Job purpose

The Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) will oversee the use of Information Technology (IT) for designated clients. They will be the advisor to the client's IT strategy and ensure that all systems necessary to support its operations and objectives are in place.

The vCIO must have a solid IT background and consistently keep up-to-date with advancements of the field. Apart from their education and experience, they must be a leader to drive process improvement and advancements in a matrix organization and lead clients through decision making and implementation of IT strategies. The individual will also have strong strategic and business acumen decision making skills. The vCIO will ensure that information technology adds the maximum value to our clients so as to facilitate the success of our business. Preference for this position is to be based in the Greater Kansas City, MO area.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

- Responsible for client IT needs and contract relationship with Netsmart; including management, profitability, negotiation, and delivering on requirements
- Responsible for budgets for programs and projects, purchases and upgrades equipment, supervises computer specialists and IT workers, and presides over IT-related projects.
- Assigned clients will be focused to large complex environments requiring high degree of organizational agility, expertise in the field and systems, cross functional leadership, and project management,
- Identify and develop executive relationships and provide strategic technological guidance within an organization.
- Supervise information system and communications network.
- Develop and implement a customer service platform to serve the organization in every aspect.
- Consult with administration, department managers, and users to exchange information, present new approaches, and to discuss equipment/system changes.
- Leads identification and implementation of operational best practices to drive consistency, efficiency, and profitability of the department.
- Will be responsible for project management at assigned client sites,and also assist with projects sold by the Technical Sales Executives
- Provide billable services such as Health Checks
- Lead vendor contract negotiations for all new computer equipment and software purchased for the clients.
- Create a cost-benefit analysis as well as supporting a detailed definition of data requirements and departmental workflows.
- Assess and anticipate technology projects and recommend appropriate action and resources.
- Establish and direct the strategic and tactical goals, policies, and procedures for the information technology department.
- Propose hardware/software solutions to accomplish the company's business objectives.
- Select and implement suitable technology to streamline all internal operations and help optimize their strategic benefits
- Design and customize technological systems and platforms to improve customer experience
- Plan the implementation of new systems or project and provide guidance to IT professionals and other staff within the organization
- Monitor changes or advancements in technology to discover ways the company can gain competitive advantage
- Analyze the costs, value and risks of information technology to advise management and suggest actions
- Preference is for this position is to be based in the Great Kansas City Area

Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in computer science, engineering or relevant field; Masters preferred

Specialized knowledge
- Proficient knowledge in healthcare industry data, hard platforms, and enterprise software applications
- Detail oriented and proficient knowledge in project management to effectively coordinate and communicate on IT technology roadmap initiatives.
- Background in designing/developing IT systems and planning IT implementation
- Considerable knowledge of business theory, business processes, management, budgeting, data analysis and business office operations.
- A strong strategic and business mindset
- Proficient knowledge in IT regulatory and compliance requirements in the healthcare industry.
- Strong knowledge of computer system characteristics, features and integration functionality.
- Proficient knowledge in IT strategic planning, organization, development, and execution.
- Ability to set and manage workload priorities to ensure successful completion of tasks.

Skills and Abilities
PC Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Thorough understanding of Exchange, Active Directory, and Backup Technologies
- General understanding of network security technologies and troubleshooting to include firewall, VPN and IDS
- Windows Servers, Virtualization expertise (VMware and Hyper-V), Storage technologies (SAN, NAS, etc)
- Working knowledge of IT standards, concepts, best practices, and procedures-relies on knowledge, experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals

Experience
- 5 years demonstrated success with client contract management, including development, negotiation, management, and execution
- Strong understanding of large/complex IT environments
- Executive Level IT management experience
- Healthcare system or EHR experience.
- Health Information Exchange (HIE) exposure
- Demonstrated 5 years experience at the table for business strategy planning (alongside the C-Suite, not just IT).
- Experience serving as an "Advisor" to the business from an IT perspective and drive IT forward (someone who can sell an idea)

Other Skills
- Superior analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Excellent organizational and leadership skills
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities
- Change Management experience

Physical Requirements and Travel Physical Requirements
This job operates in a professional office environment. Ability be in a stationary position in front of a computer for a period of time - typically 8 hours per day. Constantly operates a computer (keyboard, mouse, phone) and other office equipment such as a calculator. Requires sight to view, read, interpret, and act on information both on the computer and paperwork

Travel
Varies based upon assigned client locations - up to 75% at times.

Direct reports
May have Field Service Technicians who work onsite at client locations.

Additional Information
This job description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. While it is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or require that other or different duties/tasks be performed.

Netsmart provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals. Employment decisions at Netsmart will be based on performance, qualifications, abilities, education and experience. Netsmart does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Netsmart complies with any applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment..