Chief Technology Officer- University Endowment - Austin, TX

Texas Tech University - Austin, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Austin, TX

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) will be a pivotal leader within the university endowment, responsible for overseeing and managing the technology systems that support investment operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Investment Officer (CIO), the CTO will ensure that all technological resources align with the endowment's goals, streamline operations, and enhance investment analytics capabilities. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of investment operations, possess strong leadership skills, and demonstrate expertise in managing complex technology systems and vendor relationships. In this role, the CTO will lead the endowment's technology operations, ensuring efficient and effective support for all investment activities. This includes developing and implementing operational policies, procedures, and standards to optimize technology usage and performance while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and industry standards. The CTO will also manage technology-related budgets, ensuring cost-effective solutions and optimal allocation of resources. The CTO will oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of technology systems that support investment operations, including risk management systems, books of record, investment research tools, database management, dashboards, SharePoint, and cash operations. Ensuring the reliability, security, and scalability of all technology platforms and systems is crucial, as is overseeing the integration of new technologies and systems to ensure seamless transitions and minimal disruption to operations. Additionally, the CTO will manage relationships with external technology vendors, ensuring they meet performance standards and deliver value to the endowment. This includes negotiating contracts and service agreements with vendors to secure favorable terms and conditions, monitoring vendor performance, and fostering strong partnerships with key technology providers. The CTO will lead a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Providing mentorship and professional development opportunities to team members is essential, as is promoting a collaborative environment between the technology team and investment staff. The role also involves developing and expanding an investment analytics function to support the investment staff, implementing advanced data analytics, machine learning, and AI technologies to analyze investment performance, identify trends, and inform strategic decisions. The CTO will work closely with the CIO and other senior leaders to develop and execute a technology strategy that supports the endowment's long-term goals, identifying opportunities for technological innovation that can drive operational efficiency and enhance investment performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the endowment's technology operations, ensuring efficient and effective support for all investment activities.
• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and standards to optimize technology usage and performance.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and industry standards.
• Manage technology-related budgets, ensuring cost-effective solutions and optimal allocation of resources.
• Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of technology systems that support investment operations, including risk management systems, books of record, investment research tools, database management, dashboards, SharePoint, and cash operations.
• Ensure the reliability, security, and scalability of all technology platforms and systems.
• Oversee the integration of new technologies and systems, ensuring seamless transitions and minimal disruption to operations.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry best practices to continuously improve the endowment's technology infrastructure.
• Oversee relationships with external technology vendors, ensuring they meet performance standards and deliver value to the endowment.
• Negotiate contracts and service agreements with vendors to secure favorable terms and conditions.
• Monitor vendor performance, addressing any issues promptly and effectively.
• Foster strong partnerships with key technology providers to stay ahead of technological advancements and leverage their expertise.
• Lead a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities to team members, ensuring they stay current with technological advancements and industry trends.
• Promote a collaborative environment between the technology team and investment staff, facilitating effective communication and teamwork.
• Develop and expand an investment analytics function to support the investment staff, providing tools and insights that enhance decision-making processes.
• Implement advanced data analytics, machine learning, and AI technologies to analyze investment performance, identify trends, and inform strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with investment teams to understand their needs and provide tailored technological solutions that support their research and analytical requirements.
• Work closely with the CIO and other senior leaders to develop and execute a technology strategy that supports the endowment's long-term goals.
• Identify opportunities for technological innovation that can drive operational efficiency and enhance investment performance.
• Lead strategic initiatives and projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and on budget.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in relevant field of study; advanced degree preferred.
• Extensive experience (10+ years) in technology management, preferably within the financial services or investment management industry.
• Proven track record of leading operations and managing complex technology systems and infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of investment operations and the technological needs of investment professionals.
• Experience with investment analytics, data management, and advanced analytical tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think strategically and execute tactically.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and negotiating contracts.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and industry standards related to technology and investment operations.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a university or educational institution setting.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies in the investment sector.
• Experience with machine learning and AI technologies in investment analytics.

Benefits

• Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Mentorship programs.
• Health and wellness programs.