Job description
We are seeking a strategic, pragmatic Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to lead our information security program and corporate IT operations. This is a pivotal leadership role for a security executive who cares deeply about protecting users, data, and systems while enabling innovation, growth, and great employee and consumer experiences.
Reporting to the CTO, the CISO will partner closely with executive leadership, Engineering, Product, Legal, and Business teams to build a scalable, resilient security and IT organization. You’ll play a critical role in safeguarding a platform that serves millions of student-athletes, families, and fans nationwide, while supporting a growing, distributed workforce of 500+ employees.
The Outcomes You’ll Deliver
Build a Strong Security Foundation – Evolve and maintain governance, policies, and controls aligned with industry frameworks such as NIST CSF, ISO 27001, and CIS Controls, creating a durable and scalable security program.
Own Compliance & Trust - Lead SOC 2 Type II certification, maintain PCI DSS compliance, and implement COPPA-aligned privacy controls to protect student and consumer data.
Secure a Multi-Product Platform - Strengthen security across our integrated ecosystem (GoFan, NFHS Network, MaxPreps, PlayOn HQ), supporting 600K+ streaming events and 700K+ ticketing events annually.
Deliver Modern Corporate IT - Lead secure, reliable, and user-friendly IT operations that enable productivity for a distributed workforce, with a strong focus on identity, endpoint security, and employee experience.
Build and Scale Teams - Hire, develop, and lead high-performing security and IT teams across security engineering, operations, compliance, and corporate IT.
Manage Risk Proactively - Own the company’s cybersecurity risk posture by balancing protection with speed and business needs when identifying, prioritizing, and addressing threats.
Model Ethical Stewardship of Privileged Access - Treats privileged access with exceptional ethical judgment, using their authority responsibly and transparently, solely in service of legitimate security, compliance, and organizational trust.
In this role, you can expect to
- Serve as PlayOn’s senior security leader and trusted advisor to the CTO and executive team on security, privacy, risk, and IT matters
- Develop and execute an information security strategy aligned with business objectives, platform evolution, and regulatory requirements
- Embed security into the SDLC through secure coding practices, architecture reviews, DevSecOps, and automated testing (SAST, DAST, SCA)
- Design and evolve security operations capabilities, including detection, monitoring, incident response, and forensics
- Lead executive response to major security incidents, including crisis coordination, communications, and post-incident improvements
- Secure cloud infrastructure (AWS), applications (web, mobile, connected TV), APIs, and data across the platform ecosystem
- Own corporate IT operations, including identity and access management, endpoint management, service desk, onboarding/offboarding, and collaboration tooling
- Establish IT service management practices (ITSM) with clear SLAs and a strong focus on employee experience
- Lead compliance efforts including SOC 2, PCI DSS, penetration testing, and third-party risk management
- Define and track meaningful security and IT metrics, reporting regularly to executive leadership
- Partner cross-functionally to balance security rigor with product velocity, innovation, and operational efficiency
- Drive security awareness and foster a strong security culture across the organization
- Stay ahead of emerging threats, technologies, and best practices to continuously improve PlayOn’s security posture
To thrive in this role, you have
- 12+ years of experience in information security, with deep expertise in cloud, application, and infrastructure security
- 5+ years in senior security leadership roles (CISO, VP, or Director), including building or scaling security programs
- Experience leading corporate IT operations or working closely with IT leadership in modern, cloud-first environments
- Proven success leading SOC 2 Type II, PCI DSS, or similar compliance initiatives in growth-stage technology companies
- Strong background in AWS security, DevSecOps, automation, and modern security tooling
- Hands-on familiarity with enterprise IT systems such as identity providers (e.g., Okta, Azure AD), MDM/UEM, ITSM platforms, and SaaS management
- Excellent communication skills, with experience presenting to executive teams and Boards
- A people-first leadership style, with a track record of building inclusive, high-performing teams
- Experience with consumer platforms, student data privacy, payments, or streaming media is a plus
- Strong business judgment, including budget ownership, vendor management, and third-party risk assessment
- Education: BS in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field. Professional security certifications (CISSP, CISM, CISA) strongly preferred
How You Play
Ownership over Participation- You take responsibility for achieving holistic outcomes, prioritize key objectives, and adapt quickly when situations require a different approach. You follow through even against the toughest challenges.
Team over Stars- You are a bridge builder, establishing processes and relationships with teams outside your own. You work to rally around common goals, find win-win solutions, compromise when necessary, and help others succeed.
Growth over Comfort- You are driven by a desire to grow and actively seek opportunities to expand your comfort zone, skills, and confidence. You embrace new challenges with curiosity, accepting discomfort and failure as opportunities to learn.
Fairness over Popularity- You approach decisions with a scientist’s mindset, challenging your assumptions and remaining objective. You consider long-term impact rather than relying on short-term gains, proactively seek others’ perspectives, and manage emotions in decision-making.
Company Overview
PlayOn is a dynamic growth-stage company dedicated to championing the spirit of play in the high school space. Backed by KKR, our family of brands—including GoFan, NFHS Network, and MaxPreps—empowers schools with innovative solutions and exceptional service. Our fan engagement platform is the only one that offers event ticketing, streaming, fundraising, concessions, merchandise sales, and website management in one place. We save administrators time so they can focus on what truly matters: supporting the students, staff, and fans who bring their programs to life.
Trusted by thousands of schools across the country, we’re here to help create more instant replays, hold-your-breath moments, last-minute comebacks, and games you want to watch over and over again.
When being there means everything, we make sure you never miss a moment.
Why you’ll love working at PlayOn
Product, potential, and people. We’re a leader in the high school event space, constantly evolving our product to meet the needs of administrators. We focus on solving real challenges, learning quickly, and creating impactful solutions.
This is a growth-stage company, meaning your contributions have real impact. You’ll have opportunities to grow your skills, tackle meaningful problems, and make a difference in the lives of schools and the students and fans they serve.
Our culture is built on accountability, collaboration, growth, and fairness. We don’t just show up—we show up for each other. Everyone wears the same jersey, and we play hard, make the extra pass, and cheer one another on. Losses teach us, challenges motivate us, and persistence drives us forward. We value integrity over shortcuts, choosing to do what’s right even when it’s hard. Together, we strive to be better every day—because we know that’s how we win as a team.
The Benefits We Offer
Multiple medical insurance plans to choose from
Dental, vision life and disability insurance
Employee Emergency Fund
Company equity (stock options)
Open PTO policy
401K plan with company match
Hybrid/flexible work environment
Note: Must be a full-time employee to participate in the company’s employee health benefit plan. Part-time employees and interns are not eligible to participate.
