Chief Information Officer

Harter, Secrest Emery LLP•City of Rochester, NY

1d•$170,000 - $250,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is a senior-level professional responsible for leading the firm’s technology strategy, governance, innovation, operations, and overall technology portfolio. The CIO aligns technology investments with business objectives; ensures secure, reliable, cost-effective, and innovative technology solutions that support attorneys, staff, and clients. The CIO oversees the infrastructure, systems, and services that will provide the firm with a reliable computing environment. The CIO also develops and executes all approved information technology policies and procedures, provides executive leadership for the Information Technology and Information Services departments, and advises firm leadership on technology opportunities, risks, investments, and emerging trends.

Requirements

Knowledge of AI governance, AI-enabled productivity tools, and responsible AI practices
Experience with cloud platforms and hybrid infrastructure environments
Strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, security operations, and risk management
Experience leading digital transformation and enterprise technology modernization initiatives
Ability to communicate technology strategy and business value to executive and nontechnical audiences
Experience with legal technology platforms, including document management, financial systems, eDiscovery, knowledge management, and practice management solutions
Strong experience managing vendors, contracts, and technology procurement
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft-based information systems, related components, and procedures
Strong knowledge of information technology standards and federal compliance requirements
Ability to stay current on specialized software, hardware options, and technology updates for practice groups and administrative departments
Advanced organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
Strong interpersonal and client-service skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with partners, attorneys, paralegals, administrative and support staff, vendors, and the information technology team
Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, computer engineering, or related field of study
Ten years of experience in information technology with prior leadership responsibilities
Project Management experience from concept to implementation
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement organization-wide technology strategies
Exceptional interpersonal skills including teamwork, facilitation, and contract negotiations. Written and oral communication skills in addition to planning and strong organizational skills
Demonstrated ability to lead change, manage competing priorities, and implement projects in a busy work environment

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a technology strategy aligned with the firm's strategic goals and growth initiatives
Serve as a trusted advisor to firm leadership on technology investments, innovation, risk, and emerging technologies
Identify opportunities to improve legal service delivery, operational efficiency, and client experience through automation, artificial intelligence, and other technology solutions
Direct enterprise technology operations, including infrastructure, networks, cloud services, telecommunications, cybersecurity oversight, enterprise applications, data management, and end-user support
Ensure the performance, reliability, scalability, and availability of firm technology systems
Establish service standards, performance metrics, and continuous improvement practices
Lead major technology implementations, upgrades, integrations, and modernization initiatives
Provide executive oversight of the firm's information security, privacy, and risk management programs
Ensure compliance with client security requirements, regulatory obligations, and industry standards
Establish technology governance, policies, and standards supporting the secure management of firm information assets
Direct business continuity and disaster recovery planning to ensure organizational resilience
Oversee the firm's legal and business technology portfolio, including document management, practice management, financial systems, eDiscovery, knowledge management, client collaboration, and AI-enabled solutions
Partner with attorneys and administrative departments to identify, implement, and optimize technology solutions that enhance productivity, service delivery, and client outcomes
Evaluate and recommend innovative technologies that support the firm's strategic objectives
Establish and maintain data governance standards, information lifecycle policies, and controls
Promote data-driven decision-making through reporting, analytics, business intelligence, and performance metrics
Develop and manage IT operating and capital budgets
Evaluate technology investments and business cases
Negotiate and manage vendor relationships, software licensing, service agreements, and strategic partnerships
Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing technology organization
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and client service
Oversee workforce planning, succession planning, talent acquisition, performance management, and professional development