Chief Information Security and Emerging Technology Officer - CISO

ABOUT THE ROLE Pierce County is seeking a dedicated Chief Information Security and Emerging Technology Officer to lead the county's cybersecurity strategy, governance, and risk management. This role involves developing and leading an enterprise-wide cybersecurity program, guiding the secure adoption of AI and emerging technologies, and translating complex security risks into clear business terms. The ideal candidate will foster a growth mindset, champion continuous improvement, ensure equity and inclusion, and streamline processes to strengthen public trust and enable effective government. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Develop and lead an enterprise-wide cybersecurity program, including strategy, policies, governance, multi-year roadmaps, and high-performing teams. - Guide the secure adoption of AI, automation, autonomous systems, citizen development, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies while balancing innovation and risk. - Translate complex security risks into clear business terms to advise executives and build trust across departments. - Engage technical experts and vendors, and challenge decisions when necessary to ensure security and compliance. - Foster a growth mindset, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making within the organization. - Ensure equity and inclusion in all facets of work and collaboration across large, diverse work environments. - Develop policies and guidelines, turning ideas into action and championing streamlined processes to create positive change. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - 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. - Additional education or experience that clearly indicates the ability to perform essential functions may substitute on a year-for-year basis. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must not require employment visa sponsorship, as Pierce County is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship at this time. - Preferred: Experience serving as a CISO, deputy CISO, or equivalent senior information security leader in a public-sector organization. - Preferred: Experience establishing or maturing an enterprise information security program using the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and CIS Critical Security Controls. - Preferred: Experience with government regulatory and compliance environments such as CJIS, HIPAA, IRS Publication 1075, and PCI DSS. - Preferred: Experience designing cloud security architecture and leading secure migration of on-premises infrastructure to public cloud environments (Zero Trust, SIEM, vulnerability management, incident response). - Preferred: Experience establishing governance for the secure use of artificial intelligence, including AI risk assessment. - Preferred: Experience supervising technical staff, including in represented (union) environments. - Preferred: Professional security certification (e.g., CISSP, CISM) or equivalent demonstrated experience. SELECTION PROCESS - Applications will be evaluated based on the provided resume and cover letter. - Additional education or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications on a year-for-year basis. - Candidates must clearly demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the position. HOW TO APPLY - Submit a complete application through the designated Pierce County portal. - A resume and a cover letter are strictly required for consideration. - Ensure application materials detail your ability to fulfill the requirements and align with Pierce County's Forward Together mission and values. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Location: Pierce County, WA (1501 Market Street, Suite 410, Tacoma, Washington, 98402) - Job Type: Regular - Other - Job Number: 26-00917 - Department: Finance & Enterprise Services - Division: IT-Administration - Opening Date: 08/28/2026 - Closing Date: 9/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific