Chief information officer

MSA is seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead our firm’s information technology strategy and operations. This leadership role is responsible for aligning technology investments with MSA’s strategic plan, strengthening cybersecurity, optimizing enterprise platforms, and fostering innovation across our multi-office organization.

The CIO will guide enterprise-wide IT initiatives—including ERP, engineering design platforms, collaboration tools—ensuring they support both our internal teams and external clients in the architecture, engineering, and consulting (A/E) industry. The CIO leads data governance and architecture, optimizes IT operations, strengthens cybersecurity, and fosters innovation to support both internal teams and external clients.

This role is 100% onsite at any of our Wisconsin, Illinois or Iowa offices.

Who we are:

For over 100 years, MSA has helped shape communities through engineering excellence. What began in 1919 with a single practitioner in Baraboo, Wisconsin, has grown into a robust firm of over 500 employee owners across the U.S.

Our purpose is simple: to make communities stronger, safer, and more sustainable. We believe in the power of relationships, trust, and doing the right thing — and we take pride in seeing our work come to life.

At MSA, we understand that great work happens when you contribute great value and maintain a balanced life and career. That’s why we offer:

• Employee Ownership = True Investment: MSA is a 100% employee-owned firm. That means when you join our team, you’re not just doing a job — you’re building your legacy and sharing in the success of the firm.
• A Culture of Mentorship and Collaboration: Work alongside a talented, cross-disciplinary team that values mentorship, professional development, and team success.
• A flex time program that empowers you to manage your schedule — because life doesn’t always fit inside 9 to 5
• A flexible work environment, including hybrid and remote options where possible, to support your productivity and well-being
  
  

Responsibilities

What you will do:

Strategic & Business Leadership

• Lead IT strategic planning in alignment with MSA’s overall strategic plan.
• Build business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for technology investments.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with IT vendors, consultants, and service providers.
• Ensure compliance with data governance, privacy, and cybersecurity frameworks.
• Monitor IT trends in the A/E industry to maintain competitiveness and innovation.
  
  

Technology & Operations

• Oversee IT operations including system architecture, servers, networks, telecommunications, and user support.
• Direct ERP optimization (AEC 360 ERP strongly preferred) for financial management, project accounting, and reporting.
• Optimize Microsoft 365, engineering/consulting technologies (Autodesk, Bentley, Bluebeam, GIS platforms), and collaboration systems across the enterprise.
• Establish project management practices to ensure successful delivery of system implementations, upgrades, and integrations.
  
  

People & Client Leadership

• Model and foster MSA’s values while coaching and mentoring IT staff.
• Create a positive and growth-oriented employee experience, building organizational bench strength.
• Partner with leadership, project managers, and technical teams to ensure IT tools enhance project delivery and client service.
• Communicate effectively with executives and teams on IT initiatives, risks, and opportunities.
  
  

Qualifications

What you bring:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Business, or related field required.
  
  

Experience:

• 12+ years of progressive IT leadership, including 5+ years in a senior/executive role.
• Strong preference for experience in the A/E industry or professional services.
• Proven success implementing and managing ERP systems (AEC 360 ERP strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated leadership in multi-office IT operations, enterprise platforms, and cybersecurity.
  
  

Skills & Knowledge:

• Expertise in ERP, financial systems, and IT/business process optimization.
• Familiarity with engineering/consulting technologies (Autodesk, Bentley, Bluebeam, GIS).
• Strong cybersecurity and IT governance policy development.
• Excellent communication, project management, budgeting, and vendor negotiation skills.
• Ability to lead organizational change and drive adoption of new tools.
  
  

Preferred Certifications: CISSP, CISM, ITIL, PMP, or equivalent.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future. We are unable to provide or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this role.

Why MSA?

• Better Together: A collaborative environment that values open ideas, diversity, and authenticity. Our diverse perspectives fuel innovation and success in our employee-owned firm.
• Multi-disciplinary Opportunities: Follow your interests, explore new experiences, and apply your skills where they have the most impact.
• We've Got Your Back: Enjoy support when you need it and independence when you don't. We are 400+ strong, working as one cohesive team.
• Passion & Purpose: We're passionate about our work and proud of it! Share inspirations, "geek out," and think big with us.
• Pay & Perks: Competitive pay and unique perks that make MSA stand out.
• Communities of Practice: Our think tanks and idea generators—regular collaboration and learning opportunities.
• Work-Life Integration: Life doesn't stop when work begins. We support your professional and personal balance.
• Commitment to Learning: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and cutting-edge technology to keep you connected and creative.
• Community Engagement: Giving back through volunteering, education, STEM outreach, and event participation, backed by corporate sponsorship and donations.
  
  

Best-in-Industry Benefits - Eligible employees enjoy:

• Quality Insurance Options: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
• Paid Time Off: Minimum of 17 days in the first year for full-time employees
• Paid Holidays: 8 holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave: 2 weeks for both parents, with additional time for birth parents under MSA’s Short Term Paid Leave
• Supplemental Insurance: 100% paid life, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): 100% employee-owned, with stock provided at no cost
• 401k Retirement Savings Plan: Generous employer match, immediately 100% vested
• Short Term Incentive (STIP) bonus
  
  

MSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. At MSA, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at [email protected]

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer