Spclst Inform Security Engr

JOB SUMMARY

Provides direct support to business and IT staff on security related issues. Works with management to develop and implement security for a variety of IT areas which may include data, systems, networks and web, across HISD. Regularly monitors security compliance, prepares status reports on security matters and responds to breaches.
Maintains and may assist with the development and implementation of security policies and procedures (i.e., user log-on, authentification rules, security breach escalation procedures, security auditing procedures, and use of firewall and encryption routines). Works on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles. Exercises independent judgment in methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Contacts pertain to significant matters often involving coordination among groups. May work on issues that impact design success or address future concepts, products or technologies. Often serves as a consultant to management. Majority of time spent working with management to develop security strategies and managing large and complex security projects.

Use of this job family outside of centralized IT requires approval from the Chief Technology Officer.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Executes security controls to prevent hackers from infiltrating company information or jeopardizing e-commerce programs. Enforces security policies by administering and monitoring security profiles, reviews security violation reports and investigates possible security exceptions, updates, maintains and documents security controls. 
• Administers security policies to control access to systems. Maintains the company’s firewall. Uses applicable encryption methods. Maintains security systems for routers and switches. 
• Researches attempted efforts to compromise security protocols. Educates IT and the business about security policies and consults on a variety of issues regarding user built/managed systems. 
• Represents the security needs of HISD by providing expertise and assistance in all IT projects with regard to security issues. 
• Provides information to management regarding the negative impact on the business caused by theft, destruction, alteration or denial of access to information. Involved in the evaluation of products and/or procedures to enhance productivity and effectiveness.
   

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s Degree; prefer Master’s Degree
In lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, additional equivalent and directly-related education and experience, as determined by Human Resources and the hiring manager, may fulfill the education requirement. Equivalent experience is four or more years in a related field in an exempt-level position in addition to the minimum experience requirement of 15 years.
 

WORK EXPERIENCE

15+ years 
Advanced knowledge and applied experience in all areas such as networking, databases, systems and web operations with regard to security. Experience leading and working with staff to develop skills and technical certifications.
 

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

As an expert in the field, uses professional concepts in developing resolution to critical issues and broad design matters. Advanced knowledge of security issues, techniques and implications across platforms. Maintains primary certifications and has obtained additional ones in related fields. Provides expert direction on security technologies. Fully versed on all including emerging technologies, methods, and design considerations. Formal software engineering and system engineering skills acquired

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Work Leadership. Regularly provides project management or team leadership to a group of employees, but does not have formal supervisory responsibility. Leading and directing typically involved monitoring work and providing guidance on escalated issues. Most of work time is spent performing many of the same duties they are leading. Exercises wide latitude in determining objectives and approaches to critical assignments. Specialist level positions are expected to provide work guidance, project management, technical advice, training, and mentoring to other employees. These positions are expected to share information with less senior positions and develop them to higher level positions. 

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is non-standardized and widely varied, involving many complex and significant variables including significant time spent planning, evaluating complex solutions and issues, and negotiating outcomes. Strong analytic ability and inductive thinking are frequently required to devise new approaches to situations where previously accepted solutions have proven inadequate. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the division. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice and feedback.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Specifies requirements for a plan and/or budget.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Greater latitude and discretion is warranted in making decisions, which affect major areas of HISD and possibly the organization's public image. The job is constantly expected to apply creative solutions to complex problems and develop new ideas and concepts. Reviews and approves decisions and/or recommendations that may have a significant impact on the entire organization.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have considerable impact to multiple divisions or the organization causing risks or improvements to relationships, significant efficiencies or delays in operations, and/or significant financial gains or expenses. Errors are serious and difficult to discover, normally involve decisions not subject to detailed review and will result in excessive costs and/or significant project delays.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Negotiate and influence – interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions are typically with customers and Top Management.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor, and becomes involved in the customer's decision making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems. Monitors customer service standards.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. Repetitive motion: Substantial movements of the wrists, hands, fingers, and/or upper body for sustained periods of time, including using extremities to drag, push, pull or grasp. Sitting: Particularly for sustained periods of time. Work is normally set to specified shifts. This position is expected to be goal and customer service focused. During times of emergencies, outages and project planned work; employees are expected to be on call and available until the event is addressed. During system conversions, extra effort may be required in order to ensure the roll out of the system is successful.