About the Role
WES is seeking a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to provide technical and strategic leadership for the Technology organization, which operates as a distributed team across the US, Canada, and India. The CTO is responsible for defining and delivering the technology strategy that aligns with organizational goals and strategic ambitions, supporting current operations and growth plans. The CTO accelerates digital innovation, including driving the implementation of digital transformation programs. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and inspire a talented technology team at a mission-driven social enterprise, shaping WES’s technological future and partnering across the organization to drive digital transformation.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of WES’s technology strategy and operating model in alignment with organizational priorities and 3-year strategic plan.
- Partner with the executive team to define and advance WES’s AI vision, strategy and priorities.
- Lead the development of a responsible AI operating model, including governance, risk management, compliance, security, privacy, and ethical oversight.
- Define and evolve a scalable, interoperable enterprise technology ecosystem across commercial and enterprise platforms.
- Drive simplification and rationalization of systems, workflows, integrations, and vendor footprint.
- Identify and evaluate the latest technologies, assessing their potential for strategic advantage and organizational impact.
- Define and execute clear initiatives, programs, and priorities tailored to the organization’s strategic objectives.
- Develop internal innovation rooted on emerging technologies and industry trends, including AI, automation, workflow orchestration, and modern data architectures.
- Design and lead the evolution of the Technology organization; build the operating model, talent, and capabilities needed to achieve technology goals.
- Establish disciplined portfolio and resource planning practices that balance delivery velocity, operational stability, team capacity, and financial stewardship.
- Define the enterprise AI architecture, platforms and enabling infrastructure required to scale AI capabilities at WES securely and reliably.
- Build and lead a high-performing Technology team, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous growth and learning.
- Oversee the design and implementation of robust technical architectures, ensuring alignment with business requirements, security standards, and industry best practices.
- Establish and maintain efficient, reliable, and scalable technology operations across systems, infrastructure, and networks.
- Strengthen data and analytics capabilities (governance, quality, tooling, and reporting).
- Lead security, risk, and resilience services, including information security, audit readiness, risk management, disaster recovery, and business continuity.
- Identify and accelerate innovative initiatives to enhance technology processes, systems, and services for optimum efficiency.
- Partner with executive and senior leadership across the enterprise to understand their technology needs and translate business strategy into technology priorities.
- Partner with executive and department leaders to build enterprise readiness for AI adoption through workforce upskilling, capability building, change enablement and a culture of experimentation, learning and responsible use.
- Lead the execution of technology programs and projects in partnership with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
- Establish clear priorities and transparent operating rhythms (planning, governance, metrics) to deliver against strategic needs.
- Evaluate and recommend technology solutions to address business challenges, improve user experience, and increase operational efficiency.
- Engage with the Board to communicate technology strategy, investments, progress, and key risks.
- Manage relationships with technology vendors and partners, evaluating and selecting the most suitable services and solutions.
- Create and manage the technology budget, optimizing resource allocation and ensuring strong financial stewardship.
Requirements
- 10+ years of experience leading or managing technology functions, with progressive responsibility, including prior CTO level experience.
- Proven experience leading distributed and/or remote teams.
- Experience operating in complex, evolving organizations with multiple products, services, stakeholder groups, or business capabilities.
- Demonstrated success leading complex transformation initiatives (process, systems, and operating model).
- Strong commitment to the WES mission and values.
- Highly collaborative leadership style with the presence and influence to align stakeholders and deliver technology outcomes that support WES’s strategic goals.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to develop constructive, effective working relationships at all levels of the organization.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with high drive, ownership, and strong work ethic.
- Demonstrated ability to build a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
- Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, as needed.
Skills
- Modern technology capabilities and trends
- AI
- Automation
- Workflow orchestration
- Modern data architectures
- Information security
- Risk management
- Disaster recovery
- Business continuity
Location
- Remote - Canada
Work Type
- Remote
Experience Level
- Chief Technology Officer level experience
- 10+ years of experience leading or managing technology functions
Education Level
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- Master’s degree in computer science, engineering, or business administration preferred (or additional directly related experience)
Salary/Compensations
- $220K - $250K CAD
Benefits
- Competitive compensation
- Comprehensive benefits
- Tangible rewards
- Comprehensive training programs
- Tuition reimbursement opportunities
- Remote work options
- Flexible scheduling
- Generous time-off policies
- Comprehensive wellness programs
About the Company
- World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise that supports the educational, economic, and social inclusion of immigrants, refugees, and international students.
- For 50 years, WES has set the standard for international academic credential evaluation, supporting millions of people as they seek to achieve their academic and professional goals.
- Through decades of experience as a leader in global education, WES has developed a wide range of tools to pursue social impact at scale.
- From evaluating academic credentials to shaping policy, designing programs, and providing philanthropic funding, we partner with a diverse set of organizations, leaders, and networks to uplift individuals and drive systems change.
- Together with its partners, WES enables people to learn, work, and thrive in new places.
Equal Opportunity
- We welcome all applicants, irrespective of their experience perfectly fitting the job description, as we value diverse and innovative viewpoints.
- At our organization, individuals who thrive in a culture of continuous learning and inclusive teamwork excel.
- We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported and welcome members of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply.
- World Education Services is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the rich tapestry of our communities, both in the US and Canada.
- This commitment is underscored by our unwavering dedication to providing equal opportunities to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or genetics.
- This commitment extends to every aspect of employment, from recruitment and hiring to promotions, training, and benefits.
- We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws.
- For us, diversity goes beyond compliance – it's about embracing unique perspectives and cultivating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
- If you require assistance and/or accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, please contact us at hiring@wes.org, we're here to support you.
- Our Talent Acquisition team is happy to work with you to find solutions that meet your needs.
