Description/Job Summary

The VP, Technology Strategy provides strategic leadership to the Farm Credit Illinois’ functions of: Member Digital Solutions, Information Systems, and Business Optimization. The VP, Technology Strategy develops plans to achieve the Association Strategic Plan and Objectives. This leader drives the selection and implementation of technology solutions to deliver Operational Excellence to the member experience and end user experience. The VP, Technology Strategy identifies and monitors key metrics (Service Level Agreements - SLA, Key Performance Indicators - KPI, Key Risk Indicators - KRI) measuring the effectiveness of Association technology solutions.

Responsibilities/Duties

Staff Supervision & Management

The VP, Technology Strategy is responsible for leading the Association’s technology initiatives consisting of the functional teams identified above.

• Ensures these teams have a clear understanding of Association Strategic Plan, Objectives, and Tactics
• Ensures the teams work collaboratively both internally and externally on execution.

Key supervisory responsibilities include:

• Recruits, selects, develops, motivates, empowers, and evaluates the leaders of Information Systems, Member Digital Solutions, and Business Optimization
• Assesses talent and determines the division of responsibilities, providing work guidance and direction
• Establishes performance standards and measures performance against standards.
• Provides performance feedback, coaching and counseling employees as needed to improve performance, and recognizes employees in a timely manner
• Communicates business expectations and goals to and is responsible for teams’ results.
• Assists direct reports in creating ongoing career development plans to fulfill opportunities throughout the association and plan for succession.

Strategic Leadership

• Develops and recommends for senior leadership approval long term technology strategic road maps pertaining to the Association technology solutions.
• Develops implementation plans related to the Association technology strategic road map.
• Communicates a clear vision and execution plan to Farm Credit Illinois team members
• Leads a business oriented and digital ready culture, mindset, and practices for the FCI Information Systems, Business Optimization and Member Digital Solutions Teams.
• Collaborates with internal business departments and key strategic partners to identify opportunities to implement technology solutions driving operational excellence and the achievement of strategic plan and objectives.
• Maintains awareness and evaluates new business technologies for inclusion in the long-term road map.
• Monitors and recommends allocation of resources (time, people, money) from Information Systems, Business Optimization and Member Digital Solutions Teams to achieve Association strategic plan and objectives.
• Considers alignment of initiatives across the Member Digital Solutions, Business Optimization and Information Systems considering factors such as budget, human resource capacity, platform dependencies and change management capacity.

Strategic Initiative Execution

• Participates in Association committees and working forums to provide insight and assist in developing plans, process, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinates and monitors annual budgets from the Member Digital Solutions, Information Systems and Business Optimization Teams.  Monitors Association budget spending in the area of technology maintenance and growth and compares to industry trends in light of Association strategic plan.
• Recommends Association execution priorities related to technology solutions.
• Develops and monitors metrics measuring the effectiveness of Association initiatives.  Creates and implements corrective action plans when needed.
• Provides leadership to project teams by overseeing scope, direction, and projected outcomes.

Relationship Network Management

• Establishes and maintains relationships with peers at other associations within the Farm Credit System  
• Serves as the relationship manager for 3rd party vendors and regularly evaluates relationships against key criteria such as cost, quality, effectiveness, and efficiency
• Manages the relationship and alignment between Member Digital Solutions, Information Systems, Business Optimization leaders and other FCI Leaders.
• Serves as a contact for internal and external technology related audits.  Contributes to response and remediation of related audit findings.

Data Security and Confidentiality

• Appropriately protects the confidentiality, security, and integrity of the Association’s systems and data and clients’ data

Required Skills

• Expert knowledge of data processing, hardware platforms, enterprise software, information security, and managed services
• Expert knowledge of process improvement disciplines and processes
• Expert knowledge of project management principles
• Working knowledge of applicable laws and regulations as they relate to information technology
• Working knowledge of information systems characteristics, features, and integration capabilities
• Skill in planning and coordinating large and complex projects involving multiple stakeholders
• Skill in assessing complex issues and utilizing a systematic approach to problem solving
• Skill in analyzing current business processes from different dimensions and identifying and solutions (new platforms or process changes)
• Skill in establishing and maintaining relationships with a variety of internal and external organizations and individuals to advance the organization's interests and increase personal efficacy
• Skill in working as part of a team and collaborating with colleagues
• Skill in identifying, addressing, and collaboratively resolving conflicts
• Skill in selecting, managing, coaching, motivating, and developing diverse teams
• Identify opportunities to implement and communicate management’s strategy and focus areas
• Skill in leading and implementing change
• Oral and written communication skills, sufficient to discuss a variety of job-related topics and effectively communicate to a variety of audiences

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in technology, business or related field,
• 7 years of experience in technology, and
• 5 years of supervisory experience;
• Or equivalent education, experience, and skillset sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job