Head of Information Security - Little Rock, AR

Who We Are:

Southern Bancorp is a different kind of bank. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a special certification designated for institutions that serve predominantly underserved communities, Southern Bancorp combines traditional banking and lending services with financial development tools and public policy advocacy to help families and communities grow stronger. Inspired by the principle that building net worth drives economic opportunity, our mission is to be wealth builders for everyone in the communities we serve, with a focus on low-wealth and un(der)banked populations, as well as an emphasis on Black and Brown individuals.

The Head of Information Security will direct and oversee the development and direct implementation of cyber security policy, program and systems to safeguard data assets and ensure integrity of operations. This role will serve as a role model to others by demonstrating high performance standards and desirable behaviors. This role will take ownership of the company's mission and values while encouraging others to adopt them as well and balance deliberate decision making based on information and data with action-oriented decisiveness.

• Develop and direct the execution of comprehensive information security strategies aligned with business objectives and risk appetite.
• Establish and enforce security policies, standards, and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, business continuity and recovery objectives, and industry best practices.
• Oversee the design, implementation, monitoring and maintenance of security architectures, identity systems and information technologies.
• Conduct budget and resource planning consistent and in concert with the company strategy.
• Lead incident response activities, including investigation, containment, and resolution of information security incidents.
• Evaluate and manage relationships with third-party vendors and service providers to ensure the security of outsourced systems and services.
• Ensure adherence to relevant regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with executive management and other stakeholders to address security concerns and support business objectives by balancing information security controls with business needs.
• Collaborate with PMO and other groups on change management.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and motivate a team of security professionals.
• Monitoring of emerging risks and implementing mitigations.
• Championing security awareness and training programs.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or related field; advanced degree or relevant certifications (CISSP, CISM, CISA) preferred.
• 10-15 years of information system/security experience required with a track record of success in developing and implementing security programs; experience in financial institutions preferred.
• Ability to help develop and drive a shared understanding of a long-term vision for organizational success.
• Demonstrated ability to lead effectively through change and hire and develop talented people who can optimize organizational performance.
• In depth knowledge of cyber security principles, practices, technologies, and standards with a strong understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent communication (both written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to make data-driven decisions and solve complex security challenges.
• Strong project management skills, with ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience communicating with regulators and auditors.

Physical Demand & Work Environment: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

What we offer our employees:

A positive impact on Your Future:

• 401(k)/Roth plan with immediate eligibility and employer match up to 6%
• Employee stock ownership plan
• Discounted rate on primary home mortgage
• Credit and housing counseling as well as free financial education tools available to customers and employees

Benefits to improve your health:

• No deductible medical insurance plan
• Dental and vision insurance
• Employer paid life and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts

The opportunity to nurture your well-being:

• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Bonus plan
• Opportunity for merit raises
• Employee reward and recognition programs
• Community service opportunities

Southern Bancorp is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

As a Community Development Financial Institution, Southern Bancorp desires its workforce to reflect the diversity of the customers and communities that we serve. Racial and ethnic minorities, people from working class backgrounds, women and LGBTQ people are often underrepresented in many financial service industry professions. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.