Chief Technology Officer

About the Role

Ark Mortgage is looking for a strategic, hands-on Chief Technology Officer to lead Ark's technology function - overseeing internal IT infrastructure, software/product development, and our emerging AI strategy. This is a foundational leadership role for someone who thrives in a lean environment, can operate at both the strategic and tactical levels, and understands the demands of a fast-moving financial services business.

Reporting directly to CEO, the CTO will own Ark's technology vision and translate it into a roadmap that improves operational efficiency, supports compliance requirements, and enhances the experience for both employees and borrowers.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Define and execute Ark's technology strategy in alignment with business goals and growth plans
• Build and maintain a multi-year technology roadmap covering infrastructure, internal tools, integrations, and development
• Lead Ark's AI strategy - identifying where AI and automation can create meaningful business value across origination, processing, compliance, and customer experience
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, advising on technology-related business decisions and investments
• Evaluate build vs. buy decisions and manage technology vendor relationships and contracts

AI & Automation

• Own Ark's end-to-end AI roadmap, from use case identification through implementation and adoption
• Evaluate and pilot AI tools relevant to mortgage operations, including document processing, underwriting support, and workflow automation
• Establish responsible AI guidelines ensuring adoption meets regulatory and compliance standards
• Stay current on AI trends in fintech, bringing informed and pragmatic recommendations to leadership

IT & Infrastructure

• Oversee day-to-day IT operations, including network, hardware, security, and end-user support
• Ensure systems meet data privacy, cybersecurity, and compliance standards relevant to financial services
• Manage third-party IT vendors and service providers

Development & Product

• Oversee internal development efforts, including LOS integrations and workflow automation
• Evaluate and implement technology solutions that improve origination, processing, and operations workflows
• Partner with operations and leadership to identify technology gaps and prioritize solutions

Team & Culture

• Lead, mentor, and grow a small but capable technology team
• Establish processes and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
• Identify when and how to scale the team as the business grows

What We're Looking For

• 8+ years of technology experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Proven ability to develop and execute a technology strategy in a small or mid-sized organization
• Experience managing both IT operations and software development functions
• Hands-on familiarity with AI tools, LLM-based workflows, or intelligent automation
• Strong vendor management and contract negotiation skills
• Excellent communicator - able to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders
• Comfortable being hands-on while also thinking long-term
• Background in financial services or a regulated industry preferred but not required

Company Information

Ark Mortgage is an independent, innovative full-service mortgage lender with expertise in every area of residential purchase and refinance mortgage lending. We have built a reputation as an outstanding mortgage banking firm, serving the lending needs of homebuyers, homeowners and real-estate investors throughout NY, NJ, FL, AZ, PA, and CT. Ark Mortgage, Inc. is a highly motivating employer that develops its employees to become long-term members of its team.

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*Ark Mortgage Inc. supports and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all personnel. Ark Mortgage Inc. does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, alienage, sex/gender, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, genetic information, protected activity (i.e., opposition to prohibited discrimination or harassment, and participation in proceedings covered by the anti-discrimination statutes), age, uniformed service, veterans status, unemployment status, domestic violence victim status, disability or any other category protected by applicable law.*

*All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis and in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment. Ark Mortgage Inc. also provides reasonable accommodations, including to qualified individuals with known disabilities, who are pregnant or who suffer from a medical condition due to pregnancy or childbirth, upon request or when made aware of such a need, subject to applicable law.*