Virtual Chief Information Officer

Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO)

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) to serve as a strategic technology advisor to a portfolio of organizations. This role is ideal for a business-minded technology leader who can bridge the gap between technical complexity and executive decision-making.

The vCIO is responsible for developing technology strategies, guiding IT investments, influencing key stakeholders, and aligning technology initiatives with business objectives. This individual will operate as a trusted advisor to executive leadership while partnering with technical teams to translate assessments and recommendations into actionable roadmaps.

This is a highly consultative role requiring exceptional executive communication skills, business acumen, and the ability to drive consensus around technology priorities and investments.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Technology Leadership

• Own and maintain technology roadmaps for assigned organizations.
• Develop long-term technology strategies aligned with business goals and operational priorities.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce risk, optimize costs, and support growth through technology initiatives.
• Stay current on emerging technologies, market trends, cybersecurity risks, and industry best practices.

Executive Advisory & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive and senior leadership teams.
• Lead strategic technology discussions with stakeholders across all organizational levels.
• Communicate complex technical concepts in clear business language.
• Facilitate executive decision-making by providing recommendations, risk assessments, and investment guidance.
• Build consensus and secure stakeholder buy-in for strategic initiatives.

Technology Planning & Governance

• Guide technology budgeting and investment planning processes.
• Advise leadership on IT spending, capital versus operational expenditures, and prioritization of initiatives.
• Assist in evaluating technology investments and aligning them with business outcomes.
• Support governance, compliance, and risk management discussions.

Roadmap Development & Strategy Execution

• Translate technical discoveries, assessments, and recommendations into strategic priorities.
• Partner with engineering and delivery teams to understand technical findings and convert them into business-focused action plans.
• Monitor progress against technology roadmaps and adjust priorities as organizational needs evolve.
• Ensure technology strategies remain aligned with changing business objectives.

Risk, Compliance & Security Advisory

• Help organizations understand technology and cybersecurity risks in business terms.
• Provide guidance related to compliance and regulatory considerations.
• Advise leadership on risk mitigation strategies and technology governance practices.
• Support discussions around security, operational resilience, and business continuity.

Relationship Management

• Develop long-term trusted advisor relationships with executive stakeholders.
• Manage multiple client engagements simultaneously while ensuring high levels of service and strategic value.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with technical delivery, engineering, and account management teams.
• Participate in strategic client engagements and reviews as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Information Systems, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• 10 years of experience within IT, cybersecurity, technology consulting, or related disciplines.
• Proven experience in technology leadership, IT management, or strategic advisory roles.
• Demonstrated success building technology roadmaps and leading strategic technology planning initiatives.
• Experience advising executive stakeholders and presenting to leadership teams.
• Strong understanding of:
• IT budgeting and financial planning
• CapEx vs. OpEx decision-making
• Vendor and technology investment management
• Organizational and departmental leadership
• Technology governance and risk management
• Working knowledge of compliance frameworks such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, CJIS, CMMC, and GLBA.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools, including Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and SharePoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Director-level or higher leadership experience.
• Experience serving as a CIO, vCIO, IT Director, Technology Director, or equivalent leadership role.
• Exposure to manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, or other regulated industries.
• Experience supporting organizations of varying sizes and technology maturity levels.