Scion Executive Search has been retained to conduct an immediate search for the Chief Information and Technology Officer for Conservation International, a global leader in protecting nature for people and the planet. This full-time, hybrid position is based in Arlington, VA.
ABOUT CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL:
Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, the organization spotlights and safeguards the most critical places on Earth, advancing solutions that strengthen climate resilience, protect biodiversity, and support people and communities.
With offices in 30 countries and projects spanning more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together. Since 1987, the organization has combined fieldwork, science, policy, and finance to protect 13 million square kilometers of land and sea. Its marine conservation work spans all five of the world’s oceans, while land-based efforts are concentrated in the tropics, where the planet’s richest reservoirs of biodiversity and carbon are found.
Conservation International’s approach prioritizes both human well-being and environmental outcomes, grounded in respect for human rights, gender equality, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. The organization values local expertise deeply, with the vast majority of program staff coming from the regions where they work, ensuring solutions are designed with an authentic understanding of local context, priorities, and long-term impact.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Conservation International seeks an outstanding Chief Information and Technology Officer (CITO) to lead its global technology strategy and capabilities. The CITO will ensure AI, digital innovation, data systems, and IT infrastructure actively advance CI’s mission, strengthening organizational effectiveness and accelerating conservation outcomes around the world. As a member of the leadership team, the CITO will serve as a trusted strategic partner to the executive team, guiding digital transformation and positioning CI at the forefront of technology-enabled conservation.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and partnering closely with leaders across the organization, the CITO will play a central role in enabling both program delivery and core operations. They will develop and drive a clear, pragmatic vision for AI and digital transformation, prioritize and steward investments in digital solutions, and implement best practices that support CI’s work.
The CITO will lead a team of 30+ professionals responsible for enterprise technology operations, computing architecture, business applications, cybersecurity, and day-to-day user support and training. The ideal candidate brings a strong commitment to people leadership, with the ability to inspire high performance, build trust, and strengthen a service-oriented, globally distributed function.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic, change-savvy, impact-focused leader to join a high-growth, mission-driven global organization where values are central to how work gets done.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Develop and execute a global IT and digital strategy aligned with CI’s mission and organizational priorities.
- Advise the Executive Team on AI, emerging technologies, and digital innovation, identifying both opportunities and risks.
- Serve as a thought leader on how technology and data can accelerate conservation outcomes worldwide.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with technology providers and external partners.
Technology, Systems & Innovation
- Oversee enterprise systems architecture, data platforms, cybersecurity, and IT operations across CI’s global offices.
- Champion the use of AI, geospatial technologies, and digital tools to support conservation impact, ecosystem monitoring, and sustainable resource management.
- Translate evolving organizational and programmatic needs into scalable technical solutions and implementation plans.
Organizational Effectiveness & Digital Transformation
- Lead the development and execution of a forward-looking digital roadmap that enhances collaboration and operational effectiveness.
- Oversee ERP and other enterprise-wide system implementations and optimizations.
- Ensure technology solutions support knowledge-sharing and collaboration across 30+ countries and diverse teams.
- Promote digital literacy and organizational adoption of AI and new technologies.
People Leadership & Management
- Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing global IT team of 30+ professionals.
- Foster a culture of performance, learning, flexibility, and continuous improvement.
- Lead IT planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and performance measurement aligned with organizational goals.
- Manage global IT project prioritization and resource demands.
Cybersecurity, Risk & Data Governance
- Ensure the security, health, and resilience of all technology systems and infrastructure.
- Strengthen data governance, data management, analytics, and data privacy practices across the organization.
- Oversee compliance with internal controls, information security policies, and risk management protocols.
- Improve systems for networking and information flow across the organization.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred, along with at least 5–10 years of experience in a senior executive role.
- Substantial experience developing and executing enterprise-wide IT and digital strategies in complex, multi-site, or global organizations.
- Demonstrated experience advising executive leadership on AI, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and enterprise technology.
- Deep expertise in enterprise systems architecture, ERP oversight, data platforms, and global IT operations.
- Proven experience leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives that improve organizational effectiveness.
- Strong knowledge of data governance, data management, analytics, privacy, and information security best practices.
- Experience translating organizational needs into scalable technical roadmaps and solutions.
- Track record of supporting distributed, ideally international, teams with reliable and user-centered technology services.
- Demonstrated success building and leading high-performing technology teams.
- Experience managing IT budgets, multi-year planning, and performance metrics.
- Proven leadership in cybersecurity risk management, compliance, and information security policy development.
- Experience managing vendor relationships and strategic technology partnerships.
- Good communication skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Experience in mission-driven or global nonprofit organizations strongly preferred.
- Commitment to CI’s mission and values and a passion for leveraging technology for global impact.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
This full-time, hybrid executive position offers an extraordinary opportunity to lead the technical strategy of one of the nation’s most respected and mission-driven nonprofit organizations. The role offers a highly competitive salary range of $293,000 - $325,000 base pay with an additional annual Executive Variable Pay plan based on organizational performance, in the range of $40,000 - $50,000, complemented by an exceptional benefits program designed to meaningfully support employees and their families. CI’s medical plans are particularly distinctive: employees contribute only 5–10% of premiums, with no in-network deductibles, no cost for most in-network diagnostic services, hospitalization, imaging, maternity, therapy services, and preventive care, and very low copays for office visits and prescriptions
The package also includes employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan with a 100% match on the first 6% after six months, generous paid leave including parental and volunteer time, wellness and telehealth resources, and flexible work arrangements that promote balance and connection. For executives, additional supplemental benefits include employer-paid Individual Disability Insurance and access to a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan for enhanced retirement savings.
APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS:
Conservation International has retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in mission-driven organization recruitment, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration, please apply with your resume and cover letter, formatted in Microsoft Word, via: https://scionexecutivesearch.com/job/13993
Please address applications to:
Ellen Johnson, Senior Executive Recruiter
Scion Executive Search
Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made.
ABOUT OUR FIRM:
Scion Executive Search is an award-winning retained executive search firm. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the United States. Through innovative team building and recruitment solutions, Scion Executive Search seamlessly bridges the gap in interim and executive searches. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the nation.
We are proud to be part of the Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America. Additionally, Scion has been recognized as a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing firm as well as a top recruitment firm by The Business Times. Additional information about our firm and our practices can be found online.
