IT Security Officer

City of Wilmington, NC; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Tuition reimbursement

On-site gym access

Paid holidays

Job summary

The City of Wilmington, NC is seeking an IT Security Officer to lead governance, risk management, and security initiatives that strengthen the city’s cybersecurity foundation.

You will be responsible for guiding security policy, risk assessments, and incident readiness while collaborating with IT, leadership, and departments to ensure resilient and compliant operations. A master’s degree is preferred for advanced leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, cybersecurity, or related field.
• Five or more years of progressive IT/cybersecurity experience.
• Government, critical infrastructure, or regulated environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead cybersecurity governance and regulatory compliance across the organization.
• Develop and maintain security policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks.
• Conduct risk assessments and monitor vulnerabilities.
• Coordinate audits and compliance activities across departments.
• Partner with IT divisions and leadership to promote security standards.
• Present security briefings to leadership and City Council as needed.

Skills

Cybersecurity governance

Regulatory compliance

Security training

Policy development

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT or Cybersecurity

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Description

One City. One Secure Future. One Stronger Digital Community.

In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is more than protecting systems—it’s about protecting the information, services, and people who rely on them every day. As the IT Security Officer, you’ll play a critical role in strengthening the City’s cybersecurity foundation by leading governance, compliance, risk management, and security initiatives that help keep our organization resilient and prepared for what’s next.

This is an opportunity to make an impact behind the scenes while helping safeguard the technology that keeps the City of Wilmington connected, innovative, and moving forward.

Why This Position Is Important

Cybersecurity touches every part of the organization. The work of this position helps ensure that the City’s technology, information, and operations are protected against evolving threats while remaining aligned with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and organizational goals.

As The Security Officer, You Will

• Lead cybersecurity governance and regulatory compliance efforts across the organization.


• Develop, implement, and maintain security policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks.


• Conduct risk assessments and monitor vulnerabilities to identify and address potential threats.


• Coordinate audits and compliance activities to strengthen accountability and security practices.


• Partner with IT divisions, leadership, and other stakeholders to promote consistent security standards.


• Provide guidance on cybersecurity best practices and help translate complex security requirements into practical solutions.


• Lead initiatives that continuously strengthen the City’s overall security posture while supporting business and operational needs.

Your expertise will help the City stay ahead of emerging threats, protect critical information, and build a culture where security is everyone's responsibility.

Typical Tasks

• Develop and maintain an enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy aligned with organizational goals.


• Lead the cybersecurity program, including governance, architecture, operations, and incident response.


• Provide regular briefings to executive leadership and City Council on security risks and posture.


• Develop and enforce security policies.


• Oversee risk assessments and audits.


• Coordinate security training and engagement across departments, including the development, implementation, and oversight of training programs.


• Serve on committees and review technology upgrade requests.


• Ensure secure design of IT systems, cloud platforms, networks, and applications.


• Guide secure configuration management and change management processes.


• Evaluate and approve security controls for new systems and technologies.


• Oversee organization-wide cybersecurity training and phishing simulation programs.


• Promote a culture of security through continuous awareness initiatives.


• Assess the security posture of technology vendors and hosted/cloud solutions.


• Ensure contractual security requirements are defined and enforced.


• Present to leadership and council as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or related field (Master’s preferred).


• Five (5) years progressive experience in IT and cybersecurity, including leadership roles. Experience in government, critical infrastructure, or regulated environments is preferred but not required.

Certifications

• CISSP, CISM, CISA, CRISC, CGCIO (for public sector) or a related credential is preferred but not required.

Knowledge Of

• Familiarity with established frameworks like NIST, CIS Controls, and Risk Management methodologies so they can develop informed policies and evaluate compliance effectively.


• Current issues, trends, and management theories related to technology plan development, implementation and maintenance.


• Knowledge of technology plan development and compliance frameworks.

Skilled In

• Ability to clearly articulate complex IT concepts and solutions in a way that is understandable to non-technical stakeholders


• Proven ability to design and deliver effective cybersecurity training programs and communicate security solutions that enhance user awareness and compliance.


• Skilled in creating and enforcing security policies aligned with frameworks like NIST and CIS Controls.

Ability To

• Troubleshoot, organize, and simplify complex technical problems to effectively scope and delegate projects and tasks.


• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.


• Ability to respond quickly and effectively to security incidents, ensuring continuity of operations and minimizing impact.


• Ability to guide and support a team while fostering collaboration and achieving shared goals.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands

• Office Work: Primarily sedentary, involving prolonged sitting, computer use, telephone and office equipment operation, and standard office tasks. Requires visual acuity, hearing, and manual dexterity for reviewing documents, analyzing data, and completing administrative responsibilities.


• General Requirements: The position involves occasional travel to meetings, evening events, or after-hours response. All work is performed in compliance with applicable State and Federal OSHA regulations, including hazard communication, personal protective equipment, and slip, trip, and fall prevention.

Working Conditions

This position is primarily office-based, utilizing standard office equipment in a climate-controlled setting and adhering to applicable safety and ergonomic guidelines. The position functions in a fast-paced, collaborative, and public-facing municipal environment, involving interaction with elected officials, employees, community members, and external partners. Attendance at evening meetings and occasional after-hours or emergency response may be required.

Our Core Values

INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY

Our Mission Statement:

Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.

What We Offer

The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options


• Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System


• Employer-paid health & wellness clinic


• Free on-site city gym access


• Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year


• 6-weeks paid parental leave


• Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community


• Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position


• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives


• Tuition assistance benefits

Applicant Status Updates

After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.

Health Benefits are offered to employees working at least 30 hours per week.

Health Insurance

The City offers two options for health coverage: a standard PPO plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire for employees and their eligible dependents. Both you and the City contribute to the overall cost of coverage.

Dental Insurance

Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire. Employees, their spouse and dependent children are eligible for coverage.

Life Insurance

The city pays to provide coverage valued at one times your annual salary. Supplemental insurance is available for employees to purchase. Optional coverage for dependents is also available for purchase.

Retirement

• NC Local Government Retirement System - All benefits eligible employees make a mandatory 6% contribution every pay period.


• Deferred Compensation – The city contributes an amount equal to 4.5% of the annual salary to a 401(k) plan regardless of employee contribution. Employees may choose to contribute additional money to the 401(k) or 457 deferred compensation plans, without a match from the City, within the IRS guidelines.

Paid Leave (offered to employees working at least 1,000 hours annually*)

• Sick Leave - 12 days accrued each year


• Annual Leave - Accrual based on years of service and classification. Employees can earn from 10 to 24 days each year.


• Holidays - 13 paid holidays annually


• Paid Parental Leave - Six weeks of paid leave for the birth, adoption or placement of a child (must run concurrently with FMLA).


• Part-Time Employees will earn paid leave benefits on a pro-rated basis.

Miscellaneous

• Tuition reimbursement


• Employee Assistance Program


• Short & Long Term Disability


• Cancer & Critical Illness


• Accident Insurance


• Whole Life Insurance


• Credit Union membership


• Access to City Fitness Center

Note: The City of Wilmington is on a bi-weekly pay cycle. New employees should expect to receive their first paycheck approximately 4 weeks after their start date.

This is intended to be a brief overview of the benefits offered. Please visit our website at https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Government/Departments-Divisions/Human-Resources/Benefits for more information.