Fairstead was ranked #1 in affordable housing acquisitions in 2022 and has strategic goals of continuing this significant growth in operations. Technology is expected to be a key success factor to achieve these ambitious targets. The exciting challenge for a new CTO is twofold: create the vision and strategy and build the new tech and data stack; and do this while continuing to support the day-to-day operations (systems and data) of a rapidly growing organization.

Fairstead is seeking a Chief Technology Officer, who will be the driving force behind the digital transformation of Fairstead. Reporting to the CFO, working closely with the leadership team and CEO, the CTO is responsible for providing the technology and data vision, strategy, direction, and leadership for developing and implementing proactive change initiatives for the company, in support of the firm’s business vision, growth and operational goals. As the highest-ranking technology chief within the firm, Fairstead is seeking a risk taker, a leader who is not afraid to push the envelope and someone who can look at a process holistically, not getting stuck on industry norms. The right leader will drive the shift from the industry’s traditional mechanical focus and become a leading technology and data-driven company. 

OBJECTIVES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Technology & Data Vision, Strategy and Management 

· Develop, model, and implement a clearly defined and compelling technology and data vision and strategy for the company’s future. Develop this through collaboration with all business function/operations, to transform the company from a traditional technology environment to one that embraces innovation and modern digital advancements, with a continued eye on future technologies and opportunities.

· Drive technology innovation and serve as a cross-functional change agent across the organization. Set and implement technology strategy by working with cross-functional partners to map and transition traditional processes to digital ones at hundreds of sites across the country. 

· Ensure that all new and relevant technology initiatives are fully integrated into the strategic-planning process for leadership commitment, resource allocation and execution. Communicate with other executives regarding costs, value and risk-potential of new IT projects. 

· Be a technology and data evangelist, championing the use of digital technology and practices to engender a technology and data mindset from the top down. Ensure collaboration, knowledge sharing, and digital best practices between partners and colleagues to help embed a robust digital ecosystem.

· Lead strategic and operational planning to achieve business goals by fostering innovation, prioritizing technology and data initiatives, and coordinating the evaluation, deployment, and management of technology and data services and technology across the organization. 

· Coordinate, communicate and facilitate with key stakeholders the technology and data vision of the company, to define business and system requirements for new implementation, and ensure internal and external (community members) adoption. 

· Develop and maintain an appropriate Technology and data and IT organizational structure that supports the needs of the business. 

· Coordinate and support the technology and data platforms and services provided to community members and onsite team members. 

· Provide training and support for all technology and data applications and tools. Build, manage and continue to grow an internal and external technology and data innovation ecosystem.

· Stay abreast with emerging technologies and identify new technology and data tools (e.g., Property Management, ERP/Financials, CRM, Marketing, Analytics/BI/AI, Mobile, Social, etc.) to support, enhance and improve Fairstead business lines and operations and facilitate growth in shareholder value (company performance and profits).

Innovation and Project Management 

· Provide vision and leadership for developing and implementing new technology and data and information technology initiatives, including marketing and analytics. 

· Approve, prioritize, and control projects and the project portfolio as they relate to the selection, acquisition, development, and installation of major information systems and technology and data services. 

· Direct the planning, integration, and implementation of multi-site corporate and community-based IT systems in support of business operations to improve cost effectiveness, service quality, and business development. Design and customize technological systems and platforms to enhance and improve customer experience. 

· Work with teams across the business to generate innovative technology and data solutions for products, services, processes, customer experiences, marketing channels, and business models.

· Own and centrally monitor the technology and data innovation project portfolio.

Infrastructure Operations, Management and Administration

· Ensure continuous delivery of IT services through oversight of service level agreements with end users and monitoring of IT systems performance. 

· Deploy technology across hundreds of customer-facing sites, maximizing technology to create repeatable outcomes.

· Develop, track, and control the annual department operating and capital budgets and partner with business peers to help provide ROI/business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for initiatives. Help fine-tuning approaches as needed to ensure appropriate investment in the right tools and resources. 

· Oversee contract negotiations with IT vendors, contractors, and service providers.

· Review hardware and software acquisition and maintenance contracts and pursue master agreements to capitalize on economies of scale. 

· Establish lines of control for current and proposed information systems. 

· Promote and oversee strategic relationships between internal IT resources and external entities, including vendors and partner organizations. 

· Ensure that IT department strategies and processes provide appropriate support to company-wide goals.

· Build and maintain recovery and business continuity plans for network and cloud-based systems.

· Management and oversight of IT personnel: employees and contractors. Work with upper-level IT staff to develop and implement department goals.

· Partner with Human Resources on recruitment, development, and retention efforts, and organization of all IT staff (both employed directly by Fairstead and through key service/staffing providers) in accordance with corporate budgetary objectives and personnel policies.
 

Risk Management 

· Responsible for the cyber security strategy and management to ensure the organization’s Technology and data and IT infrastructure remains safe and secure. 

· Ensure the creation and implementation of IT policies, protocols and standards.

· Ensure the continuous education of all personnel on the risks and exposure to cybersecurity threats.

· Monitor and validate the company’s compliance with its security policies. 

· Ensure IT system operation adheres to applicable laws and regulations. 

· Minimize the risk to the organization and inform and/or educate key stakeholders on any risks. 

· Accountable for directing the information and data integrity of the company and its business lines and for all Technology, data and Information Technology functions of the company. This includes all data centers, production scheduling functions, help desks, communication networks (voice and data), computer program development, and computer systems operations.

 

• Proven track record and experience in leading technology and      data transformation, envisioning a digital strategy and leading successful      digital transformation projects with the skills to influence at every      level, imparting technology and data knowledge and skills in a      constructive, empowering, and collaborative manner.
• Proven track record and demonstrated experience in building and managing technology and data platforms, analytic architecture and infrastructure, and the delivery of information, combined with experience in traditional information technology systems, are keys to success in addition to the following qualifications: 
• Experience deploying and managing systems across hundreds of      customer-facing sites, maximizing technology to create repeatable outcomes,      such as experience with hospitality, restaurants or retail outlets.
• 15-20 years of experience in technology, with 10 years in a      management capacity. Real Estate experience is not required.
• Bachelor’s degree required, a master’s degree preferred,      preferably with a focus of Business, Information Technology, or Technology      Management.
• Ability to create a clear strategic vision for technology and      data technology and services that supports business objectives and can      execute on that vision.
• Considerable knowledge of business theory, business      processes, management, budgeting, and business office operations,      including P&L management.
• Substantial knowledge and exposure to Cloud platforms, data      processing, hardware platforms, company software applications, and      outsourced systems.
• Advanced understanding of computer systems characteristics,      features, and integration capabilities.
• Experience with systems design and development from business      requirements analysis through to day-to-day management.
• Proven experience in IT planning, organization, development,      and training. 
• Proven experience and understanding of project management      principles
• Experience in managing and overseeing a geographically      dispersed and international team.
• Superior understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives.

Critical Success Factors 

Innovation and disruptive mindset: Create a culture of digital innovation and continuous improvement across the company – to continuously advance and look forward.

Communication: Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage key stakeholders and senior leadership. 

Strategy and Execution: Hands-on leadership approach and ability to balance strategy and tactical work, ensuring the company is well-positioned for growth.
 

OVERVIEW 

Fairstead is a purpose-driven real estate firm dedicated to building sustainable communities across the country. Headquartered in New York, with offices in Colorado, Florida, Maryland, and South Carolina, Fairstead oversees a $7.8 billion portfolio in assets and identified pipeline and owns and manages more than 24,000 apartments in 170 communities across 28 states. Fairstead’s commitment to communities is realized through a comprehensive platform that leverages in-house expertise in acquisitions, development, design and construction, marketing, and property management. Fairstead also implements some of the industry’s most proactive sustainability, resiliency, and community impact programs to foster positive social, economic, and environmental change. In 2022, the company launched Fairstead Ventures, a proptech investment initiative dedicated to fundamentally changing the standards in the housing industry with a focus on energy and decarbonization.

Fairstead’s primary mission is to provide high quality housing to all regardless of income, and to make our stakeholders feel “Right at Home.” We accomplish this through an empathetic and innovative approach, and by utilizing our interdisciplinary platform as an investor, developer, owner, and operator. Fairstead provides hands-on expertise across all multifamily disciplines, including acquisitions, development, design, construction, energy, sustainability, property management and social services. With a long-term commitment to its residents, communities, and partners, the Fairstead team stands out by:

· Listening to and understanding the needs of its residents, communities, partners, and stakeholders alike

· Developing and preserving high quality affordable housing in an innovative and sustainable fashion

· Creating a positive social and environmental impact within the properties and communities it serves

Fairstead’s Core Values

· Empathy

· Innovation

· Entrepreneurship

· Determination

· Integrity

Data-Driven Operations

Fairstead believes data will be a key distinguishing factor in achieving its goal of becoming an industry leading technology driven company, with a strategy to provide cutting edge intelligence and insights in the areas of financial performance, property development pipeline and marketing, construction management, asset management, property management and operations, and future business initiatives and revenue streams.