IT Director/Virtual Chief Information Security Officer - Hybrid in New Jersey

Position: IT Director/Virtual Chief Information Security Officer Location: Morris County, New Jersey (Hybrid – periodic onsite required) Employment Type: Full-Time Reports To: MSP Executive Leadership Client Dedication: ~90% to a single strategic client Overview Bit by Bit was founded in 1987 as a database application development and networking company, and since then we’ve evolved into a full-service IT firm and leader in delivering reliable and cost-effective managed IT services to companies in and around the Tri-State area. We are specialists in building and managing solutions that solve critical business problems. Our unique combination of business technology, certified technicians, and efficient processes gives us a competitive edge over other IT companies. We are seeking a senior-level IT Director / Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to support one of our key clients. This is a client-embedded leadership role, where you will function as the primary IT strategist and security leader for the client while remaining an employee of our MSP. You will be responsible for guiding IT direction, cybersecurity posture, vendor management, and long-term technology planning, while working closely with both the client’s leadership team and our internal engineering resources. This role is ideal for a hands-on IT leader who enjoys owning strategy, influencing outcomes, and being a trusted advisor, without being isolated or unsupported. Key Responsibilities IT Leadership & Strategy Serve as the primary IT Director for the client, providing strategic direction and oversight Develop and maintain short- and long-term IT roadmaps aligned with business goals Act as the escalation point for complex technical and operational decisions Translate business needs into practical, secure technology solutions Cybersecurity & Risk Management (CISO-Level Responsibilities) Act as Virtual CISO, responsible for overall security posture and risk management Own cybersecurity policies, standards, and governance Oversee vulnerability management, endpoint security, identity management, and incident response Conduct risk assessments and guide remediation efforts Interface with auditors, insurers, and compliance stakeholders as needed Client & Vendor Management Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership at the client Manage and coordinate third-party vendors and technology partners Review contracts, licensing, and renewal strategies with an eye toward cost control and risk reduction Participate in executive-level meetings and planning sessions MSP Collaboration Work closely with our MSP engineering, service desk, and security teams Ensure alignment between client priorities and MSP service delivery Help define scope, standards, and expectations for ongoing support Provide feedback and guidance to improve service quality and outcomes Requirements Required Qualifications 10+ years of progressive IT experience, including senior leadership responsibility Prior experience as an IT Director, Head of IT, or senior infrastructure/security leader Strong cybersecurity background with hands-on understanding of modern threat landscapes Experience acting in a CISO, virtual CISO, or security leadership capacity Broad technical knowledge across: Microsoft 365 / Azure environments Identity & access management Endpoint security and monitoring Networking, firewalls, and cloud services Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage executives and non-technical stakeholders Must live in New Jersey and be willing to go onsite periodically as needed Preferred Qualifications Experience working with or within an MSP environment Familiarity with compliance frameworks (e.g., SOC 2, HIPAA, ISO 27001, NIST) Experience supporting regulated or security-sensitive organizations Ability to balance strategic planning with practical execution Benefits Base Salary: $130K - $160K Comprehensive benefits package Long-term growth opportunities within the MSP High-visibility role with executive exposure Why This Role Is Unique Senior-level authority and influence without being a solo operator Deep client engagement with long-term impact Backed by a full MSP engineering and security team Opportunity to shape both client outcomes and MSP best practices Stable, well-established organization with a collaborative leadership culture