Executive Director of Network and Security

Executive Director of Networking and Security

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College seeks an experienced, strategic, and forward-thinking technology leader to serve as the Executive Director of Networking and Security
. This senior leadership role is responsible for ensuring the reliability, performance, and security of the College’s technology infrastructure, including on-campus and cloud-based networks, enterprise systems, and cybersecurity programs.

As a member of the Information Technology Services leadership team, the Executive Director partners with institutional leaders to develop strategies that strengthen teaching, learning, and operations across the College.

• Competitive salary commensurate with education and experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, and generous leave.
• Professional development and training opportunities provided by the College and the North Carolina Community College System.

• Associate’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in networking and/or cybersecurity, with at least three (3) years in a leadership or managerial role.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise networking, information security frameworks, and higher education compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to lead staff, manage budgets, and deliver large-scale technology projects.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.

• Master’s degree in information technology, Cybersecurity, Business Administration, or related field.
• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CCNP, or equivalent.
• Direct experience in higher education, ideally within the North Carolina Community College System.
• Expertise in cloud networking, hybrid infrastructure, and zero-trust security architectures.

• Standard office environment with regular interaction across multiple campus locations.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support system upgrades, incident response, or critical projects.
• This position is eligible for 1 day a week of Hybrid/remote work in alignment with College policy.

• Strategic Leadership
  :
  Provide vision and direction for networking, infrastructure, and cybersecurity services; develop and implement long‑term strategies for secure, scalable, and sustainable technology infrastructure; advise senior leadership on technology trends, risks, and opportunities that support institutional priorities.
• Network & Infrastructure Management
  :
  Oversee design, implementation, and maintenance of wired, wireless, and cloud networking systems; ensure reliability, scalability, and high performance of enterprise networking and communications; manage lifecycle planning for network and security hardware, software, and services.
• Cybersecurity & Compliance
  :
  Direct the development and enforcement of information security policies, standards, and practices; ensure compliance with FERPA, HIPAA, PCI‑DSS, GDPR, NIST, and state/federal regulations; oversee vulnerability management, threat detection, incident response, and disaster recovery planning; lead cybersecurity awareness and training programs for faculty, staff, and students.
• Team Leadership & Development
  :
  Lead, mentor, and evaluate technical staff, promoting a culture of innovation, accountability, and service excellence; encourage professional development, certification attainment, and cross‑training within the networking and security teams; foster collaboration across all ITS teams and college departments.
• Collaboration & Partnerships
  :
  Serve as a trusted advisor to faculty, staff, and administrators regarding networking and security; build effective partnerships with vendors, contractors, and external agencies; represent the College in state‑wide technology initiatives and professional organizations.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement
  :
  Stay informed on emerging technologies and evolving cybersecurity threats; recommend innovative approaches to improve service delivery and strengthen…