The Director of IT Security is an executive-level leader responsible for the overall strategy, governance, and execution of the Green Plains cybersecurity program. This individual serves as the organization's primary subject matter expert on information security risk, with enterprise-wide accountability for protecting systems, data, and operations. The Director defines the strategic direction for cybersecurity, establishes governance frameworks aligned to NIST, ISO 27001, and CISA, and ensures a defensible, measurable, and audit-ready posture. This role provides regular reporting to executive leadership and the Audit Committee, translating technical risk into business impact and decision-ready insights.
The Director will also serve as a key enterprise leader in the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence. This role will guide how AI technologies are evaluated, implemented, governed, and scaled across Green Plains, ensuring they deliver business value while maintaining appropriate security, privacy, ethical, and compliance controls. Through education and leadership, this role enables a security-aware, risk-conscious, and AI-enabled culture across the organization.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:- Define and execute enterprise cybersecurity strategy aligned to business priorities
- Establish governance frameworks and policies aligned to NIST, ISO, and CISA
- Advise executive leadership and the Audit Committee on cybersecurity risk
- Own enterprise cyber risk framework including risk identification and acceptance
- Build and lead a high-performing security function
- Embed security into business processes and technology initiatives
- Oversee security monitoring, detection, and incident response
- Lead business continuity and disaster recovery planning
- Govern identity and access management, data protection, and sensitive data controls and access reviews
- Lead third-party risk management and compliance alignment
- Drive enterprise AI adoption to deliver measurable business value
- Establish AI governance, guardrails, and acceptable use standards
- Enable leaders and employees through education and guidance on ethical AI use
- Embed secure AI usage into workflows and decision-making
- Foster a security-aware and AI-enabled culture
- Communicate effectively across executive, business, and technical audiences
- Maintain certifications and continuing education
- Stay current with threats, AI risks, and regulations
- Provide direct oversight and targeted hands-on engagement in security operations, incident response activities, and enterprise risk mitigation efforts. Lead with presence and accountability during high-impact events and escalations.
Qualifications:- Required: CISSP (or equivalent), CISM or CRISC
- Preferred: CISA, CCSP
- 10+ years of progressive experience in IT, or cybersecurity, with demonstrated leadership of enterprise security programs in complex environments.
- Experience leading enterprise cybersecurity or IT security functions
- Strong executive communication and leadership presence
- Deep knowledge of security frameworks and regulatory requirements
- Experience in cloud, hybrid, and enterprise environments
- Experience in regulated or industrial environments preferred
Green Plains Inc. offers competitive pay: a generous benefit package including business casual work environment, health, dental, vision, life insurance, paid holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO) and a 401(k)-retirement plan with immediate vesting and company safe harbor matching. All potential employees of Green Plains Inc. will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check prior to employment.
