Chief Security Officer

The County of Monterey, Information Technology Department (ITD), is a forward-thinking organization committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance public service delivery for its communities. As a government entity located in California, ITD focuses on innovation, collaboration, and expertise to meet the evolving technology needs of the County. The department values individuals who are not only skilled IT professionals but also driven by the desire to make meaningful contributions to public service and community well-being. The County offers a California-based hybrid workplace that balances remote and in-person collaboration, fostering both flexibility and team engagement.

The County of Monterey invites applications for the position of Chief Security Officer (CSO) within its Information Technology Department. This highly influential leadership role offers an annual salary ranging from $178,630 to $243,963, supplemented by a comprehensive benefits package including the prestigious PERS pension plan. Reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), the CSO is tasked with overseeing the County's information security operations and managing a team of security engineers who are dedicated to protecting the County's data assets.

The Information Security Division within ITD plays a critical role in maintaining the availability and integrity of County data. The CSO leads efforts to continuously monitor information assets against threats using state-of-the-art techniques and technologies. The role demands a proactive approach to detecting potential security incidents and employing robust response strategies to minimize operational disruption and ensure the continuity of essential County services. The CSO acts as a collaborative partner across County departments to elevate security awareness and manage risks effectively.

The ideal candidate will have profound expertise in both on-premise and cloud-based security technologies, demonstrating the ability to strengthen the County's security posture proactively. They must possess extensive knowledge of current information security standards, guidelines, principles of management and supervision, and analytical techniques to assess business needs and inform management decisions. Familiarity with federal regulations such as the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) frameworks, and compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is essential.

This role requires a seasoned security leader able to navigate a complex matrixed environment involving internal teams and departmental security officers. The CSO should be comfortable with an innovative and collaborative work culture that prioritizes ongoing professional development, wellness initiatives, and a generous paid leave package that includes 13 paid holidays each year.

This full-time opportunity offers a competitive compensation package bundled with health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, employee assistance programs, flexible spending accounts, and retirement plans. The work location is hybrid remote based in Salinas, CA, allowing the candidate to enjoy both collaborative office settings and flexible remote work options. Joining the County of Monterey’s ITD means embracing a role that is fundamental to protecting critical infrastructure and serving the public through advanced information security leadership and strategic oversight.