Information Security Officer (ITS)

Position Overview

The University of Southern California (USC) is advancing its cybersecurity posture as a world‐class research institution dedicated to building a culture of security that supports its academic and research mission. Operating within a newly restructured cybersecurity organization, this role is designed for a dynamic leader passionate about scalable, proactive defense strategies, incident preparedness, and operational excellence. As the Information Security Officer (ITS), you will coordinate with various university departments and stakeholders, support resiliency efforts, develop cybersecurity standards, contribute to training and awareness programs, and assist in emergency responses – all while reporting to the ISO Manager. This full‐time exempt position is remote and eligible for USC’s comprehensive Benefits + Perks.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of cybersecurity standards, policies, and procedures across university departments, schools, and units.
• Participate in the setup and hardening of departmental information systems to prevent unauthorized access and conduct regular risk assessments and reviews of control effectiveness.
• Support emergency procedures and incident response efforts, including handling security incidents, data breaches, and critical events in collaboration with relevant partners.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of cybersecurity training and awareness programs for department and unit staff.
• Foster a workplace culture that values inclusivity and ethical behavior in alignment with USC’s Code of Ethics.

Required Qualifications

• Experience Required: 4 years in IT, cybersecurity, and management.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combined experience and education.
• Comprehensive understanding of the cybersecurity landscape including trends, risks, and best practices for risk management.
• Proficiency in information technology infrastructure and various cybersecurity tools and programs.
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate security matters effectively to diverse audiences.
• Sound analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make quick decisions in emergency situations.
• Experience with operational technology environments and security audits in compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Strong ethical standards and a solid understanding of privacy laws to ensure the proper handling of confidential information.
• Relevant professional certifications or the ability to obtain them (e.g., GCIH/GSEC, CISM, CISA, CISSP, CRISC).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience Required: 7 years in IT, cybersecurity, and management.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Demonstrated leadership experience with a proven ability to lead or coordinate cybersecurity policy implementation.
• Project management skills with experience in planning, implementing, and overseeing security-related projects.
• Familiarity with audit processes and regulatory frameworks (e.g., NIST, HIPAA, FERPA).

Benefits & Perks

• Salary: $142,601.35 to $177,947.60 per year
• Location: Remote
• Benefits: USC provides a comprehensive benefits package featuring a broad range of perks designed to support the health, wealth, and future of its employees and their dependents.