VP Information Technology Officer

Itasca Bank & Trust Co.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Itasca Bank & Trust Co. seeks a VP Information Technology Officer to oversee the bank’s technology infrastructure, information security, core banking systems, and IT operations.

You will align technology with business goals, manage risk, and lead strategic IT initiatives across digital banking, payments, ATM, and customer-facing platforms. The role requires a decade of IT experience with at least five years in leadership within banking or regulated industries, and a track record of regulatory

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive information technology experience, including at least 5 years in a management or leadership capacity within banking, financial services, or a regulated industry.
• Experience supporting core banking systems, digital banking platforms, and IT infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of information security, regulatory requirements, and technology risk management.
• Ability to lead IT projects, strategic planning, and vendor relationships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operation of IT systems, networks, and infrastructure.
• Ensure high availability and reliability of banking applications and services.
• Manage relationships with MSPs and vendors; monitor service levels.
• Lead IT projects, system implementations, and digital initiatives.
• Coordinate IT roadmaps and strategic technology plans.
• Support audits and regulatory exams related to IT.

Skills

Leadership

IT Strategy

Vendor management

Regulatory compliance

Cybersecurity

Disaster recovery

Cloud computing

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS/IS

Master's degree in IT management / cybersecurity / data analytics

CISSP certification

Tools

Microsoft 365

Azure

Active Directory

DNS

DHCP

VMware

Firewalls

Windows Server

Job description

Itasca Bank & Trust Co. is an independently owned, local community bank with locations in Itasca and Roselle. Itasca Bank values its staff. Our most important assets are the people – customers and employees. For over 77 years the Bank has been a responsible citizen and community leader because it respects the values of its past when making decisions that shape its future. Without a dedicated and responsible staff, we can’t serve customer needs and remain a responsible corporate citizen. Itasca Bank has been voted Best of the Best/Top Pick by the Daily Herald Readers since 2016, which reflects our dedication to quality service, high standards, and responsiveness to customers and employees alike. Itasca Bank is a responsible employer dedicated to the health and safety of employees and works to maintain diversity in both its workforce and the vendors it uses. We encourage our employees’ participation in community and civic activities which lead to better communities, and a positive workplace environment where a work/life balance is encouraged.

The VP Information Technology (IT) Officer is responsible for overseeing the bank's technology infrastructure, information security, core banking systems, and IT operations. The role ensures the reliability, security, and efficiency of technology services while supporting business objectives, regulatory compliance, and digital initiatives. The VP IT Officer serves as a key liaison between business units, vendors, and management to deliver secure and innovative technology solutions.

Essential Functions

IT Operations & Infrastructure

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the bank's IT systems, networks, servers, and technology infrastructure.
• Ensure high availability, performance, and reliability of critical banking applications and services.
• Manage relationship with managed service provider.
• Monitor system performance and implement improvements to optimize efficiency.
• Manage data backup and disaster recovery and support business continuity programs.

Core Banking Systems Management

• Support and maintain core banking applications and related systems.
• Coordinate system upgrades, patches, and integrations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve application and infrastructure issues.
• Ensure seamless operation of digital banking, payment, ATM, and customer-facing platforms.

Information Security & Cybersecurity

• Implement and maintain information security policies, standards, and controls.
• Monitor cybersecurity threats and coordinate incident response activities.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments, risk reviews, and security audits.
• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity frameworks and banking regulations.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal controls, and technology governance standards.
• Support internal and external audits and exams related to information technology.

Identify, assess, and mitigate technology-related risks.

• Maintain documentation, policies, and procedures required for regulatory examinations.

Technology Projects & Innovation

• Lead and participate in IT projects, system implementations, and digital initiatives.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to identify technology solutions that improve operational efficiency.
• Assist in developing IT roadmaps and strategic technology plans.
• Evaluate and recommend emerging technologies and industry best practices.
• Manage relationships with technology vendors and service providers.
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure service-level agreements are met.
• Participate in contract evaluations, renewals, and procurement activities.
• Coordinate third-party support and maintenance activities.

Leadership & Team Development

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer service excellence.
• Support knowledge sharing and professional development within the IT team.
• Coordinate the IT Steering Committee.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies in fintech, data analytics, AI, and cloud computing, identifying opportunities to leverage them for growth.
• Assist in workforce planning and performance management activities.
• IT infrastructure management
• Network and systems administration
• Core banking systems knowledge
• Cloud technologies and virtualization
• Cybersecurity and information security
• Database management
• Disaster recovery and business continuity

Supervisory Responsibility

• This position manages IT staff in the department.
• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This is a full-time exempt position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Travel

• As needed to attend training and seminars.

Required Education And Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive information technology experience, including at least 5 years in a management or leadership capacity within banking, financial services, or a regulated industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Experience supporting core banking systems, digital banking platforms, and IT infrastructure.

Preferred Education, Certifications And Experience

• Master’s Degree (MBA or MS in Information Technology Management, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, or related field)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Demonstrated knowledge of banking technology environments, including core banking systems, digital banking platforms, information security, technology risk management, regulatory requirements, and third-party service provider oversight.
• Experience with Microsoft 365, Azure, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, VMware, firewalls, switches, routers, and Microsoft Windows Server environments.

AAP/EEO Statement

• Itasca Bank & Trust Co. is an Equal Opportunity and Aff

Other Duties

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.