Chief Information Security and Emerging Technology Officer - CISO

Pierce County•Pierce County, WA

About The Position

Pierce County is looking for a dedicated Chief Information Security and Emerging Technology Officer who has: Deep knowledge of cybersecurity strategy, governance, and risk management, including security architecture, hybrid cloud environments, incident response, cyber resilience, privacy, compliance, and third-party technology risk including SaaS and IaaS in complex organizations. Proven ability to develop and lead an enterprise-wide cybersecurity program, including security strategy, policies, governance, multi-year roadmaps, and high-performing teams. Strong understanding of AI and emerging technology risk, with the ability to guide secure adoption of AI, automation, autonomous systems, agents, citizen development, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies while balancing innovation and risk. Exceptional communication and partnership skills, with the ability to translate complex security risks into clear business terms, advise executives, build trust across departments, engage technical experts and vendors, and challenge decisions when necessary. Our strategic leader will focus on: Continuous improvement for themselves and their organizations Fostering a growth mindset and life-long learning Data-driven decision-making Consideration for customer perspectives and impacts Collaboration across large, diverse work environments Ensuring equity and inclusion in all facets of work Policy and guideline development; turning ideas into action Championing the streamlining processes to create positive change.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a closely related field.
Seven years of progressively responsible information security experience.
Three years in a management, supervisory, or security program leadership capacity.
A resume and a cover letter is required for consideration.

Nice To Haves

Experience serving as a Chief Information Security Officer, deputy CISO, or equivalent senior information security leader for a public-sector organization.
Experience establishing or maturing an enterprise information security program using the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and CIS Critical Security Controls.
Experience with government regulatory and compliance environments such as CJIS, HIPAA, IRS Publication 1075, and PCI DSS.
Experience designing and implementing cloud security architecture and leading the secure migration of on-premises infrastructure to public cloud environments, with Zero Trust and modern security operations, including SIEM, vulnerability management, and incident response.
Experience establishing governance for the secure use of artificial intelligence, including AI risk assessment and security review of AI-enabled systems and services.
Experience supervising technical staff, including in represented (union) environments.
Professional security certification (e.g., CISSP, CISM) or equivalent demonstrated experience leading an enterprise information security program.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead an enterprise-wide cybersecurity program, including security strategy, policies, governance, multi-year roadmaps, and high-performing teams.
Guide secure adoption of AI, automation, autonomous systems, agents, citizen development, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies while balancing innovation and risk.
Translate complex security risks into clear business terms.
Advise executives.
Build trust across departments.
Engage technical experts and vendors.
Challenge decisions when necessary.
Continuous improvement for themselves and their organizations.
Fostering a growth mindset and life-long learning.
Data-driven decision-making.
Consideration for customer perspectives and impacts.
Collaboration across large, diverse work environments.
Ensuring equity and inclusion in all facets of work.
Policy and guideline development; turning ideas into action.
Championing the streamlining processes to create positive change.