Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Reports To: Chief Technology Officer of Everett Public Schools (primary) with strategic oversight and accountability to the Mayor of the City of Everett and the Superintendent of Everett Public Schools.

Location: Everett MA

Status: Full-Time (Shared Services Model)

Position Overview

The City of Everett and Everett Public Schools (EPS) are seeking a visionary and experienced Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to lead and coordinate cybersecurity strategy risk management and data protection efforts across both municipal and K12 educational operations. This is a unique shared-services position designed to enhance collaboration security compliance and resource efficiency between the City and School District.

The CISO will be responsible for developing and enforcing policies and procedures that safeguard the integrity confidentiality and availability of all IT systems and data. The ideal candidate will bring proven leadership in cybersecurity operations within a Massachusetts-based municipal or school district environment with a strong understanding of federal and state regulatory requirements including CMR 17 FERPA HIPAA and CJIS.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the implementation of a unified cybersecurity framework across city departments and EPS.
• Serve as the principal advisor on all matters related to cybersecurity compliance and risk management.
• Lead incident response planning disaster recovery and business continuity initiatives for both entities.
• Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and security audits; manage mitigation plans.
• Coordinate cybersecurity awareness training for municipal and school staff.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws and standards; ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Advise on the procurement of security tools and services and review security requirements in vendor contracts.
• Serve as liaison to the Commonwealths Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) MS-ISAC and other government security agencies.
• Report security posture risks and recommendations regularly to the Mayor Superintendent and relevant boards.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 - 10 years of experience in information security with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Prior experience working in or with Massachusetts municipal or K12 government entities strongly preferred.
• Relevant certifications (e.g. CISSP CISM CISA GIAC) are highly desirable.
• Deep understanding of Massachusetts-specific data privacy laws and regulations.
• Strong interpersonal communication and leadership skills with the ability to work effectively across departments and organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading shared-service models or cross-agency collaborations.
• Familiarity with education technology environments SIS platforms and municipal enterprise systems.
• Demonstrated success in implementing cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST ISO 27001 or CIS Controls.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The position offers a competitive benefits package aligned with both municipal and school district standards.

The Everett Public Schools in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies does not discriminate in its programs facilities or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race color age criminal record (inquiries only) disability homelessness sex/gender gender identity religion national origin ancestry sexual orientation genetics or military status and does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation threat or harassment that demeans individuals dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

Required Experience:

Chief