Department: Office of the Chief Technology Officer
General Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in computer science, information security, cybersecurity, or a related field from an accredited institution. Five years of experience in cybersecurity or information security, with at least 2 years in leadership or director-level role in any Information Technology field. Experience managing a team of cybersecurity analysts is strongly preferred. Security professional-level certification (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CISA, OSCP) is required; additional security certifications are highly desirable, as in Security+, CEH, or CCSP certifications. Relevant experience in a large state institution of higher education is desirable. Additional education may be considered in lieu of experience.
Nature & Purpose of Position/Usual Duties:
Performs highly advanced or managerial (senior-level) cybersecurity analysis work providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and planning. Oversees the prevention of data breaches and the monitoring of and reacting to cyber-related attacks. Directs the analysis and assessment of vulnerabilities in the infrastructure, investigate available tools and countermeasures to remedy the detected vulnerabilities, and recommend solutions and best practices. Provides leadership and guidance to staff, ensuring best practices in cybersecurity are followed and continuously improved.
Primary Responsibilities (Staff Positions Only):
Develops and implements the strategic vision for Information Security, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Directs the deployment of cybersecurity infrastructure and protects critical infrastructure services. Directs and/or conducts research related to cybersecurity trends and technology; and evaluates cybersecurity trends, tools, and techniques for potential application to infrastructure and research areas. Oversees cybersecurity management initiatives by continuously evaluating and improving cybersecurity analysis processes, tools, and methodologies. Oversees detection activities and advises on cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. Oversees the initiation, implementation, and development of incident response plans and recovery programs; the evaluation and obtainment of forensics tools; the review of intrusion and misuse detection reports; and the guidance for corrective action. Develops and implements appropriate safeguards to ensure system resiliency. Develops cybersecurity awareness training programs for employees, contractors, and users; and facilitates cyber preparedness exercises. Acts as a point of escalation for issues, oversees governance and reporting mechanisms, and drives process improvements to enhance efficiency. Promotes innovative practices and represents Information Security in strategic discussions. Provides leadership, vision, and management to a department. Develops activities, policies, procedures, and departmental culture that facilities, promotes, and sustains collaboration with the campus community. Develops, documents, and implements internal control policies, standards, and procedures to ensure fiscal, regulatory, confidentiality, and security accountability. Responsible for organizing, planning, and evaluating personnel, work assignments, supervision, training, and technical direction of staff. Evaluates programs and services to identify areas of strengths and necessary improvements. Develops strategies and processes to optimize operations for the department. Ensures compliance with applicable state and federal laws, University policy and divisional directives. Directs day-to-day operations of cybersecurity department. Provides accurate and timely reports to professional staff. Makes decisions about objectives, operating procedures, and policies. Responsible for the department administration, including budget preparation and control. Serves on committees as requested. Performs other related duties as assigned.
About Sam Houston State University
For more than 140 years, Sam Houston State University has been preparing students for meaningful lives of achievement. Its motto, "The measure of a Life is its Service," resonates among its 22,000 students, eight colleges and well beyond its historical roots through research, creative endeavors, service learning, volunteering and more.
SHSU is an inclusive institution whose mission is to provide high quality education, scholarship, and service to students. With over 90 bachelor degrees, 50 master’s, and 11 doctoral programs—including the nation’s first Ph.D. in forensic science, SHSU provides an exceptional college experience for every student: traditional or non-traditional; first generation; international; or online.
Service to self and others is paramount at SHSU and reflected in all university organizations and programs. In fact, the university was named to USA Today’s Top 50 in the U.S. for “commitment to civic engagement and global awareness,” in addition to being classified a "Community Engaged Campus" by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. This honor, bestowed to only 311 public institutions nationwide, acknowledges th...e university's significant commitment to service.
Sam Houston State University has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging, although just an hour drive north of Houston.
SHSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity or expression. Sam Houston State University is an "at will" employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code § 51.215. SHSU is committed to promoting a campus culture that embraces diversity and inclusion. The University acknowledges and values our responsibility to cultivate an equitable and inclusive environment where students, faculty, staff, and community recognize the benefits of collaboration and mutual respect through diverse identities and experiences.
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