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Chief Information Officer (CIO) Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Chief Information Officer, or Chief Technology Officer, is responsible for ensuring the use of modern IT software and technologies to streamline business operations. Their duties include communicating between other company Executives and lower-level IT personnel, reviewing current IT systems and establishing relationships with technology companies.

Chief Information Officer duties and responsibilities

Chief Information Officers are responsible for overseeing a company’s IT needs, which includes managing and implementing technology to support the organization’s goals. They may have the following day-to-day duties:

  • Working with upper-level IT staff to develop and implement department goals
  • Staying abreast of emerging technologies that can improve IT department performance and increase company profits
  • Managing IT personnel
  • Creating and implementing IT policies, protocols and standards
  • Working with upper management and senior IT staff to develop the IT department budget
  • Ensuring that IT department strategies and processes provide appropriate support to company-wide goals
  • Overseeing contract negotiations with IT vendors, contractors and service providers
  • Communicating with other executives regarding costs, value and risk-potential of new IT projects

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What does a Chief Information Officer do?

Chief Information Officers typically work for corporations across industries to leverage company operations against those of their competitors. They work closely with other Executives to establish business objectives and determine what technologies they need to achieve them. Their job is to stay up-to-date on new IT software and coordinate with the IT department to implement software across departments. They may also be responsible for designing customized systems for their company, like a CMS or communication channel.

Chief Information Officer skills and qualifications

A Chief Information Officer needs to have specific hard and soft skills to excel in this position and effectively manage their IT department, including the following:

  • Impeccable IT knowledge and technical skills
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Superior leadership skills
  • Relationship building and team development skills
  • Thorough understanding of data management and administration
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Skilled at strategic planning and goal-setting
  • Presentation skills

Chief Information Officer salary expectations

A Chief Information Officer makes an average of $123,776 per year. This salary may vary based on a candidate’s educational background, years of experience and geographical location.

Chief Information Officer salary expectations

2025-10-0135000.00160329.58375000.00YEARLY
  • Common salary: 160329.58 YEARLY
  • Typical salaries range from 35000.00 - 375000.00 YEARLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Chief Information Officer education and training requirements

A Chief Information Officer must demonstrate a working knowledge of both computer technology and management procedures. They should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, software engineering or another relevant field. Some companies may also prefer them to have a graduate degree in IT management, project management or computer information systems, and many also seek to hire candidates who have a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with an emphasis on Information Technology.

Chief Information Officer experience requirements

Chief Information Officers must have work experience in both information technology and management, though the amount of experience may vary depending on the organization’s needs. Most companies require Chief Information Officer candidates to have several years of experience in an IT department and a minimum of 5 years working in IT management. Look for candidates with strong backgrounds developing and implementing IT systems who also demonstrate effective leadership abilities.

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Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Frequently asked questions about Chief Information Officers

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