Senior Executive Director - Cybersecurity

About the role

Senior Executive Director - Cybersecurity      Reports to: Deputy Superintendent - District Operations Salary: $180,000-$195,000 Pay Grade: 1003 Duty Days: 239 FLSA Status: Exempt PC#: 26536 POSITION PURPOSE The Senior Executive Director, under the supervision of the Deputy Superintendent of Operations, provides senior technical leadership, governance, and strategic oversight for the District's Cybersecurity, IT Infrastructure, and IT Support Services domains. This position is responsible for ensuring the security, reliability, availability, and performance of the technology systems and services that support teaching, learning, and business operations across the District.  The role establishes technology vision, architectural direction, infrastructure standards, cybersecurity frameworks, and long-range technology roadmaps to ensure a secure, scalable, and resilient technology environment.  Serving as a trusted advisor and strategic partner, the Senior Executive Director advances student-centered and customerfocused technology solutions that foster innovation, operational excellence, and informed decision-making. The position ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations while promoting effective stewardship of technology resources and the responsible use of emerging technologies.   ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Strategic Technology Leadership  Oversees technology team in the areas of Cybersecurity, IT Infrastructure, and IT Support, while supporting all other teams within the Technology Division from a Cybersecurity perspective. Develops and implement a comprehensive technology strategy encompassing cybersecurity, infrastructure, and technical support services Provide executive leadership for enterprise technology operations, ensuring reliable and secure technology services across all District facilities. Advises District leadership regarding technology investments, cybersecurity risks, infrastructure modernization, and operational priorities. Facilitates communication across the District and the technology office by co-leading all-hands and department leadership meetings with the Senior Executive Director of Business Systems. Oversees budgets and project timelines across areas of supervision. Serves as coach and mentor to direct reports on a Service Leadership mindset and culture. Leads technology resource planning, procurement, vendor management and capacity planning across areas of supervision. Manages, directs, and assigns priorities and personnel to major projects to ensure attainment of district and department goals and objectives. Coordinates development, refinement, and execution of the District Strategic Technology Plan, involving all stakeholders, setting timelines for evaluation, application development, and deployment of all districtwide technologies. Provides direction for business continuity, disaster recovery, and operational excellence. Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the area of information management and technology.  Budget & Inventory  Develops and administers operating and capital budgets for cybersecurity, infrastructure, and support services. Manages vendor relationships, contracts, licensing agreements, and technology service providers. Evaluates and recommends technology solutions that align with District priorities and financial objectives. Oversees coordination of the purchase for computer hardware, software, and supplies with purchase orders and bids in accordance with budgetary limitations and District policies while ensuring effective stewardship of District resources. Cyber Security Strategic Leadership  Establishes and maintains enterprise-wide information security programs to ensure that information assets are protected across multiple locations. Provides strategic guidance to senior management on technology strategy, Cybersecurity, Data Governance, AI adoption, and E-Rate optimization. Develops and executes a robust enterprise technology strategy with explicit ownership of Cybersecurity, Data Governance, AI, and E-Rate aligned with district educational goals and industry best practices. Develops, implements, and monitors a comprehensive IT strategy and risk management program that includes dedicated programs for Cybersecurity, Data Governance, AI governance/ethics, and E-Rate compliance/funding. Provides strategic risk guidance for IT projects from a security standpoint, including the evaluation and recommendation of technical controls. Develops, implements, and monitors a strategic, comprehensive enterprise information security and IT risk management program to ensure that the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information is owned, controlled, or processed by the organization. Develops, maintains, and publishes up-to-date information security policies, standards, and guidelines. Develops new process designs and technology platform strategies supporting the program.  Risk Management  Identifies, assesses, and prioritizes IT risks with primary focus on Cybersecurity, Data Governance risks, AI related risks (bias, ethics, security), and E-Rate compliance risks; develops proactive measures to mitigate potential threats. Collaborates with executive leadership to determine acceptable levels of risk for the organization. Leads the organization through testing and execution of effective incident response procedures. Defines and facilitates the information security risk assessment process, including the reporting and oversight of treatment efforts to address negative findings. Creates, communicates, and implements a risk-based process for vendor risk management, including the assessment and treatment for risks that may result from partners, consultants, and other service providers. Leads regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments. Collaborates with team and vendors to remediate vulnerabilities and enhance security posture. Develops and oversees district-wide training and awareness programs covering Cybersecurity, Data Governance, Responsible AI use, and E-Rate compliance for staff, students, and administrators.  Incident Response and Investigation  Develops and leads comprehensive incident response plans that encompass Cybersecurity incidents, data governance breaches, AI system failures, and E-Rate-related compliance incidents. Ensures the district is prepared to continue functioning in the event of a cybersecurity attack or a natural disaster. Conducts investigations into security incidents and breaches, providing detailed reports and recommendations for improvement. Manages security incidents and events to protect IT assets, including intellectual property, regulated data, and the district's reputation.  Technical Support & Service Delivery  Develop and monitor service-level agreements (SLAs), customer satisfaction metrics, and operational performance indicators. Lead efforts to improve service delivery through automation, process improvement, and operational efficiencies. Promote a customer-service culture focused on responsiveness, communication, and continuous improvement.  Enterprise Architecture and IT Governance Standards  Leads design and evolution of the enterprise technical framework with direct oversight of Data Governance (Information Architecture), AI strategy & architecture (Technical/Solutions Architecture), Cybersecurity (Security Architecture), and E-Rate program integration. Establishes enterprise technology direction, standards, and guidelines. Develops future-state technical roadmap that prioritizes secure data practices, responsible AI implementation, and maximized E-Rate funding for connectivity and infrastructure. Develops business-relevant metrics to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of the security programs, facilitates appropriate resource allocation, and increases the maturity of these programs. Facilitates adoption of enterprise technology direction across IT teams through the development of new software and hardware applications. Establishes strong strategic partnerships with key IT and business leadership, providing appropriate influence on technology related items. Collaborates with Technology engineers to develop project blueprints and facilitates the execution of those projects.  Compliance and Regulation  Ensures that programs for Cybersecurity, Data Governance, AI ethics/governance, and E-Rate fully comply with local, state, federal laws and regulations (including FCC E-Rate rules, FERPA, COPPA, etc.). Provides regular reporting on the status of the information security program to enterprise risk teams, senior business and IT leaders, and the audit committee as part of a strategic enterprise risk management program. Identifies, evaluates, and reports on information security risks in a way that meets compliance and regulatory (local, state and federal) requirements and aligns with and supports the enterprise's risk posture.  Safety Performs preventive maintenance on tools and equipment and ensures equipment is in safe operating condition. Follows established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties including lifting and climbing; operates tools and equipment according to established safety procedures. Corrects unsafe conditions in work area and promptly reports any conditions that are not immediately correctable to supervisor.   SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Selects, trains, supervises, and evaluates staff, and makes recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.   PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the District's mission, vision, and strategic goals. Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic. Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer. Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and acts as a team player; promotes teamwork; responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations.   OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED Performs all job-related duties as assigned and in accordance to the Board rules, policies and regulations.  All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.   KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of Cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, CIS, etc.), Data Governance frameworks (DAMA, etc.), AI governance/ethics (responsible AI, bias mitigation), and E-Rate program rules, application processes, and funding maximization. Knowledge of K-12 educational technology, emerging AI applications in education, and federal funding programs. Knowledge of information security and enterprise risk management methodologies. Knowledge of business continuity and disaster recovery management.   Knowledge of District policies, procedures, and regulations. Knowledge and understanding of relevant local, state, and federal legal and regulatory requirements. Knowledge of best practices in administration, program evaluation, and staff supervision. Knowledge of budgets and budgeting processes for both local and federal funds and experience in developing and managing central or campus budgets. Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans. Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. Skill in written and oral communication skills including ability to interact with and influence all levels of district service center and campus staff. Ability to develop information security policies and procedures and execute programs that meet the objectives of excellence in a dynamic environment. Ability to articulate technical, security, and risk-related issues in a concise manner. Ability to create a comprehensive short- and long-term strategy for the district's portfolio management, school improvement, talent development, and other functions. Ability to analyze, synthesize, and interpret data, to summarize for technical and non-technical employees and senior management. Ability to analyze and assess the impact of change on employees and develop plans to address issues. Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions. Ability to establish program goals and objectives that support the strategic plan. Ability to work in a team environment, to capitalize on the strengths of team members, and to guide team members toward the accomplishment of a common goal. Ability to organize and coordinate work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and proactively resolve issues. Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure. Ability to exercise discretion regarding matters of a sensitive or confidential nature. Ability to prepare oral or written communications, such as presentations, reports, memoranda, letters, grant proposals, and other documents. Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.   TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.    PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS, WORK HAZARDS Tools/Equipment Used:  Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals. Posture:  Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting. Motion:  Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching. Lifting:  Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds). Environment:  Works in an office setting; occasionally requires irregular and/or prolonged hours. Attendance:  Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position. Mental Demands:  Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.   MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Education: Bachelor's degree from accredited college or university required;  Master's degree from accredited college or university in a related field preferred. Certification/License: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) preferred. Experience: 10 years of progressively responsible experience in technology leading policy and technology initiatives;  Experience must include: Cybersecurity, data governance, and E-Rate (or equivalent federal funding programs);  - Leading enterprise-scale infrastructure, cybersecurity, and support operations in a large, complex organization.  - Managing technology at multiple sites in a large organization;  - K-12 experience in a public education setting preferred.   This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.