Salary : $134,971.20 - $219,128.00 Annually
Location : 390 Robert St. N St. Paul, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Division: Regional Administration
Department: IS-Admin
Opening Date: 07/02/2026
Closing Date: 7/23/2026 11:59 PM Central

The Regional Administration Division is accepting applications for a Chief Information Services Security Officer.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Chief Information Services Security Officer (CISO) provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Council's enterprise-wide information security strategy. The CISO is responsible for safeguarding all digital assets and information systems from internal and external threats. The CISO aligns cybersecurity programs to organizational goals, ensuring that risk management, compliance, and awareness efforts are proactive, robust, and effectively integrated into business operations. The CISO also leads the information security team, ensuring operational readiness, collaboration across divisions, and continuous improvement of security posture. Acts on behalf of the CIO as needed.

People LeadershipThe CISO leads the Information Security team, ensuring high performance through clear expectations, accountability, and continuous learning. This leader cultivates a supportive, inclusive, and agile environment that embraces change and empowers staff to contribute their perspectives and challenge assumptions. Builds team capabilities by mentoring staff, developing future leaders, and promoting diversity and inclusion in hiring and development.

Strategic LeadershipDevelops a long-term vision and roadmap for cybersecurity aligned to the Council's digital strategy and public mission. Partners with the CIO and IS Leadership Team to shape strategy across the Information Services department. Provides guidance and decision-making leadership in IT governance, risk mitigation, architecture, and service continuity.

Business Partner EngagementServes as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and division leaders on matters of cybersecurity, privacy, and risk for all divisions. Builds collaborative relationships across the enterprise, including Legal, Compliance, HR, and Operations, to embed security best practices and ensure consistent execution of policies. Translates technical security concepts into business value and risk reduction terms.

Risk Management & Compliance
Oversees the design and enforcement of security policies and standards. Ensures compliance with regulatory and industry frameworks such as NIST, HIPAA, GDPR, CJIS, PCI-DSS, and ISO 27001. Leads vulnerability and risk assessments, mitigation strategies, and incident response processes. Establishes and monitors key risk indicators (KRIs) and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Security Operations & Program Leadership
Directs the implementation and operations of security technologies and tools, including threat detection, SIEM, endpoint protection, IAM, encryption, firewalls, and cloud security. Provides executive oversight of the incident response lifecycle, forensics investigations, and remediation activities. Continuously evaluates system resilience and recommends improvements.

Budget, Vendor, and Resource Leadership
Leads cybersecurity budgeting and financial planning to ensure efficient allocation of resources. Oversees vendor selection, contract negotiations, and vendor performance for cybersecurity services. Guides resource planning to align with strategic priorities and support operational execution.

Security Awareness & Organizational Culture
Promotes a security-first culture through education, training, and engagement. Develops awareness programs tailored to different user groups. Ensures that every staff member understands their security responsibilities. Collaborates with HR, Legal, and Communications to increase organizational maturity in handling sensitive data.
What you would do in this job

• Leads development and execution of the Council's enterprise security strategy and governance framework.
• Serves as an advisor to the CIO, executive leadership, and Council members on cybersecurity trends, risks, and performance.
• Builds and leads a high-performing Information Security team.
• Ensures compliance with data privacy and cybersecurity laws and frameworks.
• Evaluates emerging technologies, evolving threats, and recommend strategic improvements.
• Oversees incident response planning and execution, including forensics and root cause analysis.
• Develops and tracks service-level agreements (SLAs) and performance metrics.
• Builds relationships with peer agencies, government entities, and cybersecurity organizations.
• Prepares and presents risk reports and strategy updates to Council stakeholders.
• Manages cybersecurity audits, assessments, and third-party evaluations.
• Promotes an inclusive, diverse, and psychologically safe security work environment.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Education/Experience:
Any of the following combinations in completed education (degree in Information Security, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field) and experience (in cybersecurity/information security leadership roles).

• Master's degree with seven (7) years of experience including five (5) years directly managing professional staff.
• Bachelor's degree with nine (9) years of experience including five (5) years directly managing professional staff.
• Associate degree with eleven (11) years of experience including five (5) years directly managing professional staff.
• High school diploma/GED with thirteen (13) years of experience including five (5) years directly managing professional staff.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Master's degree.
• CISSP/CISM/CISA certifications.
• Experience and demonstrated ability to identify opportunities to integrate equity initiatives meaningfully into work products and processes.
• Knowledge of:
  • Regulatory frameworks: HIPAA, GDPR, FISMA, CJIS, NIST, PCI-DSS, ISO.
  • Risk management, threat detection, and mitigation techniques.
  • Cloud, hybrid, and on-prem infrastructure security.
  • Enterprise security tools, systems, and operations.
  • Cybersecurity operations, risk frameworks, compliance.
  • High conceptual and organizational understanding of how security underpins business operations.
• Skills in:
  • Strategic planning, budget development, and policy enforcement.
  • Communication and collaboration.
  • Project management and cross-functional team leadership.
  • Influencing across systems, divisions, and leadership.
• Ability to:
  • Lead change and drive cultural transformation.
  • Mentor, coach, and build inclusive teams.
  • Handle confidential data and investigations with discretion.
  • Apply complex, conceptual thinking to stay ahead of evolving threats, and balance compliance, user needs, and innovation.
  • Use adaptive thinking and sound judgement to lead under pressure.
  • Hold a high level of accountability for maintaining the Council's security posture, regulatory compliance, and public trust.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage and support staff in contributing to a dynamic work culture that improves the Council's ability to serve the region.
• We encourage and support staff in bringing the full range of experiences and identities that define them to the workplace.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

Additional information

Union/Grade: Non-Rep / Grade M
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No
Full Salary Range: $64.89 - $105.35 hourly / $134,971.20 - $219,128.00 annually

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with hybrid work flexibility.
• On-call availability required for security incidents or emergencies.
• High-stress, high-responsibility role involving fast-paced decision making.

The responsibilities listed are typical of the positions included in the job classification; however, not all duties are necessarily performed by each specific position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position. Regular attendance is an essential responsibility.

What steps the recruitment process involves:
1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make false statements or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:

• Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
• Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
• Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
• Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:

• Well@Work clinic
• bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
• parking at many job locations
• fitness centers at many job locations
• Employee Assistance Program
• extensive health and wellness programs and resources

01

Applicant Instructions: It is important that your application shows all relevant education and experience you possess. The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely, and please do not type "see resume." Otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attach a resume and/or cover letter to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step.I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions.

• Yes
• No

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How did you first hear about this job opening?

• CareerForce Center
• Community Event/Organization
• Employee Referral
• Facebook
• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Metro Transit Bus Advertisement
• X (formerly known as Twitter)
• Website: governmentjobs.com
• Website: metrocouncil.org
• Website: metrotransit.org
• Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com
• Other

03

If you selected 'Other', please describe where you first heard about this job. If you selected 'Employee Referral' please enter the employee's first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title.Type N/A if not applicable.
04

Please select the option below that reflects your education and experience level.

• Master's d