The Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex, maintains and exhibits the National Collections and welcomes some 30 million visitors per year to its museums. Smithsonian Enterprises (SE) is a revenue-generating unit of the Smithsonian Institution, responsible for raising annual unrestricted funds to support the mission of the Smithsonian. Smithsonian Enterprises oversees the Media Group, Retail Group, Ecommerce, Smithsonian Journeys (travel program) and Licensed Products. These revenue generating activities support and further the Smithsonian mission of “the increase and diffusion of knowledge” providing revenue to support the exhibition and research programs of the Smithsonian.

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Smithsonian Enterprises (SE) is a key executive leader reporting to the President, providing support in a variety of strategic and operational capacities, and responsible for the planning, development, implementation, and ongoing management of all technology systems across SE’s diverse business units. These units include retail stores, travel services, ecommerce platform, licensing division, magazine business, online magazine business, and other innovative business initiatives.

This role requires a seasoned, strategic, and effective leader who can align technology with business objectives while ensuring the stability, security, scalability, and performance of the organization’s systems and infrastructure. The CIO oversees a multidisciplinary team including software developers, systems analysts, endpoint engineers, systems/network administrators, and web design and development specialists.

In addition to internal leadership, the SE CIO serves as the primary technology liaison across the broader Smithsonian Institution, representing SE in cross-organizational technology and compliance initiatives. This executive must be an exceptional communicator and relationship builder, capable of translating complex technology issues into accessible terms for stakeholders at all levels.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the President, Smithsonian Enterprises, the incumbent will oversee directly or through subordinates the following:

Technology and Digital Leadership

Lead and mentor a high-performing team of IT, web development, and audio/film production professionals, including:
Software Development: Software developers
Systems Analysis: Systems/business analysts
Desktop and POS Support: Endpoint engineers
Network Engineering: Systems and network administrators
Digital Services: Web design and development specialists
Digital Studios: Film producers, podcast producers, and videographers
Oversee relationships with contract editors, animators, and videographers to augment in-house capabilities and ensure high production standards.

Systems Architecture

Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of robust, scalable, and secure IT systems and infrastructure to support operations and future growth, including the maintenance of all POS registers in museum stores and theaters.
Ensure integration and interoperability across platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, Salesforce, and other core systems that support SE’s operations and customer engagement.
Guide decisions on custom software development versus vendor solutions, balancing cost, efficiency, and flexibility.
Establish and enforce enterprise technology standards, architecture best practices, and lifecycle management policies.

Technology Strategy

Define and execute a forward-looking IT roadmap aligned with SE’s business objectives and digital transformation strategy.
Identify emerging technologies that enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and create new business opportunities—including platforms like Salesforce for email marketing and audience engagement.
Partner with leaders across retail, travel, e-commerce, licensing, magazine, and digital publishing units to translate business needs into technology solutions.
Promote a culture of agility, innovation, and continuous improvement across all technology and digital functions.

Digital Film and Audio Production

Provide executive leadership and strategic oversight of the SE Digital Studio, guiding the Director of Digital Studios in producing mission-driven podcasts, videos, and multimedia content that advance the Smithsonian’s storytelling and digital engagement goals.
Ensure the Digital Studio team maintains financial sustainability and meets annual breakeven or revenue targets.

Digital Web Production

Provide executive direction and strategic oversight of the Digital Services Web Development team to ensure Smithsonian websites, applications, and digital platforms deliver seamless, accessible, and mission-aligned user experiences.

Compliance, Cybersecurity & Risk Management

Ensure all SE systems comply with Smithsonian Institution policies, federal regulations, and industry standards (e.g., PCI-DSS, FISMA, NIST), and adhere to evolving privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA, etc.).
Coordinate with the Smithsonian OCIO on information security protocols and with the Office of Digital and Innovation (ODI) on data privacy policies.
Develop and lead a comprehensive information security program protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of SE systems and data.
Anticipate and mitigate cybersecurity threats through proactive detection, prevention, and response strategies.
Lead incident response, disaster recovery planning, and readiness for audits and risk assessments.

Business Reporting & Insights

Oversee the development of a robust reporting and analytics infrastructure that supports strategic decision-making across all SE business units.
Ensure reports are accurate, timely, and actionable, leveraging data from Microsoft Dynamics 365, Salesforce, and other enterprise systems.
Partner with business leaders to define KPIs and evolve data visualization and dashboard capabilities.
Promote data accessibility and literacy across departments to drive insight-based decision-making.

Budget Management

Develop and manage the annual IT operating and capital budgets.
Optimize technology investments for cost-effectiveness and ROI.
Oversee vendor selection, contract negotiation, and relationship management to ensure quality and value.
Monitor software licenses, service agreements, and asset lifecycles to maintain compliance and reduce redundancy.

Qualifications & Experience:

B.S. Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related discipline with an IT focus from a four-year college or university. An advanced degree is highly preferred.

At least 15 years of related experience in IT, Digital and web services, engagement services and technology management, equipping the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Knowledge of IT and MIS technologies to support retail, publishing and various diverse businesses.

Technical Knowledge

Deep understanding of enterprise IT architecture, infrastructure, and software development lifecycle.
Expertise with Microsoft Dynamics 365 (Financial Systems, Retail Merchandising, POS, ecommerce order management).
Familiarity with Salesforce, particularly for email marketing and customer engagement workflows, is a plus.
Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and compliance standards (PCI-DSS, NIST, GDPR, CCPA, etc.).
Understanding of data reporting tools and business intelligence (Power BI, Tableau, or similar).
Experience with ecommerce platforms, POS systems, and web design/development technologies.

Leadership & Management Skills

Strong strategic thinking and business acumen, with ability to align technology goals with organizational objectives.
Effective budget and vendor management experience.
Excellent communication and strong presentation skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across departments and external partners.
Change management expertise and proven ability to lead teams through complex transformations.
Knowledge of federal and state privacy laws and mandates related to data protection.
Familiarity with the unique operational environment of nonprofit or cultural institutions is a plus.

Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

To apply, please forward your resume, cover letter and salary requirements by December 31, 2025, to SECareers@si.edu

A competitive compensation and benefits package is being offered. No relocation expenses will be paid.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The individual selected for this position is subject to fingerprinting and a full-field background investigation and will be required to file a confidential statement of employment and financial interests. This position is subjected to the Smithsonian Institution’s Standards of Conduct, the Smithsonian Statement of Values and Code of Ethics, as well as the policies established by the Board of Regents and the Smithsonian administration including Senior Level compensation policy. Employment in this position prohibits from serving on the boards of for-profit corporations.

Candidates must be U.S. employment eligible without sponsorship and will be required to serve a probationary period.

This is not a Federal Service position but offers similar benefits and has similar requirements. To view the Smithsonian’s Trust Fund Appointment Benefits, please visit https://www.si.edu/ohr/benefits.

Smithsonian Enterprises

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