Director of Information Security

Hybrid Details: Onsite 3 days/week

Job Description:
The organization is seeking a visionary Director of Information Security to lead our cybersecurity program and safeguard the university’s technology, data, and research mission. This is a rare opportunity to shape institution-wide security strategy, balance innovation with protection, and collaborate directly with senior leadership, faculty, and researchers.

As Director, you will oversee cybersecurity operations, risk management, compliance, and awareness programs, ensuring the organization maintains a strong, resilient, and compliant security posture. You will lead a talented team of security professionals, drive adoption of best practices and frameworks, and serve as a trusted advisor to the Board, executive leadership, and campus stakeholders.

What You Will Do:

• Lead the Information Security Program: Develop, implement, and manage policies, governance, and risk management programs that protect the university’s digital assets and data.
• Drive Cybersecurity Operations & Resilience: Monitor threats, manage vulnerabilities, and oversee incident response and business continuity planning.
• Ensure Compliance & Vendor Security: Support regulatory adherence (FERPA, GLBA, federal research mandates) and manage third-party risk assessments.
• Engage Campus Partners: Advise leadership, faculty, researchers, and staff on security risks, emerging threats, and mitigation strategies.
• Promote Security Awareness: Build a culture of cybersecurity through training, outreach, and community engagement.

Why us?

• Lead security for a top-tier research institute committed to innovation and openness.
• Influence institutional risk posture while supporting academic freedom and research excellence.
• Collaborate across a dynamic, mission-driven campus with committed colleagues.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• 8+ years of information security experience with 3–5 years in supervisory roles.
• Expertise in cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, CIS), compliance requirements, risk management, and incident response.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to balance mission and security priorities.

Talent Groups is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics. The listed compensation range represents a good-faith estimate and may vary based on experience, skills, education, certifications, market conditions, client budget, and location, in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws.