Senior Director, Security Operations Center
Job Description
Company: CFA Institute
Location: Charlottesville, US
Are you excited to build and lead a world-class Security Operations Center while staying close to the action? We’re looking for a Senior Director who thrives on solving complex security challenges, mentoring high-performing teams, and driving resilient, real-time cyber defense at scale.
The Senior Director, Security Operations Center (SOC) is responsible for protecting the organization’s systems, data, and infrastructure against cybersecurity threats. This individual will oversee the strategic direction and operational management of the Security Operations Center, ensuring the organization’s cybersecurity posture remains robust and proactive. This is a hands-on role; the leadership is expected to be involved day to day and knowledgeable with hands on experience.
The position may be based in approved jurisdictions in the United States and reports to the CISO.
Note: CFA Institute does not provide work authorization or visa sponsorship for this position (including student or temporary worker visas).
What You’ll Do Leadership and Strategy
• Develop and implement the strategic vision for the SOC, aligning with CFA Institute’s overall security and business objectives.
• Provide leadership and direction to a global team of security analysts, engineers, and incident responders.
Operational Management
• Monitor and manage CFA Institute’s network, systems, and applications to identify, respond to, and mitigate cybersecurity threats in real time.
• Ensure efficient operations of threat detection, response, and forensic investigation processes.
• Develop and maintain incident response plans, playbooks, and procedures to address security incidents effectively.
Risk Management and Compliance
• Ensure compliance with global cybersecurity regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to assess risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Conduct regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing to proactively identify and address potential weaknesses.
Technology and Innovation
• Evaluate and adopt cutting-edge technologies and tools to enhance the SOC’s threat detection and response capabilities.
• Stay informed of emerging trends, threats, and solutions within the cybersecurity landscape.
• Drive innovation to ensure CFA Institute remains ahead of potential threats and vulnerabilities.
What You’ll Bring
• Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, or related field.
• 10–15+ years in cybersecurity operations with 5+ years leading SOC/IR teams.
• Proven expertise in SOC management, incident response, digital forensics, and enterprise monitoring.
• Demonstrated command of security frameworks and methodologies (e.g., NIST, MITRE ATT&CK).
• Excellent judgment under pressure with strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Inclusive people leader: coaches, mentors, and builds high-performing, diverse teams across time zones.
• Exceptional communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Willingness to operate as a hands-on leader.
Preferred Qualifications
• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CEH, or equivalent.
• Experience orchestrating complex, cross-functional incident responses and executive-level briefings.
• Background establishing SOC metrics, SLAs/SLOs, and reporting aligned to business risk.
• Track record implementing automation, threat intelligence fusion, and continuous improvement programs.
Why Join Us?
• Global mission & impact: Protect the integrity of a premier global organization that sets the standard for the investment profession.
• Build at scale: Lead and modernize a global SOC with executive sponsorship and the autonomy to innovate.
• People-first culture: Join a values-driven, learning-oriented organization that invests in your growth.
• Competitive rewards: Strong compensation, annual incentives eligibility, 12% employer retirement contribution, and comprehensive medical benefits.
At CFA Institute, we are committed to transparency and equity in our hiring process. In compliance with wage transparency laws in many of the jurisdictions in which we recruit, we provide the following information regarding compensation for this position: Expected salary range: $150,700 – $225,00 per year. All salary ranges are subject to adjustment based on experience, education, and other factors relevant to the position. Additional benefits include eligibility for an annual incentive bonus, a 12% employer contribution to a 401(k) or pension plan, and a comprehensive medical benefits package.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. CFA Institute prohibits both discrimination and harassment with regard to all identifying characteristics: any individual employee, group of employees, or prospective employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, religion, creed or belief, age, marital or partnership status, marital or family status, care giver status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, physical abilities/qualities, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, predisposing genetic characteristic, military or veteran status, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence or sex offense or stalking, unemployment status, infectious disease carrier status, migrant worker status, educational background, socio-economic status, geographic location and culture or any other basis protected by applicable law. This policy impacts all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, development, promotion, demotion, layoff, recall, furlough, transfer, leave of absence, and dismissal. This is a global policy that applies to all CFA Institute employees, regardless of location.
If, due to a disability or current medical condition, you need an accommodation or assistance to complete a job application, you can request one at any stage of the recruitment process. Please send an email to humanresources@cfainstitute.org noting the accommodations or assistance you are requesting. Please do not include any medical or health information in this email. We will review your request and contact you to discuss the possible options and arrangements. We will try our best to provide you with an accommodation or assistance that meets your needs and respects your preferences.
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Source: Talent.com
