vCISO Principal Consultant

Clearwater; United States; Remote; USD 145,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Clearwater is seeking a vCISO/Principal Consultant who serves as a strategic advisor to clients, leading complex engagements and shaping long-term cybersecurity and compliance programs aligned with regulatory requirements.

You will build executive relationships, drive thoughtful risk-based recommendations, mentor junior staff, contribute to internal methodologies, and collaborate with sales and client success to expand engagements.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in Consulting, Cybersecurity, or related role.
• Ability to translate security controls into business risk mitigation.
• Experience engaging with executive stakeholders and driving strategy.

Responsibilities

• Guide clients in developing long-term cybersecurity and compliance strategies.
• Build executive-level client relationships and align with regulatory needs.
• Lead complex engagements and manage client expectations.
• Drive business development and opportunities for expanded engagements.
• Oversee delivery with SOWs, methodologies, and quality assurance.
• Mentor junior staff and refine internal methodologies.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Client relationship management

Strategic planning

Public speaking

Executive communication

Risk management

Education

BA/BS Degree

CISSP

CISA

CISM

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The vCISO/Principal Consultant serves as a strategic advisor to Clearwater clients, leading complex consulting engagements and contributing to the firm’s growth through thought leadership, business development, and mentorship. They balance technical execution with strategic planning, ensuring alignment with client business goals and regulatory requirements. Distinct from the Principal Consultant, the vCISO/Principal Consultant typically acts in a leadership role for a portfolio of clients who have implemented a ClearAdvantage Program. The vCISO/Principal Consultant acts as program leader and advisor to the Client. He or she is responsible for overall delivery of the program including creating a strategy and plan that effectively manages the client’s risk while also facilitating the accomplishment of their mission. A vCISO/Principal Consultant’s role is highly flexible, adapting to the specific needs of the organizations they serve—whether it’s a small Health IT organization or a fast-growing Physician Practice Management Group requiring security leadership. As a key client-facing expert, the vCISO/Principal Consultant is responsible for driving successful outcomes and positioning Clearwater as an industry leader. They also play a critical role in mentoring junior staff and refining internal methodologies to support company growth.

SPECIFIC JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a trusted advisor by guiding clients in developing long-term cybersecurity and compliance strategies and the development and execution of tactical plans.
• Build and maintain executive-level client relationships, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory needs.
• Act as the primary point of contact for complex engagements, managing expectations, providing insights, and delivering high-value recommendations.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand client engagements and contribute to business development efforts.
• Lead the execution of Clearwater’s consulting services in compliance with Statements of Work (SOWs), methodologies, and client policies.
• Oversee key engagement processes, including Initial Engagement Meetings, Planning Sessions, Kickoff Meetings, and project completion presentations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to manage delivery of services including project scope, risks, and timelines, ensuring successful outcomes.
• Provide oversight and quality assurance for deliverables, ensuring they align with client goals and regulatory frameworks.
• Effectively communicate project updates and potential risks to management and leadership.
• Develop and drive thought leadership initiatives, such as white papers, blog posts, and speaking engagements at conferences and webinars.
• Contribute strategic insights to Clearwater’s solution offerings, keeping them aligned with industry trends and client needs.
• Actively participate in industry forums and professional networks to enhance Clearwater’s market position.
• Provide strategic mentorship to consultants, senior consultants, and analysts, fostering their professional growth and development.
• Lead internal knowledge-sharing initiatives to enhance the skills and capabilities of the consulting team.
• Collaborate with leadership to refine and optimize consulting methodologies and delivery processes.
• Proactively address team performance challenges and provide coaching to support project success.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance service delivery.
• Ensure up-to-date project documentation and reporting within Clearwater’s Professional Services Automation (PSA) tools
• Provide feedback to leadership on operational challenges and propose actionable improvements.
• Meet all internal compliance requirements and follow all internal processes.
• Identify opportunities for follow-on engagements and additional services by understanding client needs.
• Work closely with Sales and Client Success teams to develop client-specific proposals and solutions.
• Support pre-sales efforts by contributing technical and strategic insights during client discussions.
• Billable hours target: 1,560 hours annually (equivalent to 75% utilization)
• Perform other duties within the scope of the role as assigned.

Requirements

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• 7+ years of experience in Consulting, Cybersecurity, or related role

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, & KNOWLEDGE

• BA/BS Degree, preferred
• Professional industry certifications like CISSP, CISA, CISM, etc preferred
• Deep knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST, HITRUST, HIPAA, and ISO 27001.
• Ability to implement, evaluate, and adapt focus area solutions to meet client needs.
• Capacity to analyze complex regulatory and technical challenges and develop tailored solutions.
• Insight into the effective design, implementation and operation of an organizational security program.
• Strong project management capabilities, ensuring successful outcomes within timelines and budgets.
• Ability to effectively communicate with executive stakeholders and guide clients to achieve strategic goals.
• Strong problem-solving and risk mitigation abilities.
• Ability to develop and communicate impactful thought leadership materials that position the organization as an industry leader.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills at conferences, webinars, and client engagements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey complex concepts clearly to clients and internal teams.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Familiarity with Digital Health/Health IT market
• Familiarity with Cloud-based services in Digital Health/Health IT market
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor and develop junior team members.
• Conflict resolution, active listening, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to embrace Clearwater’s CLEAR core values (Commitment to Client Success, Lead with Accountability, Integrity & Collaboration, Excellence in All That We Do, Advance Colleague Success, Respect & Transparency) and culture.
• PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EXPECTATIONS
• Pursue advanced certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or HITRUST Practitioner to enhance technical credibility.
• Expandexpertiseto include technical and strategic advisory capabilities.
• Actively contribute to internal mentorship programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Participate in professional organizations and industry conferences to stay ahead of evolving trends.

The base salary range for this role is $145,000-175,000. Base salary is part of our total rewards package which also includes the opportunity for merit-based salary increases, eligibility for our 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances and leaves provided in line with your work state. Our robust time-off policy includes flexible paid time off, 11 paid holidays, and paid sick time. Total compensation, including base salary to be offered, will depend on elements unique to each candidate, including applicable candidate experience, skills, education and other factors permitted by law.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of colleagues in the role. All colleagues may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Clearwater is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. Please inform Clearwater/Redspin’s Recruiting team if you need any assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participating in the application process.

Mental/Physical Requirements: Fast paced environment handling multiple demands. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. Requires a high level of initiative and independence. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Requires the ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of colleagues in the role. All colleagues may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Clearwater is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. Please inform Clearwater/Redspin’s Recruiting team if you need any assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participating in the application process.

Mental/Physical Requirements: Fast paced environment handling multiple demands. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. Requires a high level of initiative and independence. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Requires the ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of colleagues in the role. All colleagues may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Clearwater is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. Please inform Clearwater/Redspin’s Recruiting team if you need any assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participating in the application process.

Mental/Physical Requirements: Fast paced environment handling multiple demands. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. Requires a high level of initiative and independence. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Requires the ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time.