In response to the growing shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals, the Cybersecurity Competence Center at the University of Žilina was established in line with Slovakia’s Recovery and Resilience Plan. Its main objective is to systematically build professional capacities in protecting digital assets within public administration through innovative education, applied research, and hands-on training. Among several courses developed by the center, one of the key offerings is the “Cybersecurity Manager in Public Administration” course, designed to meet the needs of managerial personnel responsible for strategic cybersecurity management, risk governance, and regulatory compliance.

The course reflects current and upcoming legal requirements, including the NIS2 Directive, and provides a comprehensive framework for building, managing, and improving cybersecurity management systems in public sector organizations. The curriculum covers areas such as risk assessment and treatment, incident management, cyber hygiene, business continuity, as well as team leadership and strategic decision-making in the context of security governance.

This article presents the goals, content, and teaching methodology of the “Cybersecurity Manager” course and its role within the broader system of professional competence development promoted by the Competence Center. It emphasizes the importance of professional training in enhancing the resilience of public administration against cyber threats and in supporting a systematic approach to cybersecurity in the Slovak Republic.

Keywords: Cybersecurity education, public administration, cybersecurity management, NIS2 Directive, professional competence development.