Job Description

Department

Information Services & Technology - Chief Information Security Officer

Hours per week

-

Posted date

August 8, 2025

Closing date

Will remain open until filled.

Position Type

Full Time - Operating Funded

Description

---------------

The University of Alberta has engaged DHR International Canada Inc. to manage this search. To explore this exciting opportunity further, please contact or submit your resume to

uofaciso@dhrglobal.com

. This position will remain open until the position is filled.

This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.


In accordance with the Handbook of Terms and Conditions of Employment for Management and Professional Staff (Excluded), this position has a comprehensive benefits package which will be commensurate with qualifications.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of the Nehiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Metis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Metis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Metis and Inuit nations.


The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.


Your work will have a meaningful influence on a vibrant cross-section of people -- from our students and community members, to our academic colleagues who play an important role in critical analysis, knowledge production, connecting with communities, and creative production.


We build the university of tomorrow for the students who are seeking and strengthening their purpose. For the educators and researchers who pursue their purpose in the lab and share it in the classroom - and around the world. For our alumni and partners who work for the greater good in our communities. We uphold and advance the commitments outlined in Braiding Past, Present and Future by working alongside and in partnership with all members of the university community. We foster belonging and meaningful access by taking up actions in Changing the Story, weaving together a tapestry of backgrounds and cultures that strengthens us through our shared experiences and connections.


Under the leadership of the University's 14th President and Vice Chancellor, Bill Flanagan, the University of Alberta continues to move forward with purpose as one of the world's most respected public universities. At its foundation lie talented people - students, faculty, and staff - who with their creativity, ingenuity and drive, join in advancing human knowledge and pursuing scientific discovery for the benefit of all. We celebrate creativity, a wide range of perspectives and experiences, perseverance, and a spirit of collaboration that enables people to thrive through shared learning and mutual support.


Moving forward, we make this simple, but vital promise:

We, the University of Alberta, will never be satisfied with the "now." We will always be seeking, always be challenging and, most of all, always be leading.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), Associate Vice-President of Information Services & Technology (IST), the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) provides leadership to discrete functions, operations, programs or services within the cybersecurity and IT compliance areas of the university. Directors are expected to generate excitement, engagement, support and momentum for their area's initiatives. As leaders, they straddle the worlds of operational and strategic leadership, translating strategic vision into operational/action plans for their staff.


The CISO leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive security strategy to safeguard University assets, information, and infrastructure. This role operates within a complex academic environment, supporting institutional goals while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and emerging security threats. The University of Alberta is an internationally recognized institution and with extensive research programs and as such this role will need to understand regional, national and international cybersecurity policies and trends.

Key Accountabilities

Leader (Operations/Program/Service):

Develop, analyze, oversee, and continuously improve the information architecture and framework that will inform IT solutions and support the organization's goals and service needs; Execute a comprehensive, clear IT strategy that exhibits effective planning and ensures agility; Establish enterprise resource planning and a comprehensive IT roadmap which supports maturing the central IT function, services, and partnerships; Lead the university's strategic adoption and integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies; Collaborate with other leaders to identify opportunities to innovate service delivery, develop information capabilities, and improve operational performance and processes; Oversee IT infrastructure, security, and software development ensuring cost effectiveness, efficiency, integration, security, accessibility, and sustainability; In collaboration with university partners, lead investigations into real and potential IT threats and breaches; Track, analyze, and monitor technology performance metrics to continually improve performance outcomes and deliverables; Provide senior leadership and expertise in the development of information technology policies and procedures; and Oversee the development and project management of new applications and tools for existing systems and processes.
Strategic Influencer:

Contributes expertise and insight to the development of university, portfolio and area strategies; Champions the development of proactive strategies or initiatives. Educates the university on emerging trends in cyber security and IT compliance; anticipates impacts of these trends on future service delivery and addresses any workforce planning requirements; Provides comprehensive advice, recommendations and perspectives on current organizational activities and issues related to cyber security and IT compliance; The CISO should be visible and engaged across campus, participating in committees, town halls, and student/faculty initiatives; and Works collaboratively with colleagues to identify joint objectives and initiatives.
Innovator:

Proactively identifies the need for change within one's own area. Searches beyond own area and the university for new methods, trends and innovative approaches. Challenges the status quo. Develops, tests, and delivers new methods or approaches; Creates a safe environment that supports taking responsible risks and learns from setbacks and mistakes; Champions change and innovation; anticipates barriers to the flow of new ideas; proactively addresses issues and resistance; and Demonstrates resilience and positivity in an environment which may present resistance to innovation and change.
Issue Resolver:

Analyses complex situations to find solutions. Gathers, interprets, synthesizes and evaluates information from a wide range of sources and perspectives. Reasons critically and thinks conceptually based on a thorough understanding of the context; Champions innovative and novel solutions to support the cyber security and IT compliance needs of the university; and Creates practical and pragmatic solutions that are reasonable to implement. Engage others, including functional experts, in collaborative problem solving when necessary.
Communicator:

Demonstrates persuasive, engaging, clear and credible communication to gain support and commitment in varied situations from a wide variety of audiences; Demonstrates flexibility in approach and language use when delivering to varied audiences (e.g. use of examples, analogies, storytelling); Skillfully handles complex, on-the-spot questions from audiences. Addresses any conflict with well-considered responses. Communicates strategically, considering optimal timing, style, channel, medium and form of communication; Ensures communication plans are developed for area initiatives and implemented so stakeholders are informed in a timely, consistent and accurate manner.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Management Information Science or related field. Professional Certification (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CISA, CRISC) is desirable.

Experience:

Minimum 8-10 years in IT and information security, including incident response, in a higher education environment preferred. 5+ years of progressive people management experience Demonstrated success in leading security programs in complex organizations. Familiarity with higher education IT environments and research data security. Experience developing and executing multi-year security roadmaps. Deep knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, CIS Controls). Experience with risk assessment, incident response, and compliance (e.g., FIPPA, GDPR, PCI-DSS). Experience working with governance bodies, faculty, and student groups. Experience working within shared governance models and respecting academic decision-making processes.


At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.


We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.



All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms--physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of inclusivity and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.



The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.



L'Universite de l'Alberta s'engage a creer une communaute universitaire ou chaque personne se sent valorisee, ou les obstacles a la reussite sont elimines et ou des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se developper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiees. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premieres nations, Metis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapees; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identite et une expression sexospecifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.



Applications for this posting should be emailed to uofaciso@dhrglobal.com