Senior Information Security Architect

Boulder Valley School District is committed to create challenging, meaningful, and engaging learning opportunities so that all children thrive and are prepared for successful, civically engaged lives. Our comprehensive and innovative approach to education ensures that each student meets expectations relative to intellectual growth, physical development and social emotional well-being. The district covers approximately 500 square miles and serves the communities of Boulder, Erie, Louisville, Lafayette, Superior, Broomfield, Nederland, Ward, Jamestown and Gold Hill. Website: BVSD.

Location: US:CO:BOULDER

Department: Information Technology

Position Title:  Senior Information Security Architect

Position Start Date: June 3, 2024

Position Type: Professional Technical

FTE: 1.0 - 40 hours per week - Regular, ongoing

Work Schedule: 261 Days - 12 Months

Salary Range 9: $93,568 - $140,351

Closing Date: May 12, 2024

Summary:

At the direction of the IT Security Director, the Senior Information Security Architect builds relationships with district and community stakeholders, and leads and implements information security initiatives, incident response strategies, and security architecture enhancements. The role involves defining a unified information security vision and partnering with senior IT staff members and district leadership. The role will also collaborate with IT teams, conduct risk assessments, oversee security incidents, and educate students and staff on cybersecurity best practices.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the technical aspects of developing, implementing, and improving the district's information security program.
• Design and maintain a robust security architecture across all IT domains (including networking, servers, development, and identity management) that align with industry best practices and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with senior technical staff to assess and enhance security measures across networks, systems, and applications.
• Conduct regular security risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities, recommend mitigation strategies, and monitor their implementation. Collaborate with senior IT leaders to proactively address risks and prioritize remediation planning.
• Develop and maintain incident response plans, ensuring swift and effective response to security incidents.
• Lead incident response activities, including containment, eradication, recovery, and post-incident analysis.
• Research, analyze, and provide actionable insights on emerging cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities specific to the education sector. Ensure that new trends are added to BVSD’s architectural strategy prioritizing risks that are unique to BVSD and other K12 educational systems.
• Design and deliver cybersecurity training programs for students, staff, and other stakeholders to enhance digital hygiene practices.
• Collaborate with third-party vendors and service providers to assess their security practices and ensure alignment with district standards.
• Stay current with regulatory requirements related to student data protection and privacy (e.g., FERPA) and ensure compliance.
• Monitor and analyze security logs, alerts, and reports to detect and respond to suspicious activities. Partner with other IT leaders to create a tiered escalation structure utilizing staff members from the service disk, infrastructure team, and junior security analyst.
• Assist in the evaluation and implementation of security tools and technologies to enhance the district's security posture.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance during security incidents, investigations, and forensic analysis.
• Foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness and engagement throughout the district.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Security, Computer Science, or related field.
• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, or equivalent.
• Minimum of three years of experience in information security, incident response, and security architecture in educational or similar environments.
• Complete and submitted BVSD online application.

Preferred:

• Proficiency in security frameworks (e.g., NIST Cybersecurity Framework) and regulatory compliance (e.g., FERPA).
• Strong understanding of networking concepts, protocols, and security technologies.
• Experience with security assessment tools, vulnerability management, and penetration testing with an emphasis on email protection, MDR/XDR
• Solid knowledge of security best practices for cloud environments and remote learning platforms.
• Excellent communication skills to convey technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to assess and address security risks effectively.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.

Salary Information:

Salary Range 9: $93,568 - $140,351

Salary Placement varies according to experience and education.

*Pay range listed above is for employees newly hired to BVSD or current BVSD employees that are new to the employee group (existing employees currently in this unit please refer to the pay range on the appropriate salary schedule). BVSD engages in a salary placement process vs. a salary negotiation process. This information is provided in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and is the company's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation range and benefits offered for this position. The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience and education. All salaries are set by Human Resources based on a review of qualifications compared to the requirements on the job description; therefore listing all related education and experience on your application is recommended. 

Application and Selection Procedure:

• External Candidates: Apply on-line at jobs.bvsd
• Current BVSD Employees: Must apply through the INFOR portal
• If you do not have internet access, a computer is available in the Human Resources Division, Education Center, 6500 E. Arapahoe, Boulder, Colorado.
• Applications are reviewed to match candidates with position qualifications, with a limited number selected for interviews. For the final selection, employment is contingent upon successful completion of the post-offer screening process, including a background check and possible medical examination. 

The Boulder Valley School District is an equal opportunity educational institution and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, sex, gender identity/expression, national origin, creed, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status in admission or access to, and treatment and employment in its educational programs or activities. Inquiries or complaints: BVSD Legal Counsel - 720-561-5903; Office for Civil Rights - http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/addresses.html