Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (Deputy CISO)

Fahrenheit Advisors has been retained by our client, The Virginia Retirement System (VRS), to assist them in a search for a
Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (Deputy CISO)
to lead security operations for its Investments division. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for protecting critical systems and data while enabling business innovation in a complex, mission-driven environment.

Reporting to the CISO, you will serve as a trusted advisor across the enterprise—driving security strategy, strengthening risk posture, and ensuring the organization stays ahead of evolving cyber threats.

About Virginia Retirement System (VRS):

As one of the largest public pension funds in the U.S., VRS offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of over Virginians. VRS fosters a high-performing, collaborative culture with a hybrid work environment (2 days in-office, 3 days remote), where professional growth, innovation, and service excellence are celebrated. Team members enjoy competitive benefits, including health and life insurance, paid time off, agency bonus programs, and a robust retirement plan with additional savings options. This role is ideal for a strategic finance leader passionate about delivering exceptional service and contributing to VRS’s mission.

Responsibilities:

- Lead Security Operations:
Oversee threat monitoring, incident response, vulnerability management, and a 24/7 Security Operations Center
- Drive Strategy & Execution:
Partner with the CISO to shape and implement enterprise-wide cybersecurity initiatives
- Enable the Business:
Align security controls with investment operations to support performance without compromising protection
- Strengthen Risk & Compliance:
Ensure adherence to Commonwealth of Virginia (VITA) standards and industry best practices
- Advance Cyber Defense:
Lead penetration testing, counterintelligence efforts, and proactive threat detection
- Build & Mentor Teams:
Develop high-performing security talent and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
- Collaborate Broadly:
Work across IT, business, and external partners to embed security into all initiatives
- Ensure Resilience:
Oversee business continuity and disaster recovery planning and execution

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in cybersecurity, including leadership responsibility
• Deep expertise in security operations, risk management, and enterprise security architecture
• Experience with modern environments (cloud, networking, endpoint protection, Microsoft ecosystem)
• Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks and compliance standards
• Proven ability to influence, lead, and communicate across technical and executive audiences

Why This Role?

- Mission-Driven Impact:
Help safeguard the retirement security of Virginia’s public workforce
- Enterprise Visibility:
Play a key role in shaping cybersecurity strategy at an organizational level
- Leadership Opportunity:
Influence both technical direction and team development
- Complex & Evolving Environment:
Tackle sophisticated challenges in investment and public-sector security