[Hiring] Chief Information & Data Officer @UNITED STATES POLO ASSOCIATION INC

Role Description

The Chief Information & Data Officer (CIDO) provides executive leadership for the United States Polo Association’s technology ecosystem, data governance, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence strategy. This role unifies enterprise IT oversight with hands-on data operations and AI implementation, ensuring systems are secure, integrated, efficient, and aligned with the Association’s mission.

The CIDO bridges strategy and execution — setting long-term technology direction while actively guiding system optimization, data integrity, user enablement, and AI adoption across departments. This leader ensures technology and data are not just operational tools, but strategic assets that improve performance, decision-making, and organizational effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Technology Strategy & Leadership
  • Lead the development and execution of a scalable, sustainable enterprise technology strategy
  • Align technology initiatives with departmental and organizational priorities
  • Oversee IT infrastructure, enterprise systems, data platforms, and operational technology functions
  • Establish governance frameworks, policies, and best practices for technology and AI use
  • Drive innovation while maintaining enterprise-grade reliability and performance
  • Coordinate all hardware, software and network with our outsourced IT vendor
• Data Governance, Security & Operations
  • Oversee data governance, integrity, interoperability, and lifecycle management across systems
  • Lead cybersecurity posture, data protection practices, and cyber resilience efforts
  • Conduct regular audits and validation to ensure data accuracy, integrity, and security
  • Collaborate with outsourced IT partners and vendors to ensure systems are secure and optimized
  • Troubleshoot data-related issues and oversee continuous system performance improvements
• Artificial Intelligence Strategy & Implementation
  • Identify, evaluate, and implement AI initiatives that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance operations
  • Develop organization-wide AI governance standards and best practices
  • Lead adoption of AI tools that support administrative, operational, and educational functions
  • Train staff on AI tools and responsible use of data-driven technologies
  • Monitor effectiveness and ROI of AI solutions and adjust strategy accordingly
• Systems Integration & Optimization
  • Identify opportunities to connect, consolidate, and modernize data systems
  • Reduce redundancies and improve reporting reliability and system interoperability
  • Lead periodic ecosystem reviews and develop KPIs to measure system performance and ROI
  • Oversee hardware, software, infrastructure, and back-end systems decisions in partnership with vendors
• Department Leadership & User Enablement
  • Lead and develop the technology and data team
  • Ensure high-quality end-user support, documentation, and training
  • Create policies, procedures, and documentation for technology, AI, and data security
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
  • Inspire best practices in technology integration across the organization
• Budgeting, Governance & Executive Partnership
  • Partner with executive leadership on technology planning and investment priorities
  • Oversee technology budgeting, vendor contracts, and resource allocation
  • Provide executive reporting on technology performance, risk posture, and strategic initiatives
  • Support compliance, governance, and institutional risk management

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, Business, or related field (advanced degree preferred)
• 7+ years of progressive leadership in IT, data systems, or technology operations
• Experience with enterprise systems integration, data interoperability, and governance
• Demonstrated knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and data protection standards
• Experience implementing or overseeing AI tools and digital transformation initiatives
• Experience managing vendors and outsourced IT partners
• Strong project management and systems optimization background
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business insights

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinker with operational execution strength
• Systems-oriented mindset with focus on integration and efficiency
• Collaborative, cross-functional leadership style
• Strong communicator able to build trust across technical and non-technical teams
• Change leader comfortable guiding organizations through technology evolution
• High integrity with strong governance orientation

Impact of the Role

This role ensures the USPA’s technology and data environment is secure, integrated, intelligent, and future-ready, enabling better decision-making, improved efficiency, reduced risk, and innovative support of the Association’s mission.