Virtual CIO

*This is an in-person position; therefore, you must reside in Victoria, BC at the time of hire.*

For over 25 years Smart Dolphins has been helping businesses on Vancouver Island and beyond thrive through technology with exceptional IT solutions and genuine care.

We're looking for our next Dolphin; someone who wants to bring their skills, ideas, and energy to a team where they'll truly feel at home. Are you that Dolphin?

Finding the right person is of paramount importance to us. We hope that this overview of the opportunity sparks a strong interest in that right person. If you feel that this person is you, please submit your resume. We like to receive an up-to-date and applicable resume with a brief cover letter describing why you are an excellent candidate for this position.

Learn more about us: About | Smart Dolphins IT Solutions Inc.

Great Place to Work in Canada Certified: 2019–2025

VIATEC Employer of the Year: Winner & Nominee (2025)

INTRODUCTION:

As our next Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO), you'll be the trusted advisor who helps clients align their technology with their business goals; bringing clarity, strategy, and innovation to every conversation.

We're looking for a business-savvy tech enthusiast who thrives on building relationships and solving problems. You're curious, forward-thinking, and confident presenting ideas in a way that makes sense to non-technical audiences. You're also organized, proactive, and passionate about helping businesses grow through smart technology decisions.

If you're ready to blend your strategic mindset with your love of tech and client service and you like the idea of joining a Pod that works hard, has fun, and makes waves in the business world, then we'd love to meet you

Finding the right person is incredibly important to us If this opportunity sparks your interest and feels like a great fit, please submit your resume along with a brief cover letter telling us why you're the ideal candidate for this role.

TOP ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Drive Strategic IT Alignment

2. Build and Maintain Trusted Client Relationships

3. Develop and Deliver Technology Roadmaps

4. Champion Cybersecurity and Risk Management

5. Support AI and Emerging Technology Adoption

6. Promote Client Retention and Growth
   
   

REPORTS TO

• Proactive Services Lead
  
  

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) acts as a strategic and tactical advisor to Smart Dolphins clients, ensuring their technology plans align with their desired business outcomes. This role combines business understanding with technical insight to help clients plan, prioritize, and execute technology strategies that drive organizational success.

Reporting to the Proactive Services Lead, the vCIO works closely with the Virtual IT Manager (VITM), Professional Services, and Client Success team to deliver a cohesive and proactive client experience. In addition to strategic planning, vCIOs often share Client Success responsibilities for some clients, focusing on relationship management, satisfaction, and long-term value delivery. The vCIO builds lasting partnerships founded on trust, innovation, and consistent results.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary strategic contact for assigned clients, developing a deep understanding of their business priorities and success measures.

• Develop and maintain multi-year technology roadmaps aligned with each client's goals, budgets, and operational needs.

• Lead Technology Business Reviews, clearly presenting technology alignment, risks, and recommendations in business language.

• Work closely with the VITM team to ensure proactive insights and tactical activities directly support each client's strategy.

• Collaborate with the Professional Services and Client Success team to ensure projects, initiatives, and communications align with each client's roadmap and expectations.

• Carry Client Success responsibilities for assigned clients, including relationship management, satisfaction tracking, and proactive engagement to strengthen partnerships.

• Identify opportunities to improve client outcomes through innovation, process improvement, and technology adoption.

• Provide guidance on cybersecurity, compliance, and risk management, helping clients understand these areas from a business perspective.

• Stay current on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation, and help clients identify where these tools can create value.

• Support new client onboarding by ensuring a smooth transition and strategic alignment from the outset.

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client strategies, meetings, and actions in company systems.

• Contribute to internal and external thought leadership by sharing insights and best practices that support both client and team growth.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Proactive Services Lead.
  
  

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• MRR Managed ($160K/month)

• Unique Client Touches

• Technology Business Reviews Completed

• Client Billable %
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Business, Information Technology, or a related field, and 5+ years of related professional experience.

• Ability to connect business objectives with technology strategy and execution.

• Experience in a Managed Service Provider (MSP) or consulting environment is preferred.

• Broad technical understanding across areas such as networking, cloud infrastructure, hardware, and modern workplace technologies.

• Deep familiarity with the Microsoft ecosystem, including Microsoft 365, Azure, and related collaboration and security tools.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust with both technical and non-technical people.

• Experience or aptitude in client success management, including relationship ownership and satisfaction measurement.

• Strong understanding of cybersecurity, compliance, and IT risk management at a policy and governance level.

• Genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation.

• Excellent presentation, facilitation, and consultative skills.

• Highly organized with strong time management and the ability to manage multiple clients effectively.

• Willingness to work in a hybrid environment with travel to client sites as needed.