IT Director Data & Network Security

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; Edinburg (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley seeks a seasoned Data and Network Security Leader to manage the department and ensure compliant, efficient security operations across campuses. You will oversee access control, firewalls, IDS/IPS, vulnerability scanning, and SIEM, guiding staff through real-time threat responses and security incident management.

Responsibilities include shaping IT security policy, coordinating major security initiatives with IT leadership, and driving continuous process

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, CIS, or related field.
• Six years of applicable experience in a complex environment, with at least two years in a supervisory role.
• Knowledge of information security policies, HIPAA, FERPA, PCI, and related regulations.
• Preferred: ITIL Foundation certification and CISSP or equivalent security certifications.

Responsibilities

• Manage Data and Network Security department operations and staff.
• Oversee access control, firewalls, IDS/IPS, vulnerability scanning, and SIEM systems.
• Lead security monitoring across multiple campuses and ensure real-time threat responses.
• Develop and implement IT security strategies, policies, and awareness programs.
• Coordinate with IT directors on security program purchases and roadmaps.

Skills

Leadership

Information security

Risk management

Incident response

Network security

Forensics

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

SIEM tools

Firewall management

Forensics tools

Linux

Job description

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 cyber threats 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 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. 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.

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.

Employment category: Full-Time (FTE 1.0, FLSA Exempt). Location: Edinburg, Texas. Department: Infrastructure & Operations.