Cybersecurity Lead - Local to NC

Title: Cybersecurity Lead Client: State Client Location: Raleigh, NC (Hybrid) Duration: 12 Months

Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Lead Consultant with strong expertise in cybersecurity, risk assessments, and penetration testing. This role requires both hands-on technical skills and leadership capabilities to manage a large-scale security initiative across multiple environments.
The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing and executing security assessments, leading a team, standardizing processes, and communicating risks to stakeholders in a clear and actionable manner.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and perform technical security risk assessments across IT environments (servers, desktops, networks, firewalls, IAM, MFA, VPNs).
• Conduct internal and external penetration testing, vulnerability identification, and exploit validation.
• Develop and implement standardized assessment methodologies, templates, and reporting formats.
• Manage and coordinate assessment team activities, including task assignments, timelines, and deliverables.
• Create and maintain project plans, schedules, and progress reports.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality execution across multiple locations/projects.
• Identify security gaps and provide remediation recommendations.
• Communicate complex technical findings to non-technical stakeholders and leadership.
• Collaborate with internal teams and stakeholders to support cybersecurity initiatives.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in cybersecurity, including:
  • Security risk assessments
  • Penetration testing (network, web, internal/external)
• 5+ years of experience in:
  • Leading technical security assessments
  • Developing methodologies and frameworks
• Strong experience with:
  • Vulnerability management
  • Patch management
  • Security hardening practices
• Proven experience in team leadership and project management
• Hands-on knowledge of:
  • Servers, networks, firewalls, IAM, MFA, VPNs
• Familiarity with security frameworks:
  • NIST, CIS Controls, ISO 27001
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills