Duties and Responsibilities of a CIO (Chief Information Officer)

Laura Schneider is a freelance writer who wrote about technology career paths for The Balance Careers. She also shared her thoughts on the professional aspects of the CIO or chief information officer.

Laura explains that a CIO or Chief Information Officer oversees the information technology needs of a company. But that doesn’t mean they are the director of IT. Many CIOs are distancing themselves from operational responsibilities and commitments. The responsibilities and skill sets of the CIO are very different from what they used to be a decade or two ago because the role continues to adapt and change to the changing face of the modern and technical business enterprise.

CIO roles and responsibilities

Some of the CIO duties and responsibilities include:

• Creating business value through technology
• Overseeing the development of customer service platforms
• Approving vendor negotiations and IT architecture
• Establishing IT policies, strategies, and standards
• Developing and approving technology futures and budgets

She further goes on to mention that CIOs are an essential part of an enterprise’s digital renovation and transformation. Cloud computing and big data analytics, mobile computing and technical collaboration platforms pose new challenges for the CIO role. AI and the Internet of Things, and digital disruption have more influence on the direction of consumer products. With these technologies in the driver’s seat, the CIO is less concerned with running the IT department. Focus has shifted to service analysis, data security, and market reach.

Chief information officers need to have an IT background, with a college degree in computer science, software engineering. Coursework may include computer programming, software development, math, and business. Many employers also prefer candidates who have a master of business administration. And in the case of experience, it is an important factor to gain a role at this level as employers usually prefer at least 5 years’ experience in IT management. Moreover, business acumen is a must. That’s why the current tendency is for CIOs to be promoted from business departments rather than IT.

Finally, according to Lauren, CIO is not just a technical role but has its own perks and challenges. There is growth and learning in this role.