Chief Information Security Officer – Financial Services

Position Overview

Vaco is actively seeking a Chief Information Security Officer to support our client’s security and compliance posture in Memphis.

The CISO is responsible for the security, integrity, and compliance of the organization’s information systems. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the role provides strategic leadership to protect sensitive data, ensure regulatory compliance, and safeguard technology assets against evolving cyber threats. The CISO will work closely with leadership, regulators, auditors, strategic partners, and business stakeholders to enable secure innovation and trust across the enterprise.

• Develop, implement, and oversee the enterprise-wide information security strategy, policies, and governance framework.
• Lead the design, deployment, and monitoring of security protocols including intrusion detection, prevention, and incident response systems.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Direct periodic audits, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and due diligence activities to identify and remediate risks.
• Establish secure data governance and identity/access management practices across on-premise, cloud, and third-party BaaS environments.
• Partner with technology and product teams to embed security into new fintech and core banking solutions from design through deployment.
• Lead enterprise risk management programs, including threat modeling, business continuity planning, and disaster recovery.
• Collaborate with regulators, auditors, and external examiners during compliance reviews and security assessments.
• Develop and deliver enterprise security training, awareness programs, and incident response playbooks for staff.
• Provide executive briefings on threat landscape, compliance posture, and security program maturity to the Board and C-suite.
• Oversee vendor and third-party risk management to ensure compliance and security alignment within banking ecosystems.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging threats, technologies, and industry best practices in cybersecurity.

• 5+ years of relevant cybersecurity experience in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated success directing security posture across finance, credit union, banking, or similarly regulated environment.
• Strong background in security operations, data protection, incident response, and risk management.
• Familiarity with cloud security, digital identity management, and secure API/integration practices.
• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, or CCISO strongly preferred.
• Collaborative leader skilled at mentoring and building high-performing security teams.

• Employment Type
  :
  Perm / Direct-Hire
• Start Date
  :
  Immediate
• Location
  :
  Memphis, TN
• Target Total Compensation
  : $150k - $200k, based on skills and experience
• Relocation
  :
  Assistance is available

Interested Candidates are Encouraged to Apply for Immediate Consideration!

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting.

The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan.