Associate Director, Information Security

Algonquin College; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work eligibility

Professional development

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Algonquin College is seeking an exceptional information security leader to join as Associate Director, Information Security. Reporting to the Chief Digital Officer, you will guide governance, risk management, and security operations while advising senior leadership and the Board.

You will drive enterprise cybersecurity strategy, policies, and compliance across a complex higher-ed environment, shaping resilience and enabling trusted technology.

Qualifications

• Nine years of progressively responsible experience in cybersecurity or related field.
• Experience leading enterprise cybersecurity programs, initiatives, and teams.
• Experience in governance, risk management, security operations, incident response, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise cybersecurity strategy, governance, and risk management.
• Advance security operations, incident response, and organizational resilience.
• Build strategic partnerships and advise senior leadership on cybersecurity investments.

Skills

Cybersecurity leadership

Governance

Risk management

Incident response

Executive communication

Education

Four-year degree in Cybersecurity or related field

CISSP/CISM/CRISC/CISA designation

Tools

Security monitoring platforms

Cloud security

Job description

Please Note: If you are a current Algonquin College employee, apply to this job via the Workday application.

Department: Information Technology Services

Position Type: Full-Time Administrative

Salary Range: $119,680.00-$159,570.00-Annual

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

Anticipated Start Date: November 16, 2026

Length of Contract: n/a

Posting Information This job posting is now accepting applications from all qualified individuals.

Posting Closing Date: October 21, 2026

Please note: jobs are posted until 11:59 pm on the job closing date.

Land Acknowledgment

Algonquin College campuses in Ottawa and Pembroke are located on the traditional unceded, and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People. The Algonquin People have inhabited and cared for these lands since time immemorial. We take this time to express our gratitude and respect to them and to the land for all that it has provided and will continue to provide.

Job Description

Help Secure the Future of Education at Algonquin College | Join Algonquin College: A Forbes Best Employer (2026), Recognized for an Exceptional Workplace Culture and Named One of Canada's Best Employers for Diversity

There has never been a more important time to lead information security in higher education. As technology continues to transform how we teach, learn, work, and connect, the cybersecurity landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Institutions face increasingly complex threats that require strong leadership, strategic foresight, and a proactive approach to risk management. At Algonquin College, we're embracing digital transformation while protecting the information, systems, and services that support our learners, employees, and communities. We are seeking an exceptional information security leader to join our team as Associate Director, Information Security. This is more than an information security leadership role. It is an opportunity to shape enterprise strategy, influence institutional decision-making, strengthen organizational resilience, and help enable innovation through secure and trusted technology solutions. Reporting to the Chief Digital Officer, you will provide strategic leadership for the College's cybersecurity program, overseeing governance, risk management, security operations, incident response, compliance, and cybersecurity awareness while serving as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and the Board of Governors.

As our Associate Director, Information Security, you'll play a critical role in protecting the College's digital future while helping advance one of Canada's leading post-secondary institutions.

What You'll Be Doing

Lead Enterprise Cybersecurity Strategy & Governance

• Lead the College's cybersecurity strategy, governance, and risk management framework.
• Advise senior leaders on cybersecurity risks, priorities, and emerging threats.
• Provide cybersecurity reporting and guidance to leadership and governance bodies.

Strengthen Cybersecurity Operations & Organizational Resilience

• Lead cybersecurity operations, incident response, and enterprise security services.
• Strengthen organizational resilience through risk mitigation, recovery planning, and emergency response.
• Embed cybersecurity practices across technology services, projects, and digital initiatives.

Advance Compliance, Risk Management & Continuous Improvement

• Establish cybersecurity policies, standards, and compliance frameworks.
• Lead audits, assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide oversight of technology risk, security controls, and regulatory compliance.

Build Strategic Partnership & Serve as Trusted Advisor

• Build strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to advance cybersecurity objectives.
• Foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness, accountability, and risk-informed decision-making.
• Translate complex cybersecurity risks into actionable business recommendations and represent the College in relevant industry forums.

Required Qualifications

Education & Credentials

• A minimum four-year degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business Technology Management, or a related discipline
• A recognized cybersecurity or information security designation such as: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Experience

• Nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in cybersecurity, information security, technology risk management, or a related field
• Significant experience leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity programs, initiatives, and teams
• Extensive experience developing, implementing, and managing cybersecurity programs within a complex organization
• Experience in cybersecurity governance, risk management, security operations, incident response, vulnerability management, and technology risk assessment
• Experience advising senior leaders and governance bodies on cybersecurity risks, mitigation strategies, and investment priorities
• Experience managing cybersecurity projects, operating budgets, vendor relationships, and contracted services
• Experience leading security investigations, incident response activities, and recovery efforts
• Experience conducting security reviews, audits, risk assessments, and compliance-related activities
• Experience building collaborative partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups

Key Qualifications Include

• Advanced knowledge of cybersecurity governance, risk management, security operations, incident response, and information security controls
• Demonstrated expertise developing cybersecurity strategies, policies, standards, and enterprise security programs
• Thorough understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, regulatory requirements, industry standards, and leading practices
• Knowledge of cloud security, network security, identity and access management, security monitoring technologies, disaster recovery planning, and business continuity practices
• Strong analytical and risk assessment skills with the ability to evaluate complex threats and business impacts
• Proven leadership, change management, and project management capabilities
• Exceptional communication and executive presentation skills
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Strong consultation, negotiation, and relationship management skills
• Experience with enterprise cybersecurity technologies, security monitoring platforms, risk management tools, and compliance reporting solutions

Ready to Help Protect and Enable the Future of Algonquin College?

Join us in helping create a safer, stronger, and more digitally secure future for our College community.

• This position is paid at Payband 13

• Vacancy is for P02099

This position is eligible for hybrid work, with a minimum 3 days onsite, in conjunction with the College's Flexible Work Arrangement Policy https://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/hr26/ (subject to change).

Why Join Algonquin College?

• Compensation: Many roles offer a competitive base salary and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and retirement plans designed to support your well-being. Eligibility for benefits vary by position. Benefits | Careers

• Learning and Development Opportunities: Access to training, tuition assistance programs (Algonquin College Courses and Degree Completion), certifications, workshops, and professional courses that allow you to grow and advance in your career. About Us | Employee Learning and Development. Availability depends on role and employment status.

• Company Culture: Our values of caring, learning, integrity, and respect define how we interact with one another. We foster a supportive and collaborative environment. Algonquin College has been recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Best Employers for 2025 and one of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity for 2024

• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA): We are proud to be the first Ontario college to implement an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion policy, fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected and valued. Affinity Group Conversation Communities | Inclusion & Diversity & Truth and Reconciliation

• Flexible Work Arrangement Policy. Select positions are eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the College’s Flexible Work Arrangement Policy https://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/hr26/ (subject to change).

How We Use AI in Hiring

Algonquin College uses artificial intelligence technology to assist in screening and assessing applicants and their applications, while ensuring that all processes respect and uphold the provisions of applicable collective agreements above all else.

Accessibility

Algonquin College values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and culturally respectful workplace. We offer an inclusive work environment and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of racialized groups, and individuals from diverse communities. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact the Human Resources department at [e-mail]. While we thank all those who apply, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.