Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

General Summary

The real estate industry has rapidly progressed with new real estate Multiple Listing Service (MLS) information and tools for Realtors®, retail buyers, and other industry stakeholders.  While new entrants to the marketplace continually drive change, at MRED we believe that MLS providers are a vital part in making the market work.  As guardians of MLS data, we regularly pioneer leading edge tools for the real estate community to help keep us at the top of our industry. However, creating great tools is insufficient to remain relevant. We seek a world class Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to help us develop the strategy and deliver the products and services that are in tune with the demands of our customers.

Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED), located in Lisle, Illinois, is the innovative Midwest multiple listing and information service that provides real estate professionals with the most comprehensive database, technology and support with which to enable their success. MRED is one of the largest MLSs in the country, a recipient of numerous awards, and is highly recognized as a leader in the industry.  MRED delivers dozens of products and services to its customers, including the top-rated MLS system, connectMLS.   We need an outstanding Chief Technology Officer to help us create and implement the strategic vision of the company’s technology.

The Chief Technology Officer reports directly to the President/Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for helping create and implement this strategic vision.  This position has significant interaction with all departments in the company as well as the Board.  The Chief Technology Officer is responsible for interactions with all product vendors used by MRED, current and future.  In crafting the technical vision for new product offerings, this individual will need to facilitate focus groups, generate product requirements; determine specifications, production timetables, and integrated plans.  Strong negotiation skills to ensure optimal pricing and terms are essential.  This individual will need to consistently collaborate with internal and external marketing personnel. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Liaises directly with the MLS vendor on all system-related issues, suggestions, timelines, integrations, etc.
• Works with the executive team at MRED to strategize and propose system solutions for automating MRED processes
• Direct reports include managers of training and support departments
• Researches, monitors, and assesses all user requests for system changes
• Develops a product and service technology road map for MRED
• Liaises with MRED management for the prioritization of RFQs
• Conducts user acceptance testing
• Approves system changes prior to implementation on the production site
• Liaises with multiple vendors of MRED-offered products and services to ensure accuracy of product and data mapping; submit suggestions for enhancements; testing and timely implementation of enhancements
• Proactively seeks potential new MRED-offered product offerings
• Creates and maintains department budget for all technology
• Liaises with third party vendors on potential product integration into MLS system
• Directs Beta Test groups regarding upcoming MLS system and other product enhancements
• Communicates system changes within MRED
• Reviews for accuracy any outgoing communications as they relate to MRED Products and Services
• Attends Executive meetings as directed
• Facilitates Focus Groups-review appropriate Focus Group topics; preparing background, agenda and slide decks; attend meetings; follow-up as needed
• Attendance and participation at real estate related conferences and events, including the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO)
• Research and Development (R&D) projects as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

Our top behavioral traits of our ideal Chief Technology Officer candidate:

• Wicked smart (unusually intelligent)
• Discerner with high EQ (perceptive)
• High accountability
• Detail oriented
• Self-directed
• High integrity
• Good communicator
• Achievement oriented; results driven
• Collaborator

• Sufficiently humble to work with our team
• Easy to work with; plays well with others
• Fun to work with

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred

At least five years progressively increasing management experience with the following skills:

• Product Management 
• Services Management (e.g., SaaS)
• People Management 
• Understanding the Customer
• Product Development
• Requirements Analysis
• Planning 
• Technology 
• Competitive Analysis 
• Sales Planning and Strategy
• Negotiations
• Conflict resolution

Compensation and Benefits: competitive and negotiable.