Role Overview for CISO with a Global FinServ Firm – Jersey City, NJ
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier global financial services firm in their search for a visionary and strategic Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Located in the dynamic financial hub of Jersey City, NJ, this executive leadership role is critical to the firm’s success, resilience, and reputation. The CISO will be the principal architect and steward of the enterprise-wide information security program, responsible for safeguarding the firm’s critical information assets, client data, and technology infrastructure against an ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) with a dotted line to the Board’s Risk Committee, the CISO will serve as a trusted advisor to the executive leadership team and business units. You will be empowered to build, lead, and mentor a world-class global security organization. This is not just a technical role; it is a strategic business enabler. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of deep technical expertise, exceptional business acumen, and outstanding communication skills. You will be responsible for creating a culture of security awareness and accountability across the entire organization, ensuring that security is seamlessly integrated into all business processes and technological innovations. You will navigate the complex regulatory environment of the financial services industry, ensuring unwavering compliance with standards set by bodies like the SEC, FINRA, and NYDFS. This position demands a forward-thinking leader who can anticipate future threats, develop proactive defense strategies, and drive a security program that not only protects the firm but also fosters client trust and supports its global growth objectives.
The successful candidate will be a transformational leader capable of translating complex security concepts into clear business risks and opportunities. You will manage a significant budget, oversee relationships with key vendors and partners, and represent the firm’s security posture to clients, auditors, and regulators. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact at the highest level of a prestigious financial institution, shaping the future of its security and risk management framework.
Key Responsibilities of CISO with a Global FinServ Firm – Jersey City, NJ
The Chief Information Security Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, operational excellence, and rigorous governance. Key duties include:
Strategy and Leadership
Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive, strategic, and risk-based enterprise information security and cyber risk management program. Provide executive leadership and guidance to a global team of security professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)
Establish and oversee a formal security governance framework. Develop and maintain security policies, standards, and procedures in alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements. Lead efforts to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, including SOX, GDPR, CCPA, NYDFS Cybersecurity Regulation (23 NYCRR 500), and others.
Threat Intelligence and Risk Management
Direct a proactive threat intelligence program to identify and analyze emerging threats. Conduct comprehensive risk assessments of business processes, technology platforms, and third-party vendors. Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies and controls to manage information security risks to an acceptable level.
Security Architecture and Engineering
Partner with IT and engineering teams to ensure security is embedded into the design and implementation of all new systems and services (DevSecOps). Define the strategic roadmap for security technologies, including identity and access management (IAM), data loss prevention (DLP), cloud security (AWS, Azure), network security, and endpoint protection.
Security Operations Center (SOC) Management
Oversee the 24/7/365 Security Operations Center, ensuring effective monitoring, detection, analysis, and response to security events and incidents. Mature the firm’s capabilities in security information and event management (SIEM), intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and advanced threat detection.
Incident Response and Business Continuity
Develop, maintain, and test a comprehensive incident response plan. Lead the response to any security breaches or cyberattacks, managing containment, investigation, eradication, and recovery. Collaborate with business leaders to integrate cybersecurity into the overall business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
Data Protection and Privacy
Champion the protection of sensitive corporate and client data. Implement robust data classification, encryption, and access control policies. Partner with the Chief Privacy Officer and Legal counsel to ensure data handling practices comply with global privacy regulations.
Awareness and Training
Design and manage a comprehensive security awareness and training program for all employees, executives, and contractors to promote a security-conscious culture and reduce human-related risks.
Budget and Vendor Management
Develop and manage the annual information security budget, ensuring strategic allocation of resources. Evaluate, select, and manage relationships with third-party security vendors, consultants, and service providers to augment in-house capabilities.
Executive and Board Reporting
Regularly report on the status and effectiveness of the information security program to the executive management team, the Board of Directors, and relevant committees. Translate technical security metrics into clear, business-focused risk reporting.
Requirements for the CISO with a Global FinServ Firm – Jersey City, NJ
Candidates must possess a proven track record of leadership in information security within complex, regulated environments. The ideal profile includes:
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in information security and IT risk management, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., CISO, Deputy CISO, Head of Security) within the financial services, banking, or fintech industries.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree (MBA or MS in Information Security) is highly preferred.
Certifications
Professional security management certification is mandatory. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is required. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or equivalent certifications are highly desirable.
Technical Expertise
Deep and current knowledge of security technologies, protocols, and frameworks. Expertise in areas such as cloud security architecture (AWS, Azure, GCP), network security, application security (SAST/DAST), identity and access management (IAM), cryptography, and vulnerability management.
Regulatory Knowledge
Extensive experience with the regulatory and compliance landscape for financial services, including FFIEC, GLBA, FINRA, SEC, and NYDFS cybersecurity regulations. Proven ability to interact effectively with auditors and regulators.
Framework Proficiency
Demonstrable experience in developing and managing security programs based on leading industry frameworks. Deep familiarity with standards like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO 27001/27002, and COBIT is essential.
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership, team-building, and talent development skills. Proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse, global team of security professionals.
Communication and Influence
Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to articulate complex security concepts and risks to both technical and non-technical audiences, including C-level executives and the Board of Directors.
Business Acumen
Strong business acumen with a demonstrated ability to align security initiatives with business goals and strategy. Experience managing large budgets and complex projects is required.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. As a key member of the executive team, you can expect:
Competitive Executive Compensation
A highly attractive base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and long-term equity incentives (e.g., stock options or restricted stock units).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents. A generous Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions, wellness programs, and employee assistance programs.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) plan with a significant company match and potential profit-sharing contributions to help you secure your financial future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A substantial paid time off (PTO) package, including vacation days, personal days, sick leave, and company-paid holidays.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including support for attending industry conferences, pursuing advanced certifications, and executive leadership training.
Work-Life Balance
A commitment to supporting a healthy work-life balance, with flexible work arrangements considered.
Additional Perks
Commuter benefits, life and disability insurance, parental leave, and potential relocation assistance for the right candidate.
How to Apply
This is a retained search managed exclusively by JRG Partners. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and leadership philosophy. We encourage all qualified and interested candidates to apply promptly. JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all candidates.
