Howard University · 9 hours ago
Senior Director Cybersecurity
Wonder Plaza, Technology Center
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$160K/yr - $170K/yr
10+ years expHoward University is seeking a Senior Director of Cybersecurity to enhance its cybersecurity program within a hybrid IT environment. The role involves overseeing security measures, leading technical teams, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while promoting a security-first culture across the university.
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Responsibilities
Develop and execute a university-wide cybersecurity strategy that aligns with Howard University’s goals and emerging threat landscapes
Lead cross-functional cybersecurity governance initiatives, partnering with senior academic and administrative leaders to promote a security-first culture
Design, implement, and continuously evolve a secure infrastructure architecture across hybrid environments (on-premises and Azure cloud), including identity management (Entra ID), network segmentation, Zero Trust, and secure access
Evaluate and select enterprise-class security solutions: firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM (e.g., Microsoft Sentinel), endpoint detection and response (EDR), encryption, and data loss prevention (DLP)
Conduct architectural risk analysis, threat modeling, and develop mitigation strategies for new and existing systems and applications
Ensure identity and access management (IAM) policies align with least privilege and role-based access control principles
Oversee real-time security monitoring, incident detection, and coordinated incident response efforts, utilizing SIEM and SOAR platforms
Drive security assessments, penetration tests, and red/blue team exercises to proactively identify and resolve vulnerabilities
Manage vulnerability management programs and ensure timely patch management across all systems
Maintain and test business continuity and disaster recovery (BC/DR) plans related to information security incidents
Coordinate with other departments to integrate cybersecurity measures into business processes
Monitor and analyze security metrics to provide insights and recommendations to senior leadership
Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and technologies
Qualification
Required
A Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in computer science/Information Technology with a security concentration
10 to 15 years of experience in information security
Minimum three years' experience working with firewall, vulnerability scanning, intrusion detection products and authentication technologies
Three years of experience with network security, incident response, auditing, intrusion detection, forensics, vulnerability assessments, and/or analytic tools
Demonstrated expertise in developing, implementing, and auditing cybersecurity policies, controls, and compliance frameworks within complex IT environments
Strong experience with cybersecurity risk management processes, including risk assessments, business impact analyses (BIAs), and control mapping
Expert experience in Windows Server Operating Systems, VMware
Expert experience in core enterprise roles such as Active Directory, Group Policy, RAIDUS/NPS, CAs
Expert experience in bare metal servers and data center configurations
Expert experience in Falcon Crowdstrike
Expert experience in Microsoft Azure (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), Office 365, Entra ID, Azure Sentinel
Expert experience in hybrid cloud integrations
Expert experience in authentication protocols
Expert experience in Threat Intelligence, Threat Hunting
Proficient in securing firewalls, VPNs, and virtual environments (VMware/Hyper-V)
Hands-on experience with Microsoft Defender Suite, Cisco DNA, and Cisco ISE
Familiar with scripting for automation (e.g., PowerShell, Python) to streamline security operations
Deep knowledge of secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC), DevSecOps principles, and CI/CD pipeline security
Experience implementing TLS, SSL, VPN encryption, HSMs, and certificate lifecycle management
Ability to lead cross-functional teams in promoting a culture of compliance and cybersecurity accountability across the enterprise
Preferred
Master's degree in business administration
Industry certifications in cybersecurity are preferred
One or more of the following: CISM, CISSP, CISA, CGEIT, CRISC, and/or other security certification
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture
Company
Howard University
Howard University is a federally chartered, private, coeducational, and nonsectarian university.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Howard University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (22)
2024 (34)
2023 (31)
2022 (29)
2021 (14)
2020 (12)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$29.9MKey Investors
Gilead SciencesAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic SurgeonsNational Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
2024-02-27Grant
2023-12-01Grant· $0.02M
2023-01-10Grant· $0.15M
Leadership Team
Ta-Nehisi Coates
Sterling Brown Endowed Chair, Department of English
Recent News
2026-01-16
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