Chief Information Officer

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

This is an ideal opportunity to work at a growing organization with a strong family culture. Shepherd Insurance is a privately-owned insurance agency that has delivered risk management solutions since 1977. With a wide variety of insurance and financial products, we are among the largest independent agencies in the country.

As a Chief Information Officer within the Shepherd family and IT team, you will be responsible for the management of the IT team, oversight of security measures, and responsible for shaping and executing the organization’s technology vision, including but not limited to the data initiatives. 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement the organization’s overall IT strategy, aligning technology initiatives with business goals.
• Establish governance frames for IT risk management, cybersecurity, data and compliance. 
• Serve as the primary advisor to executive leadership on technology trends, digital transformation and emerging risks. 
• Build and mentor a high-performing IT leadership team, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration. 
• Direct and manage the Director of IT to ensure efficient delivery of IT services, infrastructure reliability and system performance. 
• Oversee enterprise-wide data conversion processes during system migrations, acquisitions, and platform integrations to ensure accuracy and integrity. 
• Provide leadership, guidance and develop standards for data reporting and analytics initiatives, ensuring timely, accurate, and actionable insights for business decision-making. 
• Establish governance for data quality, accessibility, and compliance, aligning reporting standards with organizational objectives. 
• Oversee budgeting, resource allocation, and vendor management for IT and security efforts across the agency.
• Drive continuous efficiencies and improvement in IT processes, service delivery and operational excellence. 
• Approve and monitor security policies, including Acceptable Use, Access Management, Incident Response and Security Awareness.
• Collaborate with business units and work with both MSP and MSSP to improve the effectiveness of technology efforts.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry’s best practices. 
• Ensure ongoing professional development for IT and security staff.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of enterprise architecture, cloud technologies, and cybersecurity frameworks. 
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and vendor management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft systems, including Active Directory, Microsoft 365 and Office Suite, Internet Browsers and ticketing systems.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds or more.
• Travel required between office locations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Education requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field preferred.
• Experience: At least ten (10) years’ experience in a similar position is desirable.
• Proven track record in strategic IT planning, governance and risk management. 

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not exposed to weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.