Position Overview

The Strategic Advisor to the CISO is a senior executive leader and trusted partner to the Chief Information Security Officer, helping shape and execute the Bank’s enterprise cybersecurity strategy. With a scope and influence comparable to a Deputy CISO, the position focuses on driving strategic execution, delivering measurable business outcomes, and enhancing the effectiveness of the cybersecurity organization, without direct people management responsibility.

As a visible industry leader, the Strategic Advisor cultivates key external partnerships, influences cybersecurity best practices, and elevates the Bank’s voice within the broader security community.
 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Cybersecurity Strategy

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CISO to on cybersecurity strategy, risk management, and organizational priorities
• Advise on cybersecurity strategy with Technology, Enterprise Risk, and Compliance frameworks
• Provide thought leadership on emerging threats, industry trends, and leading practices
• Advise on emerging technologies, threats, and trends to maintain a leading security posture
• Serve as acting CISO, as needed, ensuring continuity of leadership and decision-making
   

Strategic Execution & Organizational Effectiveness

• Drive execution of high-priority cybersecurity initiatives, ensuring alignment with business and regulatory expectations
• Translate executive-level strategy into actionable plans across security operations, engineering, and risk teams
• Drive accountability across initiatives through disciplined tracking of milestones, risks, and outcomes
• Evaluate current cybersecurity capabilities and recommend improvements to maturity, resilience, and efficiency
• Act as a force multiplier during incidents, priority projects, or periods of heightened risk, supporting coordination and decision-making
   

Executive Engagement & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with senior technology, risk, audit, and business leaders to ensure integrated cybersecurity outcomes
• Support board-level and executive communications, including preparation of materials, briefings, and messaging
   

Technology Governance & Risk Management

• Ensure responsible adoption of AI, including governance, risk mitigation, and secure implementation practices
   

External Leadership & Industry Influence

• Maintain strong relationships with regulators, law enforcement, and industry groups
• Represent the Bank in external forums and contribute to sector-wide cybersecurity initiatives
• Enhance the Bank’s reputation as a cybersecurity thought leader
   

Scope of Role

• Enterprise-wide cybersecurity advisory influence
• No direct reports; operates through influence and partnership
• Broad engagement across cyber operations, engineering, governance, and risk functions
• Direct access to executive leadership and key stakeholders

Success Measures

• Acceleration of key cybersecurity initiatives
• Improved operational execution and program maturity
• Enhanced executive and board-level clarity on cybersecurity posture
• Tangible risk reduction and resilience improvements

Minimum Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 11 years’ cybersecurity and/or large technical program experience, which includes a minimum of 7 years’ cybersecurity experience, or in lieu of a degree, combined minimum of 15 years’ higher education and/or work experience including a minimum of 11 years’ cybersecurity and/or large technical program experience with a minimum of 7 years cybersecurity experience
• Minimum of 4 years’ managerial experience
• US Citizen and eligibility to obtain a US Government Security Clearance (within 12 months of start date)
• Advanced knowledge of related cybersecurity functions     
   

Ideal Experience

• Previous CISO or Deputy CISO experience at a large financial institution
• 15+ years of progressive experience in cybersecurity, information security, or technology risk
• Senior leadership experience within a large, highly regulated financial institution
• Deep knowledge of cloud, data platforms, and modern engineering practices
• Proven ability to translate strategy into measurable outcomes at scale
• Experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives
• Strong understanding of regulatory expectations and cyber risk frameworks
• Experience engaging with regulators, industry bodies, and government partners

M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $201,200.00 - $335,300.00 Annual (USD). The successful candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.

Location

Buffalo, New York, United States of America