VP Information Technology

Job DetailsJob Location: Manchester - Manchester, NH 03104Job Category: Information Technology Vice President of Information Technology Information Systems Department | Exempt | Reports to SVP/COO   About Bellwether Community Credit Union At Bellwether Community Credit Union, we are driven by our mission to serve our members and community with integrity and innovation. As we continue to grow and evolve our technology capabilities, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Vice President of Information Technology to lead our technology vision and operations.   The Opportunity The VP of Information Technology is a senior leadership role responsible for the credit union's entire technology landscape — strategy, infrastructure, cybersecurity, data management, and digital transformation. You will serve as the designated Information Security Officer, Lead the IT Steering Committee, oversee systems integration, and partner directly with the SVP/COO to build and execute strategic and tactical technology roadmaps aligned with our organizational mission. We welcome candidates from outside the credit union world. If you bring deep expertise in regulated industries — financial services, healthcare, insurance, or similar — and a strong track record of technology leadership, we want to hear from you.   What We're Looking For — 5 Must-Haves These are non-negotiable at this level. Exceptional candidates will demonstrate all five. 1. Enterprise Security & Regulatory Compliance Expertise You have built and maintained security frameworks in highly regulated environments. Whether your background is financial services, healthcare, or another regulated sector, you can get up to speed quickly on NCUA, FFIEC, and GLBA requirements and translate compliance mandates into actionable IT policy. 2. Strategic Technology Leadership & Executive Communication You own the IT vision. You build multi-year roadmaps, manage sizable budgets, and speak clearly to boards and C-suites. You connect technology investments to business outcomes — and you make it look effortless - and you bring a clear, informed point of view on how AI can drive operational efficiency, improve the member experience, and strengthen our competitive position. 3. Cybersecurity & Risk Management You have led cybersecurity operations, managed incident response, and owned business continuity and disaster recovery planning. In a financial institution, protecting member data is paramount. This expertise must be ironclad — regardless of where you've built it. 4. Digital Transformation & Modernization Track Record You have led large-scale technology transformations — cloud migrations, system integrations, legacy modernization — while keeping day-to-day operations stable. Critically, you have hands-on experience evaluating and deploying AI and automation tools within an enterprise environment, whether for operational efficiency, data analytics, or enhanced member or customer experiences. We are actively modernizing, and we need someone who has been through this before and can lead the organization through it confidently. 5. Vendor & Third-Party Risk Management You know how to manage complex vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and hold partners accountable to SLAs and security standards. Credit unions are heavily vendor-dependent, and your ability to assess and mitigate third-party risk is critical to our operational health.   Key Responsibilities Lead, coach, and develop the IT team; conduct performance reviews and drive a culture of excellence and accountability. Develop, submit, and oversee the annual IT budget and manage the full technology lifecycle including contracts, hardware, and software. Oversee administration and maintenance of core systems — including core banking, mortgage, loan origination, and document imaging platforms. Manage network infrastructure including LAN, servers, PCs, and phone systems. Ensure robust data protection through user access controls, physical security, backup, and replication processes. Maintain and update IT-specific sections of the Business Continuity Plan. Collaborate cross-functionally with all departments to improve business processes through technology and innovative problem-solving. Serve as the designated Information Security Officer for the credit union. Ensure compliance with all BSA regulations and relevant financial industry standards. Qualifications A minimum of 10 years of progressive IT leadership experience is required, with a demonstrated track record of success in a senior or executive-level technology role. Experience within a financial institution is preferred; candidates from other regulated industries — including healthcare, insurance, or related sectors — are encouraged. Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a closely related field is required. An advanced degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, PMP, CDPSE) are considered a strong asset. Demonstrated expertise in enterprise security frameworks and regulatory compliance within a highly regulated environment. Must possess working knowledge of — or the demonstrated ability to quickly develop fluency in — NCUA, FFIEC, GLBA, and BSA requirements, and translate compliance obligations into actionable IT policy and practice. Proven ability to own the IT strategic vision, including the development of multi-year technology roadmaps, executive-level budget management, and the ability to communicate complex technology concepts clearly and persuasively to boards of directors, C-suite leadership, and non-technical stakeholders. Deep and current expertise in cybersecurity operations, incident response management, and the development and execution of enterprise-wide business continuity and disaster recovery plans. A thorough understanding of the threat landscape facing financial institutions is essential. Established track record leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives, including cloud migration, legacy system modernization, and enterprise system integration. Must bring demonstrated hands-on experience evaluating and deploying artificial intelligence and automation technologies within an enterprise setting — including applications for operational efficiency, data analytics, and member or customer experience enhancement. Extensive experience managing complex third-party vendor relationships, including contract negotiation, service level agreement oversight, and the execution of comprehensive vendor risk assessment programs. The ability to hold external partners accountable while protecting the credit union from operational and compliance risk is essential. Proficiency with ODBC-compliant reporting tools, including Microsoft Excel and Crystal Reports, along with an intermediate to advanced understanding of SQL scripting and relational database functionality. Working knowledge of core banking systems and the ability to understand how technology platforms serve and intersect with each functional area of the credit union. This position is primarily performed in an office setting. The role requires the ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks including bending, squatting, reaching, and kneeling as needed. Credit Union Values Exhibit and reflect the Credit Union’s Core Values of: People First – We put others at the heart of all we do. Local Focus- We build community by what we do and how we give. Always Learning – We are curious and desire to grow with each opportunity. Driven with Purpose – We are motivated by the desire to achieve more. Own Our Outcomes – We hold ourselves accountable, ensuring our commitments are met.   Why Bellwether? We are a mission-driven organization where your work directly impacts the financial well-being of our members and community. You will have a seat at the leadership table, a team eager to grow, and the opportunity to shape the technology future of a forward-thinking credit union. If you're ready to lead with purpose and build something meaningful — we'd love to meet you. Bellwether Community Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer.