Director of Technology

Role: Director of Technology 
Company: the Small Exchange - Designated Contract Market (DCM) 

We are seeking an experienced Director of Technology to oversee the technological infrastructure and operations of our CFTC-regulated designated contract market. This senior leadership position requires deep expertise in financial technology, regulatory compliance, and risk management, with a focus on maintaining the integrity and reliability of our matching engine and markets.  

What you’ll do: 

Risk Management and System Reliability 

• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive technology risk management frameworks aligned with CFTC regulations and industry best practices 
• Oversee system capacity planning, performance monitoring, and scaling strategies to ensure platform reliability during peak trading periods 
• Direct the development and maintenance of business continuity and disaster recovery plans 
• Establish and monitor key risk indicators for technology operations 
• Conduct regular risk assessments and oversee mitigation strategies  

Policy Development and Compliance 

• Create, maintain, and enforce formal technology policies and procedures in compliance with CFTC regulations 
• Develop and implement change management protocols for all technology systems 
• Establish and oversee documentation standards for all technology processes and controls 
• Create and maintain system security policies aligned with regulatory requirements 
• Lead regulatory technology examinations and audits  

Vendor Management and Development Oversight 

• Manage relationships with third-party development teams and technology vendors 
• Establish and monitor service level agreements (SLAs) for external technology partners 
• Create and maintain vendor risk management frameworks 
• Oversee the development lifecycle and ensure alignment with business requirements 
• Lead technical design reviews and approve major system changes  

Leadership and Stakeholder Management 

• Collaborate with executive leadership to align technology strategy with business objectives 
• Provide regular reporting to the board and executive team on technology operations and risks 
• Manage relationships with regulatory bodies regarding technology matters 
• Lead and develop internal technology staff 
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure technology solutions meet business needs  

Who you are: 

• 7+ years of technology management experience, with at least 3 years in financial services 
• Demonstrated experience directly interacting with auditors and / or regulators in a regulated business 
• Strong understanding of futures trading technology and market structure 
• Proven track record of managing complex technology projects and vendor relationships 
• Experience developing and implementing technology policies and procedures 
• Strong background in risk management and regulatory compliance 
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field 
• Excellence in stakeholder management and executive communication  
• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and best practices 
• Previous experience working with regulatory bodies 
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies 
• Professional certifications (CISSP, PMP, etc.)   

Technical Knowledge Requirements 

• Familiarity with matching engine and trading system architecture 
• Familiarity with market data systems and protocols 
• Familiarity with regulatory reporting requirements 
• Understanding of system capacity planning and performance monitoring 
• Experience with cloud infrastructure and scalability  

Team Perks:    

• Performance Bonuses    
• Stock Purchase Options    
• 401k Plan    
• 20 Paid Vacation Days (plus an additional paid vacation day the month of your birthday!)    
• 10 Paid Sick Days    
• Gym Membership Reimbursement    
• Commuter Benefits    
• Pet Insurance    
• Wellness & Mental Health Programs    
• Charitable Donation Matching    
• Two Paid Volunteer Days Off    
• Daily catered lunch when in the office    
• Full kitchen with snacks and beverages    
• In-building gym    
• Shuttle to/from Metra    
• Office located in the West Loop - Chicago's growing center of tech, great cuisine, and high-end bars 

Salary Range: $150,000 - $170,000 
The actual salary offered will be based on the candidate's level of experience and qualifications 

Location: Our office is in the West Loop - Chicago's growing center of tech, great cuisine, and high-end bars.   

1330 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607  

About us: 
The Small Exchange is a registered Designated Contract Market with the CFTC operating a state-of-the-art trade matching engine and world class trading infrastructure in a highly regulated environment.  The exchange offers trading in futures and options on futures in all asset classes for all types of traders with a decided focus on the retail trading community. 

*Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they have every single qualification. Our team is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!