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# Chief Information Security Officer – Minneapolis, MN


Role Overview for Chief Information Security Officer – Minneapolis, MN
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, global medical device company in the search for a visionary and strategic Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Located in the vibrant med-tech hub of Minneapolis, MN, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to shape and lead a world-class cybersecurity program at an organization dedicated to improving and saving lives. The CISO will be the foremost authority on information security, responsible for establishing and maintaining a comprehensive, enterprise-wide security vision, strategy, and program that ensures all information assets and associated technologies, including cutting-edge medical devices, are adequately protected.
In an industry where technology, data, and patient safety are inextricably linked, the CISO’s role transcends traditional IT security. You will be a key business enabler, a trusted advisor to the Board of Directors and executive leadership team, and the champion of a resilient security culture across a global workforce. Your leadership will directly impact patient outcomes, protect sensitive health information, secure critical intellectual property, and uphold the company’s reputation as a trusted healthcare innovator.
This is not just a role about defense; it is about building a security framework that fosters innovation, enables digital transformation, and ensures the company can confidently navigate the complex and evolving landscape of cyber threats and regulations. You will be empowered to build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team, manage a significant budget, and implement state-of-the-art security solutions that protect everything from corporate networks to the software embedded in life-sustaining medical products.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Information Security Officer – Minneapolis, MN
The Chief Information Security Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, risk management, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration. Success in this role requires a blend of deep technical expertise, strong business acumen, and exceptional leadership skills.
Strategic Leadership & Governance
Develop, implement, and communicate a comprehensive, long-term information security strategy and roadmap aligned with business goals. Establish and chair a security governance council, providing regular, insightful reports on the status of the security program to the executive team and the Board of Directors.
Enterprise Risk Management
Lead the information security risk management program, including identifying, assessing, evaluating, and mitigating risks across the enterprise. Conduct regular risk assessments and business impact analyses to ensure security priorities are aligned with the most critical business functions.
Product Security (Medical Devices)
Partner closely with R&D, Engineering, and Quality Assurance teams to embed security into the entire product development lifecycle (Secure SDLC). Develop and enforce security standards for medical devices, addressing both pre-market requirements and post-market vulnerability management and incident response.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure the company’s adherence to all applicable laws and regulations concerning information security and data privacy. This includes deep familiarity with HIPAA, HITECH, GDPR, CCPA, and adherence to critical regulatory frameworks, including the FDA’s premarket and postmarket cybersecurity guidance, and standards such as ISO 27001/27002 and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
Security Operations & Incident Response
Oversee the Security Operations Center (SOC) to ensure 24/7 monitoring, detection, and response to security threats. Lead the development and maturation of the corporate incident response plan, conducting tabletop exercises and ensuring the team is prepared to effectively manage and remediate security incidents.
Threat Intelligence & Vulnerability Management
Establish a proactive threat intelligence program to anticipate and prepare for emerging threats. Direct a comprehensive vulnerability management program that includes regular scanning, penetration testing, and a structured remediation process for all IT systems, applications, and products.
Identity & Access Management (IAM)
Modernize and mature the enterprise IAM program, ensuring the principle of least privilege is enforced and that access to critical systems and data is appropriately controlled and audited.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, train, mentor, and lead a global team of high-caliber information security professionals. Foster a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation within the security organization.
Budget & Vendor Management
Develop and manage the annual cybersecurity budget, ensuring strategic allocation of resources. Oversee relationships with third-party security vendors, managed service providers, and consultants, ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are met and value is delivered.
Security Awareness & Training
Champion and manage a comprehensive security awareness program to educate all employees and contractors on security best practices, policies, and their role in protecting the company’s assets.
Requirements for the Chief Information Security Officer – Minneapolis, MN
We are seeking a seasoned and accomplished leader with a proven track record of building and running successful security programs in complex, regulated environments.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree (MS or MBA) is highly preferred.
Certifications
Professional security management certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) are strongly required.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in information security, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Director, VP of Security, CISO) with responsibility for a global, enterprise-wide security program.
Industry Experience
Crucial requirement: Significant experience within a highly regulated industry is mandatory. Direct experience in the medical device, pharmaceutical, or healthcare sector is strongly preferred. Demonstrable experience navigating FDA regulations and product security challenges is a significant advantage.
Technical Acumen
Deep and broad technical knowledge across all facets of cybersecurity, including cloud security (AWS, Azure), network and endpoint security, application security (DevSecOps), encryption, GRC tools, and security operations.
Leadership & Communication
Proven ability to lead, influence, and build consensus across all levels of an organization. Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex security concepts and risks to non-technical audiences, including executive leaders and the Board of Directors.
Business Acumen
Strong understanding of business principles and the ability to align security initiatives with strategic business objectives. Experience managing multi-million dollar budgets and complex vendor contracts.
Strategic Thinker
Demonstrated ability to think strategically, anticipate future threats and trends, and develop forward-looking security programs that are both robust and agile.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and a significant long-term incentive plan (equity/stock options).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, along with robust wellness programs, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match and potential for profit sharing.
Paid Time Off
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and numerous paid company holidays.
Professional Development
A substantial budget for continuous learning, including industry conferences, executive training, and advanced certifications.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for qualified candidates moving to the Minneapolis area.
Work-Life Balance
A commitment to a healthy work-life balance with a supportive and collaborative corporate culture.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative security leader passionate about protecting technology that saves lives, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience.
JRG Partners specializes in placing top-tier executive talent in transformative roles. To learn more about our expertise in this domain, please visit our Information Technology & Cybersecurity Leadership practice area. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.