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Date: April 7, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Hedieh Khajavi, Human Resources Director
By: Leallani Stewart, Human Resources Analyst | [email protected] Subject: Human Resources - Approve Proposed Class Specification for Deputy Information Technology Director/Chief Information Security Officer. Expenditure: None.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the Human Resources Director that City Council approve the proposed class specification for Deputy Information Technology Director/Chief Information Security Officer.
FUNDING
None required.
DISCUSSION
The Information Technology Department is currently undergoing a comprehensive and strategic reorganization designed to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen service delivery, and better position the City to meet its rapidly evolving digital and technological needs. As the scope, complexity, and criticality of IT functions continue to expand—particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, data governance, infrastructure modernization, and regulatory compliance—there is an opportunity to further enhance executive-level leadership across these domains. The Deputy Information Technology Director/Chief Information Security Officer will provide high-level operational support to the Director, ensure continuity of leadership, and will be instrumental in advancing departmental priorities and strengthening cross-functional coordination. This position will assist in planning, organizing, and directing the functions of the IT Department, with primary responsibility for cybersecurity, risk management, and emerging technology initiatives, including artificial intelligence (AI), and public safety technology systems.
ATTACHMENT
1. Deputy Information Technology Director/Chief Information Security Officer Proposed Class Specification
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City of Torrance April 2026 Class Code: New
Class Designation: At-Will
DEPUTY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR / CHIEF
INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER (AT-WILL)
Definition
Under general administrative direction, assists in planning, organizing, and directing the functions of the Information Technology Department, with primary responsibility for cybersecurity, risk management, and emerging technology initiatives, including artificial intelligence (AI), and public safety technology systems. Serves as the City’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and performs related work as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics
The Deputy Information Technology Director/CISO is distinguished from the Information Technology Director in that the incumbent is not responsible for managing the entire department. Distinguished from division managers in that the incumbent has enterprise-wide responsibility for cybersecurity strategy, governance, and major technology initiatives, and may act in the absence of the Information Technology Director . This position exercises significant discretion in establishing cybersecurity policies, managing risk, and implementing complex, cross-departmental technology programs.
Supervision Exercised/Received
Receives general administrative direction from the Information Technology Director; exercises direct supervision over Division Managers, professional -level positions, office support personnel , consultants, and project teams.
Examples of Essential Duties
The following duties represent the principal job duties; however, they are not all inclusive.
• Assists in planning, organizing, and directing departmental operations, including information technology, cybersecurity, telecommunications, and public safety systems. • Develops, implements, and manages the City’s enterprise cybersecurity program, including policies, standards, risk assessments, and incident response capabilities. • Serves as the City’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), responsible for safeguarding City systems, data, and infrastructure.
• Leads cybersecurity governance aligned with frameworks such as National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) and applicable regulatory requirements. • Oversees threat detection, vulnerability management, security operations, and incident response functions.
• Supports major City technology projects, ensuring cybersecurity, architecture, and risk considerations are embedded in planning and execution.
• Leads initiatives related to artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, ensuring responsible, secure, and compliant implementation of AI technologies.
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City of Torrance April 2026 Class Code: New
Class Designation: At-Will
2 • Collaborates with public safety departments to plan, implement, and expand video surveillance systems and related technologies in compliance with privacy and legal requirements. • Assists in developing long-term strategic plans, goals, and objectives aligned with City priorities and digital transformation efforts.
• Evaluates emerging technologies and recommends solutions to improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and security posture.
• Participates in budget development and administration, including cybersecurity investments and grant-funded initiatives.
• Coordinates with department heads to assess technology and security needs and ensure alignment with City standards and infrastructure.
• Provides leadership and works with staff to ensure a high -performance, customer service - oriented work environment that supports achieving the department's and City's mission, objectives and values; applies process improvement and quality management princip les to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Manages the work of staff including: coaching staff for improvement and development, training, assigning, reviewing and evaluating work performance; coordinating activities, maintaining standards, allocating personnel, selecting new employees, acting on em ployee problems and recommending and implementing employee discipline;
• Establishes and enforces standards for secure acquisition, implementation, and operation of technology systems.
• Represents the Department in meetings, committees, and external partnerships related to cybersecurity and technology initiatives.
Examples of Other Duties
The following duties represent duties that are generally performed by this position, but are not considered to be principal job duties.
• Assists in establishing departmental disaster plan as part of City-wide disaster plan. • May perform duties of subordinates as needed.
• May participate in emergency callouts and after-hour support coordination. • Participates in EOC operations as required.
• Participates in interdepartmental committees and special teams. • Acts as Information Technology Director in the Director’s absence. • Performs related duties as required.
Qualification Guidelines
Knowledge of
• Cybersecurity frameworks, standards, and best practices (e.g., NIST, CIS Controls, ISO 27001). • Risk management, threat intelligence, incident response, and security operations. • Artificial intelligence technologies, governance, and associated risks. • Public safety technology systems and communications systems. • Enterprise IT infrastructure, networking, cloud computing, and data protection. • Project management principles and large-scale system implementation. • Applicable local, State, and Federal regulations related to cybersecurity, privacy, data protection and government operations.
• Municipal government operations and public sector technology environments. 3 City of Torrance April 2026 Class Code: New
Class Designation: At-Will
3 • Hazards of and generally accepted safety standards involved in the performance of information technology and communications-related duties.
• Principles of effective public administration, budgeting, purchasing, and recordkeeping. • Principles and practices of effective leadership, supervision, and staff development. • City and Department Mission including strategic goals and objectives. • General City operations.
Core Competencies
• Action & Results Focus – Showing initiative and being focused on accomplishment. • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving – Analytically and logically evaluating information, issues, and problems.
• Decision Making – Exercising discretion and judgment in choosing courses of action. • Gathering and Analyzing Data – Fact finding, analyzing and interpreting quantitative and/or qualitative data.
• Industry Awareness – Grasping business environment.
• Informing – Obtaining and sharing information.
• Innovation – Being resourceful, imaginative, and creative. • Leadership – Promoting the goal and showing the way.
• Legal and Regulatory Navigation – Knowing the paths and boundaries of the legal/regulatory environment.
• Leveraging Technology – Applying technology for improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.
• Managing Change – Ensuring that organizational change is smooth and successful. • Managing Performance – Taking responsibility for improving the effectiveness of others. • Oral Communication – Engaging effectively in dialogue. • Professional/Technical Expertise – Mastery of the technical job content. • Project Management – Ensuring that projects are on-time, on-budget, and on-specifications. • Relationship Building – Establishing rapport and maintaining working relationships. • Strategic View – Maintaining the big picture and long -range objectives as a guide for decisions.
• Using Technology – Keeping pace with technology and putting it to use. • Writing – Getting ideas across in writing.
License or Certificate
Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license.
Relevant cybersecurity, project management, or IT operation certifications are highly desired.
Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:
4 City of Torrance April 2026 Class Code: New
Class Designation: At-Will
4 Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Communications, Business, Public Administration, or a related field and six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in all phases of business data processing including systems analysis, programming, computer operations, communications and distributive processing, including four (4) years of supervisory or project management experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Special Requirements
Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following physical demands and/or working conditions.
Requires the ability to exert a small amount of physical effort in sedentary to light work involving moving from one area of the office to another; requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as using a computer keyboard. Tasks require sound and visual perception and discrimination, as well as oral communication ability. Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Work is primarily performed indoors in an office setting; requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle as driving City vehicles to various locations is expected. Work involves frequently changing work priorities and the ability to meet deadlines. Position will require attendance at off-site meetings and conferences. Work may be required in the evenings and weekends as needed.
Career Ladder Information
Experience and/or education gained in this classification may serve to meet the qualification guidelines for Information Technology Director.
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