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Interim Cio Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

WBCP, Inc.

Chief Information Officer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$243K - $296K/yr

Chief Information Officer County of Sonoma, California Santa Rosa, CA Annual Salary: $243,796 - $296,329 DOE/DOQ The County of Sonoma, California, is seeking a visionary and innovative Chief ...

WBCP, Inc.

Chief Information Officer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$243K - $296K/yr

The CIO oversees a strong leadership team of five, including an and four division directors, and administers a $60.4 million departmental budget. In this capacity, the CIO plays a critical role in ...

FHLB Des Moines

Chief Information Officer

La Mirada, CA · On-site

$260 - $380/hr

The CIO is responsible for shaping and executing an enterprise technology strategy that enables business growth, operational excellence, innovation, workforce productivity, and exceptional guest ...

Living Spaces

Chief Information Officer

La Mirada, CA · On-site

$200 - $260/hr

The CIO is responsible for shaping and executing an enterprise technology strategy that enables business growth, operational excellence, innovation, workforce productivity, and exceptional guest ...

Living Spaces

Chief Information Officer

La Mirada, CA · On-site

The CIO is responsible for shaping and executing an enterprise technology strategy that enables business growth, operational excellence, innovation, workforce productivity, and exceptional guest ...

Koitecc Solutions

Chief Information Officer

Monterey, CA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

ABOUT THE POSITION The City of Monterey is seeking an innovative and strategic technology leader to serve as its next Chief Information Officer (CIO). Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, the CIO ...

City of Monterey

Chief Information Officer

Monterey, CA · On-site

$182K - $222K/yr

The City of Monterey is seeking an innovative and strategic technology leader to serve as its next Chief Information Officer (CIO). Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, the CIO leads the ...

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Interim Cio information

See California salary details

$26

$65

$98

How much do interim cio jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for interim cio in California is $65.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51.01 and $77.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an interim CIO?

Interim CIOs are experienced information technology leaders hired temporarily to oversee and manage an organization's IT strategy and operations. They typically step in during periods of transition, such as when a permanent CIO is being recruited or when an organization needs immediate leadership to drive change or stabilize operations. Interim CIOs are responsible for maintaining business continuity, implementing critical projects, and ensuring that IT aligns with overall business goals. Their expertise allows organizations to navigate technology challenges efficiently until a permanent solution is in place.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an interim CIO?

To thrive as an Interim CIO, you need extensive experience in IT leadership, strategic planning, and a strong understanding of enterprise technology environments, typically supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with frameworks like ITIL, knowledge of cybersecurity, and proficiency in systems such as ERP, cloud platforms, and project management tools are important. Exceptional communication, change management, and stakeholder engagement skills help drive transformation and gain executive buy-in. These abilities ensure effective leadership, stability, and successful technology transitions during organizational change.

How does an interim CIO balance driving immediate IT improvements with preparing the organization for a permanent technology leader?

An Interim CIO is often brought in during periods of transition, merger, or crisis to provide stability and direction for the IT department. They focus on quickly assessing existing systems, identifying critical areas for improvement, and implementing short-term solutions that align with the organization's strategic goals. At the same time, they lay the groundwork for a seamless handover by documenting processes, building strong relationships with stakeholders, and ensuring transparency in decision-making. This dual focus helps maintain momentum while positioning the incoming permanent CIO for success.

What is the difference between Interim CIO vs IT Director?

AspectInterim CIOIT Director
CredentialsTypically requires extensive CIO-level experience, certifications like CISSP or CISM, and leadership in strategic IT planningUsually holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree in IT or related fields, with certifications like PMP or Cisco certifications
Work EnvironmentTemporary leadership role, often in organizations undergoing transition or digital transformationPermanent role managing ongoing IT operations and teams within an organization
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies needing short-term CIO expertise during leadership gaps or projectsCommonly employed as a long-term senior management position within organizations

The main difference is that an Interim CIO provides temporary, high-level strategic leadership during transitional periods, while an IT Director manages daily IT operations on a permanent basis. Both roles require strong IT knowledge, but the Interim CIO focuses on strategic initiatives and organizational change, whereas the IT Director handles ongoing management and implementation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cio jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cio jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Interim Cio jobs in California?

For Interim Cio jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Interim Cio jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Interim Cio jobs in California are:

Interim Cio jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interim Cio job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,096 per year, or $65.9 per hour.

Chief Information Officer

Wendi Brown Creative Partners

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$243K - $296K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Chief Information Officer

County of Sonoma, California

Santa Rosa, CA

Annual Salary: $243,796 – $296,329 DOE/DOQ

The County of Sonoma, California, is seeking a visionary and innovative Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead and advance its Information Systems Department. Reporting to the County Executive, this role provides strategic leadership for countywide technology services, guiding policy, governance, and long-term planning across a large, complex organization. The CIO oversees a strong leadership team of five, including an and four division directors, and administers a $60.4 million departmental budget. In this capacity, the CIO plays a critical role in strengthening IT governance, advancing enterprise-wide alignment, and leading ongoing efforts to consolidate systems and services to improve efficiency and reduce duplication, while delivering innovative, customer-focused technology solutions that support County operations and community services. This is a unique opportunity to build on a strong foundation and lead the County's continued evolution toward more integrated, efficient, and responsive technology systems. The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise along with the ability to build consensus across departments and serve as a trusted, collaborative partner. Guide the next evolution of technology in a forward-thinking County; apply today!

View the full recruitment brochure here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/c27132d5-08eb-4b24-b72e-01793d1bf4bf

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