> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/4228746-virtual-chief-information-officer-vcio](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/4228746-virtual-chief-information-officer-vcio). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) - **Company:** Istonish, Inc. - **Location:** Rock Springs, WY, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $176,800.0 - $260,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Disaster Recovery, IT Management, Information Technology Operations, Network Administration, National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework, Information Technology, Performance Monitor, CIS Benchmarks - **Published:** October 13, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=2cdfb4306c48a6da ## About the Role Required * Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, business or a related field, or equivalent experience * 10+ years of progressive IT experience, including 5+ years leading IT teams and managing budgets * Experience managing outsourced or managed service providers against contracts and service levels * Working knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks (such as NIST CSF or CIS Controls), risk management and incident response * Track record of developing and executing technology strategic plans and roadmaps * Strong communication skills with executives, faculty, staff and Boards Preferred * Higher education IT leadership experience, ideally at a community college * Experience with Ellucian Colleague and related higher-ed systems * Familiarity with FERPA, GLBA and other higher-ed compliance requirements * Public-sector procurement experience * Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CGEIT, ITIL or PMP ## Description The Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) will lead the IT department, direct the contracted Security and Help Desk providers, and own the technology strategy. The vCIO will be a "senior technology leader rather than solely an occasional advisor." The role may be filled on a fractional basis. Fractional describes the hours, not the authority: during the engagement, the vCIO holds the full leadership responsibilities of a CIO, works alongside client leadership, and is accountable for IT outcomes. Title Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) Department Information Technology Reports to Vice President for Administrative Services Engagement Contracted, part-time Direct reports (internal IT staff, 7 positions): * 2 PC technicians * 2 application support staff * 2 systems/network administrators * 1 vacant position, to be scoped and filled with the vCIO's input Contracted providers overseen: the Security provider and the Help Desk provider. The vCIO directs and holds these providers accountable. Division of labor: IT staff continue to perform the operational and technical work. The vCIO provides leadership, coordination, prioritization and oversight. Limits of authority: the vCIO leads technology strategy, budgeting, procurement, vendor management, cybersecurity governance, projects and policy. Final spending, contracting and institutional decisions follow College policy and approval processes. Key responsibilities Department leadership * Lead, supervise and develop the internal IT team; set priorities, assign work and conduct performance management within client HR processes. * Define the IT organizational structure and operating model, and recommend staffing changes, including the scope of the vacant position. * Direct the contracted Security and Help Desk providers: set expectations, monitor service levels, resolve escalations and coordinate their work with internal staff. Strategy and governance * Develop and maintain a technology strategy aligned with the client's goals and strategic plan. * Establish IT governance: decision rights, project intake and prioritization, and stakeholder input from business units. * Draft, update and enforce IT policies and standards. * Lead digital transformation initiatives that improve client staff experience. Assessment and planning * Assess current infrastructure, systems and IT operations, and identify gaps, risks and opportunities. * Make organizational and operational recommendations to improve service, efficiency and resilience. Financial and vendor management * Develop the IT budget and recommend resource allocation. * Lead technology procurement, from requirements through evaluation, following client purchasing policy. * Manage vendor relationships, contracts and renewals, and monitor performance against agreements. Projects * Oversee major technology projects: scope, schedule, budget, risk and stakeholder communication. * Report project status and escalate issues to leadership. Risk, security and continuity * Own cybersecurity governance, working with the contracted Security provider on controls, monitoring and incident response. * Lead IT risk management, disaster recovery and business continuity planning and testing. * Support compliance with applicable requirements, such as FERPA and GLBA. Executive reporting * Brief the Vice President for Administrative Services and leadership regularly on IT performance, risks, projects and budget. * Serve as the client's technology voice in cabinet-level and Board-facing discussions as requested. Required deliverables The vCIO produces five deliverables. Timing is set with the client during Discovery. Technology strategic plan: Multi-year direction for technology, aligned with institutional goals. Annual roadmap: Prioritized initiatives and projects for the year, with sequencing and resource needs. Governance recommendations: Decision rights, policy framework, project intake and prioritization process. Project oversight reports: Status, budget, risk and issues on major technology projects. Budget and resource planning recommendations: IT budget proposal, staffing and resource allocation. Time commitment and location This scope would be part-time 45-60 hours/month.