technological development. 
• Develops, maintains and updates the Agency’s technology strategy and roadmap in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Leads digital transformation initiatives.
• Identifies opportunities to improve business processes and organizational effectiveness through the strategic use of technology.
• Evaluates emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to identify opportunities that improve organizational effectiveness, security, and service delivery.
• Helps define data governance at Fortune.
• Develops and presents executive and Board-level reports connecting technology to Fortune’s mission and client outcomes.
• Oversees design and implementation of the Agency’s Client Management System (Case Worthy). 
• Maintains and supports the Agency’s electronic health record (EHR) system and manages the development of software solutions in support of interoperability functionality, including HL7 interfaces.
• Manages development activities and maintenance of Fortune’s data exchange system. 
• Oversee the Agency’s Enterprise Service Bus (EBS), integration components, and Data Warehouse. 
• Oversees the procurement, installation and maintenance of all computer hardware and software and all other products and supplies necessary to keep computer systems operable and to fulfill management requests for computer support. 
• Ensures that employees are provided with top quality, consistently available computer service, support training, and maintenance of all computer systems used throughout the Agency. 
• Oversees the provision of end-user services, including help desk and technical support services. 
• Acts as the liaison between hardware and software suppliers and management for informational updates and problem resolution.
• Maintains security of all data proprietary to the Agency and provides for the complete backup of all computer systems in case of system failure or disaster.
• Develops, implements, maintains, and enforces written IT policies and procedures regarding computer operations in the IT Department and throughout the Agency, including those for architecture, security, disaster recovery, standards, purchasing, and service provision. 
• Conducts technology and cybersecurity risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and recommend mitigation strategies across the organization.
• Anticipates, monitors, and responds to cybersecurity breaches by collaborating with the legal team and other executives.
• Helps plan and execute data security awareness training for all relevant departments and personnel.
• Ensures data accuracy and consistency among Fortune’s departments.
• Oversees the effectiveness of reporting platforms and case management systems to ensure accurate and timely funder-ready reporting.
• Coordinates development of annual IT plans and budgets and administers funds according to budget approval. 
• Plays an integral role in deciding which technology initiatives receive funding.
• Provides supervision, management, and guidance to the IT team, including the establishment of performance standards and ensuring that they remain current on emerging developments in the field to enhance the delivery of services.
• Is a core member of the Senior Executive Team.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Directly supervises five (5) IT Directors and oversees the work of vendors. Supports the Directors in recruitment, staff development and professional growth, assessing performance and addressing performance issues.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. 

Qualifications: 

• B.S. degree in the field of computer science, information systems or equivalent combination of education and experience, or the equivalent in relevant experience. 
• Minimum 10 years in the information technology field with at least 5 years in a managerial capacity. 
• Must have working knowledge of and experience with database structure/analysis and business process interpretation, including relational (non-relational a plus database knowledge. 
• Software engineering/developer background preferred, familiarity with MS Windows Server Platforms, SQL Server, Mongo DB, ESB’s, SOA, APIs (RESTful & SOAP), and .NET applications. 
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. 
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities in a time sensitive manner.
• A sense of humor. 

Physical Demands: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The responsibilities and requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensing, experience, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

The Fortune Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of conviction history, race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.

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