Fast Facts

The Smithsonian Institution is seeking a Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead its technology and data strategies, enhancing its digital ecosystem to support global outreach and engagement with diverse audiences.

Responsibilities: Oversee technology operations and data systems, manage IT teams, and provide strategic leadership to advance the Smithsonian's mission and digital initiatives.

Skills: Strong leadership, collaboration, and relationship-building skills, with a focus on creating a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Qualifications: Experience in aligning technology and data teams across complex organizations, with strong leadership in managing change and building high-performing teams.

Location: Washington, D.C., USA

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $180,000 - $300,000.

Search for the Chief Information Officer

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, District of Columbia

The Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, research, and education complex, with 21 museums, nine research centers, multiple educational units, and the National Zoo, seeks a Chief Information Officer (CIO) to drive the organization’s technology, infrastructure, and data strategies. A strategic and transformational leader, the CIO will oversee the Smithsonian’s data systems and technology operations and provide high-quality technology solutions to advance its core values of discovery, creativity, excellence, diversity, integrity, and service.

Reporting to the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer, the CIO will lead and manage IT teams, and provide strategic leadership to ensure the Institution's people, processes, and technologies support and strengthen the Smithsonian’s ever-evolving requirements in support of its mission to reach people globally with impactful and relevant content.

By 2026, the Smithsonian will bring the concept of a “virtual museum” to life and become a digitally empowered institution with expanded virtual reach by building a digital ecosystem where the Smithsonian’s most valuable assets are accessible and can be deployed wherever, whenever, and however they are most needed. The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) will be a key supporting organization for that effort, led by the Office of Digital and Innovation, that reports to the Deputy Secretary. The CIO will partner closely with the Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, a leadership role dedicated to creating and executing Institution-wide digital initiatives, data strategy, audience experience practice, and data analytics and insights practice. 

The ideal candidate will bring a record of accomplishment and experience in leading and aligning technology and data teams and systems across a complex organization while managing significant change toward successful outcomes and maintaining a strong focus on team culture. A servant leader and listener, the CIO will have a record of building and leading high-performing teams, establishing and sustaining productive working relationships with a range of constituencies, and achieving results through collaboration and influence. The successful candidate will understand the importance of recruiting, developing, and leading a diverse and vibrant workforce composed of both employees and contractors.

Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be submitted below.

Karen Avery and Dan Rodas are leading this search with Stephen Kalogeras and Caroline Corry.

https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/smithsonian-institution/chief-information-officer

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema .