Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Executive Director of Cybersecurity and Privacy

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools • $110K — $130K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, information security, or a related field
  • 5+ years of experience in cybersecurity or information technology preferred
  • Experience directing cybersecurity audits and risk assessments
  • Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or CISA preferred
  • Familiarity with NIST Cybersecurity Framework and best practices

Responsibilities

  • Lead and evaluate cybersecurity programs and staff within the district
  • Develop and monitor security policies, procedures, and compliance
  • Oversee incident response, identity management, and risk assessments
  • Conduct vendor data-privacy reviews and ensure compliance
  • Implement and evaluate cybersecurity products and technologies

Benefits

  • Full-time position with a 12-month term
  • Normal workplace in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • Ability to make significant decisions impacting cybersecurity operations
  • Potential for collaborative work environment across departments
Full Job Description
Non Instructional/Support Services - Position - Other



Start Date

Open Date 09/25/2026

Closing Date 10/25/2026

General Definition of Work

The executive director of cybersecurity and privacy, under minimal supervision, performs senior-level work with extensive decision-making discretion applying advanced subject matter knowledge and operational oversight of the district's cybersecurity program and data privacy operations. Position develops, implements, and monitors security policies, procedures and controls; and ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. Oversees identity and access management, incident response, cybersecurity technologies, risk assessments, audits, and data privacy reviews to protect district information assets and systems. Employee performs advanced and supervisory work to carry out the Board of Education policies and procedures under the direction of the Cybersecurity Officer.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary/Status

Pay Grade 11/Full-time, 12 months

Reports To

Cybersecurity Officer

Place of Work

The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.

Essential Functions
  • Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
  • Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
  • Lead, manage, supervise, and evaluate assigned programs/staff in the district
  • Collaborate on and support cybersecurity strategic planning, policy development, incident response planning, and threat and risk analysis
  • Oversee identity and access management security across the district's identity platforms, including security monitoring and incident response, conditional access and privileged access controls, risk-based authentication, and account and session security
  • Conduct vendor data-privacy reviews and ed-tech application vetting to ensure compliance with student data privacy laws and district privacy standards
  • Investigate, analyze, and formulate methods for handling special projects and reports
  • Partner with the Cybersecurity Officer to develop and maintain district-wide cybersecurity policies, standards, and procedures aligned with Board policy and industry frameworks (e.g., NIST CSF)
  • Direct day-to-day execution of the district's cybersecurity incident response plans and playbooks, including investigation, containment, remediation, and reporting
  • Oversee the day-to-day evaluation, piloting, and implementation of cybersecurity products and technologies (e.g., SIEM/SOAR, endpoint detection and response) identified through strategic planning
  • Oversee required cybersecurity audits, vulnerability assessments, and compliance reviews, including security control documentation and remediation tracking
  • Coordinate with other departments on disaster and contingency emergency management planning
  • Ensure adherence to security, privacy, and intellectual property laws across the cybersecurity program
  • Participate in the development and administration of the department budget
  • Oversee creation and maintenance of standard operating procedures, best practices, and playbooks across cybersecurity and privacy functions
  • Facilitate/participate in professional development and related meetings
  • Complete local, state, or federal surveys and reports accurately and promptly, including cybersecurity compliance reporting
  • Create an inclusive environment with positive communication/public relations
  • Perform related work as assigned or required


Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • Comprehensive in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity principles, frameworks, threats, and best practices, and their application to incident response, risk management, and policy development
  • Comprehensive knowledge of enterprise IT infrastructure and identity and access management security controls sufficient to oversee day-to-day cybersecurity operations
  • Comprehensive knowledge of vendor data-privacy review and ed-tech application vetting, including compliance with student data privacy laws
  • Skilled in SIEM/SOAR technologies, incident response, and security audit and compliance processes
  • Ability to serve as a thought partner and subject matter expert to the Cybersecurity Officer on strategy, policy, and incident response planning, and to translate direction into day-to-day execution for cybersecurity office staff
  • Skilled in evaluating, selecting, and implementing cybersecurity and identity security technologies aligned with district goals
  • Ability to supervise cybersecurity office staff, manage a departmental budget, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations
  • Strong judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; ability to work independently under pressure
  • Effective communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to maintain confidentiality and evaluate program effectiveness


# of Jobs 1.00

Teacher Scale N

Minimum Educational Requirements Bachelors

Term 12 Month

Additional Job Information

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, information security, computer science, information systems, or a related field required
  • Prior experience directing cybersecurity audits, risk assessments, and remediation efforts required
  • Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in cybersecurity or information technology preferred
  • Professional certifications (CISSP, CISM, CISA, etc.) preferred
  • Experience with cybersecurity standards, frameworks, and best practices, including NIST CSF preferred
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience


Special Requirements
  • Possess and maintain a valid driver's license or ability to provide own transportation
  • Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings


Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
  • Work requires the occasional exertion of up to twenty pounds of force
  • Work regularly requires the exchange of accurate and detailed information through oral and written communication
  • Constantly operates a computer and other office business equipment
  • Ability to remain in stationary position for required meetings/work
  • Ability to move to other work locations
  • Visual acuity requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities
  • Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications
  • Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating standard office equipment, and use of advanced technology
  • Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions
  • Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g., business office, light traffic)
  • Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions
  • Must be adaptable to performing under mild to high levels of stress
  • Must be on-call as a regular part of the job


Disclaimer

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this job. Job description is sourced from employee interviews, internal documents, representative job descriptions in similar districts, and other state/federal agencies.

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About Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) is a public school system in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is the second-largest school district in North Carolina and the 17th largest in the United States. CMS serves over 147,000 students in grades Pre-K through 12 and employs over 19,000 people, making it one of the largest employers in the Charlotte area. The district operates 176 schools, including 89 elementary schools, 34 middle schools, 29 high schools, and 24 alternative and special schools. CMS is committed to providing all students with a high-quality education that prepares them for college, career, and life.
Learn more about Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
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