Overview
On Site
USD 240,133.10 - 290,144.00 per year
Full Time
Skills
FOCUS
Risk Management
Research
Operational Excellence
Information Security
TIM
Staff Management
Recruiting
Mentorship
Collaboration
Regulatory Compliance
Reporting
Law
Accountability
Training
Cyber Security
Innovation
Network Security
Security Engineering
Acquisition
Roadmaps
Project Management
Leadership
Communication
Management
Science
Computer Science
Computer Engineering
CISSP
CISM
Security Architecture
Job Details
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The University of Southern California ( ) is advancing its cybersecurity posture with a renewed focus on resilience, cyber risk management, and threat-informed defense. As a world-class research institution, is building a culture of security that supports its academic and research mission in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
This role sits within a newly restructured cybersecurity organization that's leading this transformation. You'll join a team focused on scalable, proactive defense strategies, incident preparedness, and operational excellence-working alongside experts who are deeply committed to service, innovation, and impact.
If you're driven by purpose, thrive in complexity, and want to help shape the future of cybersecurity at a leading university, we invite you to bring your leadership to the table.
POSITION SUMMARY
As the Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering you will be an integral leader of the cybersecurity department while also collaborating with stakeholders across the university ecosystem, and reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) . This is a full-tim e exempt position, eligible for all of 's fantastic Benefits + Perks . This opportunity is hybrid.
The Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering leads the design, development and implementation of the university's cybersecurity architecture and engineering initiatives. Oversees the creation and maintenance of the Enterprise Security Architecture Framework and provides expert guidance on technology implementations, ensuring security solutions align with university objectives . Collaborates and works closely with cross-functional cybersecurity units to design, build, implement and configure security solutions (i.e., tools, processes) that facilitate robust security posture. Ensures security architecture designs and engineered configurations are scalable, resilient and aligned with industry best practices. Oversees the management and maintenance of technology deployed to protect systems from information risks (e.g., security threats, data exfiltration).
The Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering will:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Great candidate s for the position of Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering will meet the following qualifications:
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Exceptional candidate s for the position of Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering will also bring the following qualifications or more :
In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate , through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC's Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, community, well-being, open communication, and accountability.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
The annual base salary range for this position is $ 240,133.10 - $290,144.00 . When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
To support the well-being of our faculty and staff, provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of perks to help protect their and their dependents' health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package. You can learn more about USC's comprehensive benefits here .
Join the cybersecurity team within an environment of innovation and excellence.
Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree In Information Science Or Computer Science Or Computer Engineering Or in related field(s) Addtional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 10 years in security architecture design and network security and/or related fields. Minimum Skills: Exceptional understanding of security engineering processes (e.g., acquisition, design, build, operation). Expertise in analyzing current-state security technologies and architectures and providing recommendations for future state solutions. Strong understanding of technology and systems infrastructure, with the ability to guide the university's security technology roadmap. Proven ability to drive technical projects to successful completion, demonstrating project management excellence. Leadership skills to manage large programs and work effectively across different business lines within a complex organization. Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to interact with and influence senior levels of management. Capacity to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, adapt to changing priorities, and work independently in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Education: Master's degree In Information Science Or Computer Science Or Computer Engineering Or in related field(s) Preferred Certifications: Cyber certification (e.g., CISSP, GIAC, CISM). Preferred Experience: 12 years Preferred Skills: Familiarity with existing university security architecture.
The University of Southern California ( ) is advancing its cybersecurity posture with a renewed focus on resilience, cyber risk management, and threat-informed defense. As a world-class research institution, is building a culture of security that supports its academic and research mission in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
This role sits within a newly restructured cybersecurity organization that's leading this transformation. You'll join a team focused on scalable, proactive defense strategies, incident preparedness, and operational excellence-working alongside experts who are deeply committed to service, innovation, and impact.
If you're driven by purpose, thrive in complexity, and want to help shape the future of cybersecurity at a leading university, we invite you to bring your leadership to the table.
POSITION SUMMARY
As the Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering you will be an integral leader of the cybersecurity department while also collaborating with stakeholders across the university ecosystem, and reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) . This is a full-tim e exempt position, eligible for all of 's fantastic Benefits + Perks . This opportunity is hybrid.
The Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering leads the design, development and implementation of the university's cybersecurity architecture and engineering initiatives. Oversees the creation and maintenance of the Enterprise Security Architecture Framework and provides expert guidance on technology implementations, ensuring security solutions align with university objectives . Collaborates and works closely with cross-functional cybersecurity units to design, build, implement and configure security solutions (i.e., tools, processes) that facilitate robust security posture. Ensures security architecture designs and engineered configurations are scalable, resilient and aligned with industry best practices. Oversees the management and maintenance of technology deployed to protect systems from information risks (e.g., security threats, data exfiltration).
The Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering will:
- Lead Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering Strategy
Direct the design, implementation, and configuration of key cybersecurity tools and infrastructure across the university. Ensure all systems and technologies are scalable, resilient, and aligned with best practices to safeguard against cyber threats and data breaches.
- Oversee Security Infrastructure and Tool Management
Manage the integrity and effectiveness of security tools and technologies. Provide oversight on technology deployments that protect university systems and data, while ensuring seamless integration with university-wide governance frameworks.
- Provide Vision and Technical Expertise
Serve as the subject-matter expert for cybersecurity architecture and engineering. Establish and maintain the Enterprise Security Architecture Framework and ensure alignment with university strategy and compliance requirements.
- Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team
Set priorities for the Cyber Architecture and Engineering team while overseeing all aspects of staff management including hiring, training, performance reviews, and technical mentorship.
- Drive Risk-Based Cybersecurity Solutions
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to evaluate risks and recommend proactive security solutions. Stay informed on emerging trends, technologies, and industry standards to continuously elevate the university's cybersecurity posture.
- Foster an Inclusive and Ethical Work Culture
Promote a workplace culture grounded in respect, inclusion, and the Code of Ethics. Ensure all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to the mission of the university.
- Emergency Response and Compliance Responsibilities
Participate in emergency preparedness and mandated reporting responsibilities as required by policy and state law, including serving as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Great candidate s for the position of Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering will meet the following qualifications:
- 10 years in security architecture design and network security and/or related fields.
- A bachelor's degree in information science or computer science or computer engineering o r in related field(s); or combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.
- Exceptional understanding of security engineering processes (e.g., acquisition, design, build, operation).
- Expertise in analyzing current-state security technologies and architectures and providing recommendations for future state solutions.
- Strong understanding of technology and systems infrastructure, with the ability to guide the university's security technology roadmap.
- Proven ability to drive technical projects to successful completion, demonstrating project management excellence.
- Leadership skills to manage large programs and work effectively across different business lines within a complex organization.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to interact with and influence senior levels of management.
- Capacity to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, adapt to changing priorities, and work independently in a fast - paced environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Exceptional candidate s for the position of Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering will also bring the following qualifications or more :
- 12 years of relevant experience.
- A master's degree in information science or computer science or computer engineering o r in related field(s); or combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.
- Familiarity with existing university security architecture.
- Cyber certification (e.g., CISSP, GIAC, CISM).
In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate , through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC's Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, community, well-being, open communication, and accountability.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
The annual base salary range for this position is $ 240,133.10 - $290,144.00 . When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
To support the well-being of our faculty and staff, provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of perks to help protect their and their dependents' health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package. You can learn more about USC's comprehensive benefits here .
Join the cybersecurity team within an environment of innovation and excellence.
Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree In Information Science Or Computer Science Or Computer Engineering Or in related field(s) Addtional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 10 years in security architecture design and network security and/or related fields. Minimum Skills: Exceptional understanding of security engineering processes (e.g., acquisition, design, build, operation). Expertise in analyzing current-state security technologies and architectures and providing recommendations for future state solutions. Strong understanding of technology and systems infrastructure, with the ability to guide the university's security technology roadmap. Proven ability to drive technical projects to successful completion, demonstrating project management excellence. Leadership skills to manage large programs and work effectively across different business lines within a complex organization. Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to interact with and influence senior levels of management. Capacity to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, adapt to changing priorities, and work independently in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Education: Master's degree In Information Science Or Computer Science Or Computer Engineering Or in related field(s) Preferred Certifications: Cyber certification (e.g., CISSP, GIAC, CISM). Preferred Experience: 12 years Preferred Skills: Familiarity with existing university security architecture.
Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.