• The chief information officer is a member of the executive management team at a corporation.executive teamwork image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com
  
  With all the acronyms in the corporate world, including CEO, CFO and CIO, it's sometimes difficult to know who does what within a corporation. The CIO is the chief information officer, and understanding this executive role is a good place to start when sorting out the job functions of these top-of-the-ladder employees.
  
  

Management Functions

• The chief information officer is responsible for all of the computing and information technology within the company. These job functions include the management of the staff involved in computer services, business and finance data processing and network communications. The CIO also directs the information technology-related plans and policies in the best way to accomplish the objectives of the company, according to HRVillage.com.
  
  

Determine IT Needs

• The chief information officer must evaluate the immediate needs and foresee the future needs of the business in the realm of information technology. If the company is lacking in the technology required to better reach the business goals, then the CIO should be the first to recognize it and lead the way in acquiring the needed technology or developing a plan to otherwise reach the goals.
  
  

Partner With Executive Management Team

• One of the main job functions of the chief information officer is to bring a unique perspective to the executive management team. The chief executive officer, chief financial officer and chief information officer, among others make up this top-tier group that directs the operation as a whole.
  
  The CIO will share news on the developments within his or her area of expertise and make suggestions based on the needs of the company. Major issues within the company may require consent from the entire executive management team and the CIO uses his access to this group to get approval or suggestions for his area of concern.
  
  

Leadership Role

• As a high-ranking member of the corporation, the chief information officer provides a leadership role for those working in the area of information technology as well as the rest of the staff. The CIO's actions are expected to set an example for all employees in the organization.
  
  

Infrastructure

• It is the responsibility of the chief information officer to ensure that the appropriate infrastructure is in place to support the company's computer and information technology needs. The CIO may oversee the installation of major network renovations, approve the purchase of new computers or software and verify that all systems are working properly.