IT DIRECTOR DATA

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; Edinburg (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas seeks an IT Director for Data & Network Security to lead the department’s operations and ensure compliant, effective security across campus networks.

The role manages security systems, coordinates with the CISO office, and guides policy and strategic planning to protect university information and services, including HIPAA/FERPA compliance and incident response readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Information System or a related field from an accredited university.
• Master's degree in Computer Science or Computer Information System or a related field from an accredited university.
• Six (6) years of applicable experience in a complex business and information systems environment, including two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversees provision and management of integrated, high-quality services: access control, firewalls, IDS/IPS, vulnerability scanning, SIEM.
• Leads the Data and Network Security team across multiple campuses to provide real-time security intelligence and responses.
• Identifies IT security risks and designs strategies to prevent or reduce loss of University resources and data.

Skills

Leadership

Security governance

Incident response

Team management

Network security

ITIL knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Information Systems

Master's degree in Computer Science or Computer Information Systems

Tools

Firewalls

IDS/IPS monitoring tools

Security monitoring tools

Forensics tools

Job description

IT DIRECTOR DATA & NETWORK SECURITY

Posting Number: SRGV9200

Number of Vacancies: 1

Location: Edinburg, Texas

Department: Infrastructure & Operations

FLSA: Exempt

Scope of Job

To provide management for the Data and Network Security department and ensure that the network security operations are in compliance and operate in an effective and efficient manner. Responsible for the effective administration of the network security and monitoring tools and day-to-day management of assigned Data and Network Security team members.

Description of Duties

• Ensures the provision and management of comprehensive, integrated, reliable, high-quality services in the following areas: access control/management, network firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), vulnerability scanning systems, security information and event management systems.


• Leads the Data and Network Security team members responsible for the operating and monitoring of security systems on multiple University campuses to provide immediate and real time security network intelligence and responses.


• Responsible for gathering, investigating and reporting on cyberthreats and providing appropriate responses to ensure the uninterrupted and highly-confidential delivery of business and information technology services.


• Identifies significant IT security risks, executes design and implementation of strategies and programs to prevent or reduce loss of University resources and data.


• Oversees the day-to-day management of the department's mission-critical activities.


• Assesses the department's technology needs and conducts mid to long term planning activities. Collaborates and recommends to the Information Security Office the development of effective information security policies and security awareness programs.


• Collaborates with CISO office on IT security risks, executes design and implementation and management of IT security systems and/or programs for the protection of the environment.


• Manages and develops procedures/guideline for the daily operation of the Data and Network Security department.


• Manages the execution of the technical portion of the IT Security program.


• Evaluates and improves the business processes and strategies through development, implementation, and maintenance of effective information technology systems and services.


• Coordinates with IT directors on the implementation and technology purchases as it relates to network security and forensics.


• Plans, schedules and engages in multiple initiatives simultaneously with competing deadlines.


• Monitors information and network security devices, logs, and implement changes as needed.


• Collaborates with CISO's office on IT security risks, executes design and implementation and management of IT security systems and/or programs for the protection of the environment.


• Collaborates regularly with IT subject matters experts to assess and resolve issues at hand.


• Interfaces with other departments to provide consulting or escalated problems resolution.


• Coordinates and collaborates with IT management staff by attending meetings in the planning and resource allocation to meet divisional and departmental goals.


• Stays current on changes in higher education, information security terms, concepts, practices, and policies, as well as changes in the regulatory and audit requirements with respect to IT security.


• Acts as liaison between the department and application vendors for purchases and prompt rectification of any problems or emergencies.


• Ensures that University values are reflected in all aspects of the Data and Network Security department.


• Performs duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with the University's Mission, Values, and University standards and policies.


• Participates in the leadership and management of IT to help set future directions and goals.


• Serves on planning and policy-making committees.


• Maintains continual growth in professional skills and knowledge in alignment with IT goals and responsibilities.


• Responsible for preparing and managing the departmental operational budget, expenditures, and the proper management of inventory assets.


• Directly leads a geographically disperse department with responsibility for hiring, terminating, scheduling, assigning work, measuring staff performance and levels, and making recommendations regarding promotions.


• Establishes and measures processes and procedures utilizing best practices and concepts from ITIL, Project Management, and other industry standards.


• Ensures compliance with federal, State, and UT System rules and regulations including HIPAA, FERPA, UTS165, PCI, etc. Promotes and facilitates effective communication between the department and the University's administrative community; advising senior IT management on technical and process issues and recommending solutions.


• Perform special projects and other duties assigned.

Supervision Received

General supervision from assigned supervisor.

Supervision Given

Specific supervision of assigned staff.

Required Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Information System or a related field from an accredited university.

Preferred Education

Master's degree in Computer Science or Computer Information System or a related field from an accredited university.

Licenses/Certifications

Preferred: ITIL Foundation Certification or obtain within one year of hire. Certifications in security are highly desired (CISSP).

Required Experience

Six (6) years of applicable experience in a complex business and information systems environment, including two (2) years of supervisory experience. Experience in the design, maintenance, analysis, security of computer networks, networking equipment, Linux operating systems, computer programming languages, network forensics and packet analysis tools.

Preferred Experience

Experience in a higher education setting. Knowledge of the practices, principles, and techniques of computer operation, information systems, computer software and hardware, information security policies and procedures, local and wide area networks, database administration, and management of information systems required. Knowledge of network protocols, communication standards, VLAN technology, secure remote connectivity, encryption, authentication methods, incident response, and forensics. In-depth knowledge of information security technologies and architectures and their application to mitigate specific environmental risks within the network, systems and data structures. Experience with secure remote access. Experience with content filtering technologies. Experience with firewall and anti-spam hardware/software. Experience with a security emergency response team or rapid response team. Familiarity with emerging AI tools and their use in reporting, monitoring, and performance measurement.

Equipment

Use of standard office equipment.

Working Conditions

Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties, including handling equipment. Office environment with occasional night and weekend work required. Extensive travel around the Valley and some travel beyond required. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which may require presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

As part of their essential duties, employees in these roles are expected to maintain a consistent, in-person presence on campus at their assigned locations. Limited exceptions may apply for positions that are approved as hybrid or fully remote in accordance with UTRGV policies.

Other

Must have excellent communication skills to participate in discussions and communicate technical ideas and procedures to technical and non-technical staff and managers and present recommendations and reports to senior managers. Strong written communication skills sufficient to write, prepare, and edit materials such as memos, procedures, reports, presentations, etc., and clearly explaining complex technical ideas and procedures to varied technical and non-technical audiences.

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Physical Capabilities

N/A

Employment Category

Full-Time

Minimum Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Posted Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Position Available Date

10/16/2026

Grant Funded Position

No

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.

Additional Information

UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.

All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of Human Resources.