Director, Information Technology Strategy & Security

At Sheridan, technology continually shapes the experience of our students and our broader community. With a quickly evolving technological landscape – including AI, evolving cyber threats, and changing student expectations reshaping higher education – we’re looking for a senior leader who is energized by that responsibility and ready to help drive the institution forward. Reporting to the AVP and Chief Information Officer, the Director, IT Strategy and Information Security (the "Director") is responsible for coordinating efforts, in collaboration with the AVP & CIO and other senior executive leaders, that shape Sheridan's long‑term technology direction and safeguards the institution's digital environment. This role provides strategic leadership across three high‑impact portfolios at the heart of Sheridan’s digital future: IT Strategy & Technology Innovation, Information Security and Compliance, and the IT Project Management Office (PMO).

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading the development, execution, and continuous improvement of the institution’s information security governance, strategy, program, and roadmap, ensuring alignment with industry best practices, institutional context, and IT priorities.
• Establishing and maintaining security governance, policies, standards, and procedures, and ensuring consistent implementation across campuses, systems, and services.
• Setting and managing the annual IT Security operating budget in collaboration with the Senior Manager, IT Finance and Business Operations and the AVP & CIO.
• Directing enterprise security risk management activities, including risk assessments, threat modelling, and control selection, and advising leadership on risk acceptance and mitigation priorities.
• Overseeing incident response and cyber crisis management, including preparedness planning, development of playbooks, facilitation of tabletop exercises, coordination with internal and external partners, and post‑incident reviews.
• Leading security awareness and training programs to promote appropriate user behaviour, reduce phishing and social engineering risks, and strengthen a culture of shared accountability.
• Ensuring that security requirements are embedded in projects and operational changes through a secure‑by‑design approach, including participation in architecture reviews, assessment of vendor and third‑party risk, and incorporation of security clauses in contracts.
• Coordinating compliance activities related to privacy, audit, and regulatory obligations, and developing supporting documentation, reporting, and remediation plans as required.
• Defining and reporting on security metrics and key performance indicators, such as risk posture, vulnerabilities, awareness levels, and incident trends, and providing regular updates to the AVP & CIO and senior leadership.
• Providing strategic leadership for IT’s Project Management Office, including the development and continuous improvement of project management practices across the organization.
• Collaborating with institutional stakeholders on the intake, prioritization, and portfolio management of IT projects, ensuring alignment with institutional and IT strategies, available resources, and budget constraints.
• Developing annual IT project portfolio budget proposals in partnership with the Senior Manager, IT Finance and Business Operations, and with guidance from the AVP & CIO.
• Ensuring strong project controls across scope, schedule, budget, benefits, and risk, regularly reviewing project health and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Leading resourcing and capacity planning for project delivery, including the allocation of internal staff and contractors, prioritization of work, and resolution of resource conflicts.
• Providing clear and transparent portfolio reporting, including executive dashboards on project status, risks, financials, and benefits, to the AVP & CIO and institutional leadership.
• Recruiting, hiring, and onboarding staff, including overseeing contractor onboarding as needed, ensuring role clarity and alignment with team capabilities and priorities.
• Setting clear expectations and accountabilities, and providing regular feedback, performance coaching, and formal performance management aligned with institutional values and objectives.
• Developing team capability through individual development plans, mentoring, training opportunities, succession planning, and supported career progression.
• Performing other duties as required.

About You

You have the skills and knowledge to work with an increasingly diverse student and staff population as well as a proven commitment to anti‑oppression, equity, and inclusion.

You bring broad knowledge and understanding of current information and communication technologies and their relation to College business and academic strategic objectives.

You have an advanced understanding of Information Security, risk management, and the applicable compliance requirements and regulatory acts and how they apply within an Ontario public sector organization.

You translate complex technical, security, and compliance concepts into clear, compelling messages for technical and non‑technical audiences alike.

You bring demonstrated experience with advising and influencing various stakeholders, including senior management.

You demonstrate exemplary time management and organizational skills to effectively manage multiple, concurrent projects that vary in size, scope, complexity and duration.

You lead with intention – building strong teams, supporting the growth of your team members, and creating conditions where people can do their best work.

The Successful Candidate Will Also Meet The Following Qualifications

• 4‑year Bachelor’s degree or 3‑year diploma/degree with a postgraduate certificate in Business, Computer Science, Engineering or another related field.
• 9 years of progressive experience in computing and information security, including experience with Internet technology and security issues.
• Must have recognized certification/accreditation for Information Systems Security such as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), SANS GIAC designation or other recognized security certification/accreditation.
• The following certifications are desired: Project Management Certification (PMP, PRINCE2, SAFe, etc.), Enterprise Architecture frameworks (TOGAF, etc.) and Governance and Management of IT (CGEIT, COBIT, ITIL, etc.).
• Must have maintained current technical proficiency through professional activities and/or additional formal training in technology, customer service, business.
• Must have leadership and performance management experience; teambuilding and mentoring/coaching.
• Must have experience with business continuity planning, auditing, and risk management, as well as contract and vendor negotiation.
• Must have knowledge of business ecosystems, cloud solutions, technology and process optimization.

Other Details

Faculty/Department: Information Technology Department

Primary Work/Campus Location: Trafalgar (may be assigned activities at any Sheridan campus)

Work Categorization: Hybrid Position | On‑site at least 3 days/week

Reference #: J0426-0911

Employee Group: Administrative

Type of Vacancy: This is a new position

Payband: NO

Salary Range: $126,723 - $158,403

Application Deadline: June 5, 2026

EEO Statement

Sheridan values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. Sheridan regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. Sheridan seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti‑racism, and inclusion. We encourage applications from qualified candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including those who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit/Inuk, Black, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Sheridan will provide job applicants with accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. To request accommodation, please contact Human Resources.

You may be asked to provide copies of your educational credentials at the time of interview. Upon hire, we require official confirmation of educational credentials and Canadian equivalency assessments, if applicable.

First Nations peoples have lived on this part of Turtle Island for millennia, stewarding the land, the water and all that contributes to life in this territory. Today, the culture and presence of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples enrich the lands and people of this territory. Over two centuries ago, the Mississauga people welcomed settlers to this territory, providing sustenance and engaging in trade and commerce. Between 1781 to 1820, eight treaties were signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation who opened their territory to settlement. Today, Sheridan campuses are located on Treaty 14, also known as the Head of the Lake Purchase of 1806 and Treaty 22 and 23 of 1820. Treaty history is foundational, and it is our collective responsibility to honour the land, as we honour and respect those who have gone before us, those who are here and those who have yet to come. We are grateful for the opportunity to be learning, working and thriving on this land, and we commit to learn the truth and be active in the process of reconciliation.

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