Senior Director, Information Security Officer

ipss inc.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 185,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading community organization is seeking a Senior Director, Information Security Officer to oversee enterprise-wide cybersecurity programs. The ideal candidate will lead a team of over 20 and implement strategic cybersecurity measures across various organizations. This role demands extensive experience in cybersecurity leadership and exceptional communication skills, forming strong relationships with stakeholders and regulators.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant experience, with 10+ years in a senior cybersecurity leadership role.
• Experience in large, complex public sector organizations.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, implementation, and maintenance of an enterprise-wide cyber security program.
• Provide direction for proactive cyber strategies, policies, standards, and initiatives.
• Supervise key roles including Manager Strategic Sourcing & Finance.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Advanced problem-solving

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Cybersecurity knowledge

Education

Post-secondary degree in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or related field

Tools

Cybersecurity certifications (CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CISA)

Job description

Job Title:Senior Director, Information Security Officer

Reports To:Lily Chen, Chief Financial Officer

Hiring Manager: Lily Chen ([e-mail])

Salary Range: $185,772.55 – $204,349.81

Work Location: 729 Petrolia Road, Toronto

Job Type: Permanent Full Time

Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours work

JOB SUMMARY:

The Senior Director, Information Security Officer (ISO) leads the strategic direction and operational oversight of cybersecurity programs across the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC), Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation (TSHC), and collaborates closely with the City of Toronto. This executive leadership role ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of digital and information assets, while building cyber resilience and promoting a culture of information security across internal and external environments.

The ISO is responsible for a wide span of enterprise security functions, including security architecture, cyber operations, governance, risk and compliance, disaster recovery, and security awareness programs. The role provides strategic advice to the CFO and collaborates with City of Toronto’s Office of the CISO and municipal partners on shared infrastructure, incident coordination, and cyber risk mitigation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead development, implementation, and maintenance of an enterprise-wide cyber security program across TCHC and affiliates.
• Provide direction for proactive cyber strategies, policies, standards, guidelines, and initiatives.
• Manage all cyber requests and align security programs with business goals and risk posture.
• Oversee cyber operations: threat monitoring, incident response, threat intelligence, and forensic investigations.
• Supervise key roles including Manager Strategic Sourcing & Finance, Manager Strategic Transformation, and Manager Cyber Services Delivery.
• Develop and enforce cybersecurity policies and internal control procedures.
• Establish and monitor service levels and ensure delivery of secure and high-performing services.
• Lead all cybersecurity-related procurement activities and manage a multi-million dollar operating and capital budget.
• Oversee Cyber PMO and Data Analytics to ensure strategic alignment and risk insights.
• Serve as incident commander during major security events; manage business continuity and disaster recovery.
• Establish long-range goals, KPIs, and strategies aligned with international security standards (e.g., NIST).
• Lead stakeholder engagement across City agencies, internal divisions, and external partners.
• Build strong relationships with regulators, auditors, City departments, law enforcement, and vendors.
• Report to executive leadership and Board Committees on risk posture and key metrics.
• Promote cyber awareness programs, employee training, and cultural change initiatives.
• Develop internal and external communications, and strategic reports.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to Lily Chen, Chief Financial Officer
• Leads a team of 20+ including 4 senior managers
• Collaborates with City of Toronto’s Office of the CISO

Key Interfaces:

• Internal: Legal, Enterprise Risk, Compliance, IT, Facilities, People & Culture, City IT Security
• External: City of Toronto, Auditors, Cybersecurity Vendors, Regulatory Bodies, Law Enforcement

Qualifications:

• 15+ years of relevant experience, with 10+ years in a senior cybersecurity leadership role.
• Post-secondary degree in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or a related field.
• CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CISA or equivalent certifications preferred.
• Experience working in large, complex, public sector organizations.
• Demonstrated leadership during high-pressure incident response and cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong financial and procurement acumen for managing multi-million-dollar cyber budgets.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic leadership in transformative programs.
• Advanced problem-solving and decision-making in high-pressure environments.
• Superior communication, stakeholder engagement, and influencing skills.
• Strong understanding of security tools, technologies, regulatory compliance, and business alignment.
• Effective at managing complex projects, competing priorities, and large vendor ecosystems.
• Ability to develop security frameworks, perform risk-based audits, and maintain audit-readiness.
• Adaptability in ambiguous situations and readiness to respond to emerging threats.
• High integrity, resilience, and ability to lead through crisis situations.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS/INFORMATION:

A normal work week is 35 hours, however, unforeseen situation may require extended hours of work with little or no prior notice. In case of a cyber incident or breach, rotation shift, continuous extended hours may be required with little or no prior notice.

*Subject to a police check, background check, psychological assessment and/or any other checks on a regular basis as this department handles highly sensitive and confidential information.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

TCHC is committed to diversity and inclusion within its community and encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, persons with disabilities, women,2SLGBTQ+persons, and others who can help us provide vibrant communities and make our city a great place to live.

ACCOMMODATION

Toronto Community Housing is committed to equity in employment. Our goal is a diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

We will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities at all stages of the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and Toronto Community Housing’sAccessibility Policy .

If you are a person with a disability and need the job posting in an alternative format or any other accessible accommodations during the hiring process, please email your request to our People & Culture department [e-mail] or call our accessible accommodations line at 416-981-4119. Please refer to the job requisition number when you contact us.