IT Security Director

Information Technology Services

Lead the College's Cybersecurity Program

The Citadel is seeking an experienced IT Security Director to lead and strengthen the institution's cybersecurity program. This position is responsible for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the college's information systems and data through proactive security monitoring, risk management, security architecture, compliance initiatives, and campus-wide cybersecurity awareness.

The IT Security Director serves as the institution's cybersecurity subject matter expert, working collaboratively with Information Technology Services and campus leadership to identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks while supporting the college's academic, administrative, and research missions.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Chief Information Officer, the IT Security Director provides leadership for enterprise cybersecurity operations, security strategy, risk management, and compliance. This position develops and implements security controls, investigates security incidents, oversees security awareness initiatives, and partners with campus stakeholders to ensure a secure technology environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the college's information security and cyber risk management program.
• Monitor and respond to cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and security incidents.
• Conduct security investigations and identify root causes of security events.
• Develop and implement security policies, standards, and best practices.
• Perform enterprise risk assessments and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Oversee security controls for on-premises infrastructure, cloud services, applications, and network environments.
• Ensure compliance with state, federal, and institutional cybersecurity requirements.
• Develop and maintain cybersecurity documentation, procedures, and technical standards.
• Manage the college's cybersecurity awareness and training program, including phishing simulations and user education initiatives.
• Provide weekly cybersecurity and security awareness training metrics to college leadership, including vulnerability status, threat activity, incident trends, phishing campaign results, compliance metrics, and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with campus departments to improve the institution's overall security posture.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree on a year-for-year basis.
• Progressive experience in information technology with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity.
• Experience implementing enterprise security controls, risk management, incident response, and security monitoring.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading information security programs within higher education, government, or other complex organizations.
• Knowledge of cloud security, vulnerability management, security monitoring, regulatory compliance, and security frameworks such as NIST or CIS.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical concepts, security risks, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
Experience developing cybersecurity strategies, policies, incident response procedures, and security awareness programs.
• Project management experience and the ability to lead cross-functional technology initiatives.
• CISSP certification (or equivalent professional cybersecurity certification) preferred.

Benefits of Working at The Citadel

• Extensive Health Plans
• Great Retirement Options
• Tuition Waiver Program
• Tuition Exchange Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Discounts
• Isle of Palms Beach Club
• Swain Family Boat Center
• Community Service Opportunities
• Read more about our benefits, on our HR website

About The Citadel College

The Citadel, also known as the Military College of South Carolina, is a public senior military college located in Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1842, The Citadel has a rich history and educational reputation. With our current location on the banks of the Ashley River in downtown Charleston, you are close to great restaurants, shopping and much more. Ranked #1 Public College in the South (U.S. News & World Report, 2022) for schools with up to a master’s degree, the opportunities are endless.

There are about 2,300 undergraduate students who make up the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. Out of the Corps of Cadets, 1 out of 3 graduates earn a military commission. Students can choose from 31 Majors, 57 Minors, pre-health professions, and pre-law (a concentration in political science). The 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio guarantees students a quality education. Another 1,000 students attend the Graduate College, evening and online programs.