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• Phoenix, AZ
• Edina, MN
• Bismarck, ND
• Fargo, ND

First International Bank & Trust continues with our technology modernization efforts across IT, data, and information security. With nearly 30 branches across 4 states and over 100 years or serving rural and urban communities we are well positioned for the future. With a U.S. based technology team of approximately 50 FTEs and 3 Director/VP level direct reports this CTO will spearhead several new initiatives and challenges; from establishing a true enterprise data strategy, cloud modernization, defining how AI can best serve the business, addressing technical debt, and prioritizing cybersecurity, there is no shortage of exciting work ahead.

The candidate we are seeking will have served in banking / financial services or an adjacent domain IT leadership role within a highly regulated environment, preferably with a software engineering / technology background. The candidate will have experience leading a professional services technology organization and develop processes that optimize team efficiency, deliver ROI for tech investments, and ensure that the technology roadmap is well aligned with broader company strategy. The candidate will have experience positioning an organization to remain tech forward while not chasing shiny objects and possess a strong mix of business and technology acumen. With this seat at the executive table, you will be a true business partner, not just a technologist and instrumental in making sure our technology + digital roadmap creates innovation aligned with business goals.

No sponsorship is available and this position requires someone to be on-site in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technology Strategy & Leadership - Develop and execute a business-aligned technology roadmap that drives measurable outcomes, optimizes operations, enables innovation, and positions technology as a strategic growth engine for the organization.
• Architecture & Infrastructure - Design and secure scalable system architectures, lead complex API and banking integrations, and oversee on-premises and cloud strategy, migrations, and infrastructure security to ensure resilience, performance, and compliance.
• Cybersecurity & Risk - Implement comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks, conduct threat modeling and disaster recovery planning, and manage vendor relationships with rigorous third-party risk assessments to ensure security, resilience, and compliance.
• Data & Analytics – Develop data architecture and governance strategies, leverage analytics, AI, ML for key business processes.
• Development Oversight – Promote Agile, SDLC best practices, code quality standards, security integration.
• Fintech Expertise – Drive innovation for payment platforms, BaaS, and related technologies.
• Regulatory Compliance - Ensure adherence to AML, KYC, and applicable regulatory frameworks while enabling responsible innovation, and lead preparation, coordination, and oversight for enterprise-wide regulatory IT examinations.

Qualifications:

• Senior technology leader with extensive experience driving innovation and transformation within highly regulated industries.
• Deep expertise in enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, data governance, and advanced analytics technologies.
• Strong understanding of AI, machine learning, real-time data processing, and regulatory compliance frameworks, with hands-on risk management experience.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale technology budgets, align investments to strategic business objectives, and lead distributed global teams.
• Recognized for exceptional leadership, communication, and team-building capabilities, fostering high-performing and results-driven technology organizations.

First International Bank and Trust is a family-owned full-service Community Bank with locations in ND, MN, SD, and AZ.

We show our employees we care by providing competitive benefits and training and growth opportunities. Here are the things we offer within our full-time benefits package:

• Health, Dental & Vision
• 401K Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Generous PTO and Holiday pay

If you are interested in learning more, you can apply or if you have questions before applying you can reach out directly at TalentAcquisition@FIBT.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer