Chief Information Officer

Description

About Bankwell:

Bankwell is a commercial bank with more than $3 billion in assets that serves the banking needs of businesses and individuals. At Bankwell, we pride ourselves on our unique ability to bring you high touch, high quality banking with the expertise and dedication of our experienced team of professionals. When it comes to business, our deep industry knowledge, flexibility and innovative treasury and financing services enable us to find the right solutions for our business and commercial clients. We’re passionate about giving back and are actively involved with many not-for-profit organizations that help shape and improve the lives of others. We’re dedicated to giving our time and talent to support the communities we serve. More about Bankwell can be found at www.mybankwell.com.

Summary of Position:

Lead enterprise-wide technology strategy and operations including infrastructure, data, core banking, digital banking, and cybersecurity. Reporting to the Chief Innovation Officer, drive innovation aligned with business objectives while building high-performing technology teams that embody Bankwell's core values of resourcefulness, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities include:

Leadership & Team Management

• Build and lead cross-functional technology teams through coaching, mentoring, and performance management
• Oversee infrastructure, service desk, and internal engineering functions
• Build internal engineering team capabilities and support AI development initiatives led by business stakeholders
• Conduct regular one-on-ones to align objectives and drive high performance
• Foster collaboration and continuous learning culture that encourages growth through innovation
• Model Bankwell leadership standards with resourcefulness under pressure and accountability
• Create positive work environment that encourages engagement and high performance

Strategic Technology Leadership

• Develop and execute comprehensive technology vision and roadmap with intentional, thoughtful planning
• Partner with Program Management on strategic roadmap development and execution
• Communicate strategy to stakeholders and executive leadership
• Stay current on emerging technologies, AI, and industry best practices
• Establish, maintain, and manage systems architecture including build vs. buy decision frameworks
• Evaluate problem statements and opportunities for technical solutions ensuring highly performant, scalable, and secure architecture
• Ensure all technology decisions result in cleanly connected and well-managed systems
• Oversee internal technical support, cloud and on-premises networking operations
• Lead optimization of internal technical processes and workflows
• Inform data strategy and support data engineering initiatives
• Provide incident management oversight and execution protocols

Business Partnership

• Work closely with Chief Innovation Officer to align technology strategy with innovation roadmap
• Partner closely with Head of Operations and department heads to position technology as strategic business enabler
• Translate technical concepts to business stakeholders across all departments
• Provide strategic advisory services that drive business outcomes and competitive advantage
• Manage vendor relationships and service level agreements

Risk Management & Compliance

• Partner with Risk department and CISO to ensure operational execution of cybersecurity governance
• Oversee technology risk management framework and controls
• Manage internal audit processes and remediation efforts
• Lead technology components of FDIC examinations and regulatory compliance
• Ensure adherence to banking regulations and cybersecurity standards

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or related field (preferred)

Experience Required

• 12-15 years leading technology teams in community banking or technology-forward banks
• Proven transformation experience from IT/Technology perspective including system modernization and digital transformation initiatives
• Experience with remote support delivery models and distributed technology operations
• Advanced project management and prioritization skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Solid expertise in cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI, data management, and APIs
• Experience with core banking vendor relationships and implementations
• Proven track record building high-performing teams and driving accountability
• Experience with Microsoft ecosystem including Microsoft Fabric (preferred)

Preferred Experience

• Private client banking groups and high-net-worth client technology solutions
• Small business banking technology platforms and workflows
• Fintech partnership banking models and API integrations

First 18-24 Months Focus

• Shore up existing technology infrastructure and operations (80% focus on strong technical operations)
• Roll up sleeves and work hands-on with team during critical transformation period
• Partner with Head of Operations on heavy lifts including comprehensive evaluation of all core products
• Grow technology team to optimal size and capability mix
• Establish foundation for future innovation initiatives (20% innovation focus initially)
• Long-term opportunity: For the right candidate, role evolves to 80% innovation focus with 20% operations oversight as foundation strengthens

Core Competencies

• Business-minded problem-solving and data-driven decision making
• Resource scaling and process optimization
• Governance and risk management
• Change management and market adaptation
• Intellectual curiosity and continuous learning mindset
• Resourceful under pressure with solution-oriented approach
• Can be counted on - keeps commitments and learns from mistakes
• Acts with intention - clarifies ambiguity and ensures actions further Bank's goals
• Collaborates well with others - works unselfishly across teams
• Encourages growth through innovation - willing to challenge status quo and implement new ideas

This job description is a general description of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform. All employees are expected to perform tasks assigned by supervisory personnel, regardless of job titles or routine job duties.

Bankwell is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of Americans with Disabilities Act and certain other state or local laws. Please inform Bankwell’s Human Resources representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

All employees are responsible for complying with banking regulations that apply to Bankwell. This includes, but is not limited to, adhering to the BSA and various consumer protection regulations, and complying with OFAC sanctions. Employees are required to complete compliance training and follow policies and procedures for applicable regulations based on their role. An employee’s failure to comply with banking regulations will be individually reviewed and assessed. The result of non-compliance may impact job performance ratings and may be serious enough to require termination of employment.