Job Description
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, authentication rules, security breach escalation procedures, security auditing procedures, and use of firewall and encryption routines). Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Works on only the most complex security administration issues with majority of time spent working with management to develop and implement security strategies and managing security projects. Use of this job family outside of centralized IT requires approval from the Chief Technology Information Officer.
Responsibilities Senior Information Security Engineer - Responsibilities body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: #333; margin: 16px; } .section-label { font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 16px; } ol { margin-top: 0; padding-left: 24px; } li { margin-bottom: 4px; line-height: 1.5; }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.
- Improves security posture through management of Endpoint Security systems (EDR), Identity Security systems, Cloud and Email Security systems, and Security Information and Event Management systems (SIEM). Administers Vulnerability Management systems. Creates reports and remediation recommendations.
- 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.
- Other duties as assigned.
Job Qualifications
EDUCATION
Bachelor's Degree; Master's Degree preferred or some graduate coursework Equivalent, relevant work experience of four years in addition to the minimum experience requirement of 12 years may be substituted for the education requirement.
WORK EXPERIENCE
12+ years Advanced knowledge and applied experience in most areas such as networking, databases, systems and web operations with regard to security.
TYPE OF SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION
Having wide-ranging experience, uses professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways. Has obtained primary certification levels and is working on additional ones. Has fully working knowledge of software and systems engineering. Is proficient on all security technologies. Is staying current on all emerging technologies and those coming to practice in 2-5 years.
LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
-No supervisory or direct people management responsibilities. Senior level positions are expected to provide work guidance, technical advice, training, and mentoring to other employees. These positions are expected to share information with less senior positions as they help them develop their skills.
WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT
-Work is substantially complex, varied and regularly requires the selection and application of technical and detailed guidelines. Independent judgment is required to identify, select, and apply the most appropriate methods as well as interpret precedent. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the department. Supervision received typically consists of providing direction on the more complex projects and new job duties and priorities.
BUDGET AUTHORITY
-Compiles and organizes data and figures.
PROBLEM SOLVING
-Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.
IMPACT OF DECISIONS
-Decisions have significant impact to the facility/department or division, causing increased satisfaction or dissatisfaction; producing efficiencies or delays; promoting or inhibiting personal intellectual or professional development; and/or contributing to financial gain or expense. Errors may be serious, usually not subject to direct verification or check, causing losses such as improper cost calculations, overpayment or improper utilization of labor, materials or equipment.
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
-Regularly assesses and diffuses complex, and escalated customer issues. Takes personal responsibility and accountability for solving systemic customer service problems. Regularly explores alternative and creative solutions to meeting the needs of the customer within HISD's policies and guidelines.
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree or graduate coursework
- 12 or more years of advanced knowledge and applied experience in networking, databases, systems, web operations, and security
- Primary security certifications and progress toward additional certifications
- Working knowledge of software and systems engineering
- Proficiency with security technologies
- Ability to remain current with emerging security technologies
- Equivalent relevant work experience may substitute for education requirements, with four additional years beyond the minimum experience requirement
What We Do
Houston Independent School District (HISD) is a public school district serving students from prekindergarten through grade 12 in Houston, Texas. As the largest public school system in Texas, it provides comprehensive K–12 education and works to prepare students for life beyond the classroom. Its mission emphasizes high-quality, student-centered education, critical thinking, leadership, community participation, and equitable opportunities for success.
