Associate CIO & Chief Information Security Officer

The ACIO/CISO will serve as a strategic leader responsible for building, implementing, and overseeing the university's information security program. This role is critical to establishing robust security policies, ensuring compliance, and preparing for future audits. The ACIO/CISO will also play a key part in succession planning, with the potential to serve as Interim CIO.

Key Responsibilities
• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive information security policies and procedures across the university's IT environment.
• Lead the creation of a security governance framework, addressing significant policy gaps and "policy debt."
• Oversee audit readiness and compliance, including preparation for anticipated external/state audits.
• Provide strategic direction to the IT security team, guiding technology adoption and prioritization.
• Collaborate with IT leadership (Networking, Academic Technology, Client Technology, Security) to ensure cross-functional alignment.
• Serve as a key advisor to the CIO and participate in succession planning, with the possibility of assuming Interim CIO responsibilities.
Ensure rapid incident response and onsite presence as needed.

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Required Skills & Experience
• Proven experience in information security leadership, preferably within higher education or similarly regulated environments.
• Demonstrated success in building security programs and policies from the ground up.
• Strong knowledge of security tools (e.g., Tenable) and the ability to direct teams in their effective use.
• Excellent executive communication, stakeholder management, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Ability to operate in a resource-constrained, collaborative environment.
• Willingness and ability to be fully onsite during onboarding and as needed thereafter.
Must reside within a two-hour radius of Asheville, NC, or be willing to relocate.


Benefit packages for this role will start on the 1st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.