Manager, Information Security Officers (ISO)

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The University of Southern California (USC) is advancing its cybersecurity posture with a renewed focus on resilience, cyber risk management, and threat-informed defense. As a world-class research institution, USC is building a culture of security that supports its academic and research mission in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

This role sits within a newly restructured cybersecurity organization that’s leading this transformation. You’ll join a team focused on scalable, proactive defense strategies, incident preparedness, and operational excellence—working alongside experts who are deeply committed to service, innovation, and impact.

If you’re driven by purpose, thrive in complexity, and want to help shape the future of cybersecurity at a leading university, we invite you to bring your leadership to the table.

POSITION SUMMARY

As the Manager, Information Security Officers (ISO) you will be an integral leader of the cybersecurity department while also collaborating with stakeholders across the university ecosystem, and reporting to the Cyber Governance Director.  This is a full-time exempt position, eligible for all of USC’s fantastic Benefits + Perks.  This opportunity is remote. 

The Manager, Information Security Officers (ISO) coordinates with multiple university departments, schools/units to oversee the enforcement of cybersecurity requirements. Serves as a liaison for the cybersecurity function to the broader university. Aims to improve the overall security posture of the university. Ensures a unified approach to cybersecurity safety and compliance. Implements and manages comprehensive training programs to educate staff about potential cyber threats, best practices for digital hygiene and the importance of following established security policies. Manages relationships between department, schools and units and central cybersecurity leadership to raise awareness and providing guidance on cybersecurity matters. Participates in the development of leading data security practices, and insures implementation across the university.

The Manager, Information Security Officers (ISO) will:

• Develops, implements and maintains department, school and/or unit cybersecurity standards and procedures.

• Oversees the setup and hardening of departmental information systems to protect against unauthorized access or attacks. Responsible for reviews of control effectiveness. Ensures performance of regular risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and implements security measures accordingly.

• Manages emergency procedures, in conjunction with relevant partners and existing cyber emergency plans, for handling security incidents, data breaches, and other critical situations. Responds promptly to security events, supporting incident response and contributing to investigations as required. Supports resiliency efforts in coordination with DSUs across the university to support the ability to respond and recover from a cyber-related event.

• Implements training and awareness programs for department, school and/or unit staff to foster understanding and adherence to cybersecurity protocols. Maintains currency with latest trends, threats and best practices in cybersecurity. Maintains compliance with all relevant cybersecurity laws, regulations, and policies.

• Provides specific technical information security expertise for development of centralized cybersecurity program.   Supports development and implementation of the cybersecurity strategy.  Supports security incident response and investigation.

• Conducts reviews to identify root causes of information security incidents and develops corrective action plans.

• Provides oversight and coaching to staff for daily activities and responsibilities.

• Encourages a workplace culture where all employees are valued, value others and have the opportunity to contribute through their ideas, words and actions, in accordance with the USC Code of Ethics.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Great candidates for the position of Manager, Information Security Officers (ISO) will meet the following qualifications:

• 7 years in a technical support and operations or design and engineering role within information technology.

• 3 years in information security in an advisory/internal consultant/subject-matter expert capacity.

• 3 years in a management role.

• A bachelor’s degree or combined experience and education as substitute for minimum education. 

• Relevant professional certifications or working towards attainment (e.g., GCIH/GSEC, CISM, CISA, CISSP, CRISC).

• Possesses comprehensive