EVP Chief Information Security Officer

First Financial Bancshares, Inc.; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

First Financial Bancshares, Inc. is seeking an Executive Vice President and CISO to lead the enterprise information security program, governance, and risk oversight across the company and its subsidiaries.

The role reports to executive leadership and interfaces with the Risk Committee and boards. You will drive security strategy, policy, IAM governance, incident response, and vendor risk management while mentoring security staff and managing budgets.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in information security, cybersecurity, technology risk management, information technology, or related financial-services risk disciplines, including at least five years in a senior leadership or management capacity.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles, technologies, and industry best practices.
• Experience overseeing Identity and Access Management governance and access control programs.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity governance, incident response, security awareness, business continuity, and vendor risk management.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the Company's Information Security Program.
• Establish and oversee information security policies, standards, procedures, and governance processes.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of security controls and recommend enhancements to address evolving threats and business risks.
• Monitor the cybersecurity threat landscape and ensure appropriate controls are implemented to safeguard Company assets.
• Lead enterprise cybersecurity strategy and planning activities aligned with organizational objectives and regulatory expectations.
• Provide executive oversight of IAM Program and governance of user access across applications, systems, and infrastructure.
• Oversee governance of user access reviews, role management, segregation of duties, authentication controls, and privileged access management.
• Participate as a member of the AI Governance Council and provide risk guidance regarding AI technologies.
• Prepare and deliver risk-based reports to executive management and board committees.
• Lead, develop, and mentor information security personnel and manage departmental budgets.
• Review and evaluate information security controls of third-party providers and vendors.
• Support development and testing of incident response plans and procedures.
• Advise on security risks associated with new technologies and business initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Relationship management

Cybersecurity governance

Incident response

IAM governance

Vendor risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information technology, computer science, MIS, business, accounting, finance, risk management, or related discipline

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

**SCOPE and Contacts**Executive Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is responsible for leading and overseeing the enterprise Information Security Program for First Financial Bankshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The CISO establishes the Company’s information security strategy, governance framework, policies, standards, risk assessment processes, security oversight, incident response capabilities, and cybersecurity resilience program. :The CISO provides independent challenge and risk-based oversight of information security activities across the Company and works closely with executive management, Technology, Operations, Enterprise Risk Management, Compliance, Legal, Internal Audit, business units, and third-party service providers. The CISO regularly reports the Company’s information security risk profile, program effectiveness, significant incidents, material control deficiencies, and remediation status to executive management and the appropriate Boards or Board committees.**ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS****Information Security and Cybersecurity Governance*** Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the Company's Information Security Program.* Establish and oversee information security policies, standards, procedures, and governance processes.* Evaluate the effectiveness of security controls and recommend enhancements to address evolving threats and business risks.* Monitor the cybersecurity threat landscape and ensure appropriate controls are implemented to safeguard Company assets.* Lead enterprise cybersecurity strategy and planning activities aligned with organizational objectives and regulatory expectations.**Identity and Access Management (IAM)*** Provide executive oversight of the Enterprise Identity and Access Management (IAM) Program.* Oversee governance of user access across Company applications, systems, and infrastructure.* Ensure appropriate processes exist for provisioning, modifying, reviewing, certifying, and revoking user access rights.* Oversee user access reviews, role management, segregation of duties, authentication controls, and privileged access management practices.* Collaborate with business and technology leaders to ensure access governance supports operational efficiency and risk management objectives.**Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology Governance*** Participate as a member of the Artificial Intelligence Governance Council.* Provide cybersecurity, information protection, privacy, and risk management guidance regarding the use of artificial intelligence technologies.* Assess security implications and emerging risks associated with artificial intelligence, automation, and new technologies.* Recommend governance practices and controls to support the secure and responsible use of emerging technologies.**Board, Committee, and Executive Reporting*** Prepare and deliver risk-based reports regarding information security, cybersecurity, technology risk, and emerging threats.* Provide periodic reporting to executive management, the Risk Committee of the Board of Directors, the First Technology Services Board, and the First Financial Wealth Management Board.* Present cybersecurity program performance, strategic initiatives, regulatory developments, and risk exposures in a manner appropriate for executive and board audiences.* Advise executive leadership and Boards regarding cybersecurity strategy, risk management decisions, and security investments.* undefined* undefined* Direct and oversee the Company's Security Awareness and Training Program.* Manage enterprise-wide cybersecurity awareness initiatives designed to strengthen the organization's security culture.* Oversee security awareness training, monthly security education programs, phishing awareness initiatives, and employee communications.* Ensure the effectiveness of awareness efforts through metrics, reporting, and continuous improvement activities.* Promote cybersecurity awareness and accountability among employees, management, and executive leadership.**Third-Party and Vendor Security Oversight*** Review and evaluate the information security controls of third-party service providers, contractors, and vendors with access to Company information as requested.**Incident Response*** Support the development, maintenance, and testing of cybersecurity incident response plans and procedures.* Coordinate security incident preparedness activities and cybersecurity tabletop exercises.* Assist in managing significant cybersecurity incidents and remediation efforts.**Security Advisory and Risk Consultation*** Serve as the Company's primary information security advisor.* Provide guidance regarding security risks associated with new technologies, products, services, applications, and business initiatives.* Participate in technology implementation, digital transformation, cloud adoption, and change management activities to ensure appropriate security controls are incorporated.* Support business units in identifying security risks and implementing appropriate safeguards.**Leadership and Administration*** Lead, develop, and mentor information security personnel.* Establish departmental goals, strategic initiatives, and performance expectations.* Prepare and manage departmental budgets and resource planning activities.* Support regulatory examinations, internal audits, external audits, and independent security assessments.* Maintain professional knowledge through continuing education, industry involvement, and professional development.* Actively support the Customer Service First program, support the values of the organization, and follow established policies and procedures* Perform other duties as assigned.**MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:****Knowledge/Experience** –A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in information security, cybersecurity, technology risk management, information technology, or related financial-services risk disciplines, including at least five years in a senior leadership or management capacity. Significant banking or regulated financial-services experience is highly preferred.The incumbent should demonstrate:* Thorough knowledge of cybersecurity principles, technologies, and industry best practices.* Strong understanding of banking operations, technology environments, regulatory requirements, and risk management frameworks.* Experience overseeing Identity and Access Management governance and access control programs.* Knowledge of cybersecurity governance, incident response, security awareness, business continuity, and vendor risk management.* Strong leadership, analytical, communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.* The ability to communicate security-related topics to executive leadership and Boards of Directors.* The ability to remain objective and effective within a diverse working environment.* A comprehensive understanding of information flows, business processes, and information security risks throughout the organization.* \"> \">undefined**Education** – Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information technology, computer science, management information systems, business, accounting, finance, risk management, or a related discipline. Substantial directly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a specific field of study. An advanced degree is preferred but not required. **Professional Certification** – A recognized information security, cybersecurity, audit, risk, or privacy certification is required or must be obtained within an established period following appointment. Relevant certifications include CISSP, CISM, CISA, CRISC, or another certification approved by the Chief Risk Officer. Continuing professional education sufficient to maintain applicable certifications is required. **Other** – This position requires executive-level written and oral communication skills and the ability to present risk assessments, incidents, program results, resource needs, and recommendations clearly to executive management and the Boards of Directors. # Reporting Relationship: The CISO reports administratively to the Chief Risk Officer and has direct and unrestricted access to the Risk Committee and applicable Boards of Directors. The CISO will provide quarterly reporting to the appropriate Board committee(s) and First Technology Services Board. Reporting to other subsidiary Boards will occur as appropriate to their risk profiles and governance responsibilities. The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to decide the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.