Senior Information Security Officer (SISO) – Secure Enclave

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

We are searching for a Senior Information Security Officer (SISO) who will provides leadership and oversight for cybersecurity operations within a designated secure enclave supporting federally sponsored research. The selected incumbent will be responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of enclave systems, networks, and data, including Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), in accordance with federal cybersecurity requirements and institutional policies.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:

Exercises functional supervision over enclave-assigned security personnel, which may include Information System Security Officers (ISSOs), system administrators, and compliance support staff. Coordinates enclave security activities with central IT and institutional information security offices. Authority is limited to the assigned enclave.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

This position operates within a defined secure enclave and does not carry institution-wide cybersecurity authority. The incumbent is accountable for enclave-specific compliance with applicable federal regulations and standards, including NIST SP 800-171, CMMC Level 2, and DFARS requirements, supporting Department of Defense and other federal research programs.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Serves as the senior information security authority for the assigned secure enclave and has advisory authority over enclave system administrators.

• Implements and maintains enclave-specific cybersecurity policies, procedures, and controls

• Develops and maintains System Security Plans (SSPs), Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), and required security documentation

• Prepares for DoD assessments, internal audits, and sponsor reviews.

• Oversees enclave-level risk assessments, vulnerability management, and continuous monitoring activities

• Leads incident response activities within the enclave and coordinates escalation as required

• Ensures appropriate access controls, system configurations, logging, and boundary protections are in place

• Ensures alignment with institutional security architecture and enterprise risk management.

• Coordinates with principal investigators, program managers, and administrative offices to support sponsor cybersecurity requirements

• Ensures secure handling, storage, transmission, and disposal of CUI within the enclave

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge of federal cybersecurity standards and compliance frameworks

• Experience with secure enclave architectures and network segmentation

• Cybersecurity risk management and incident response capabilities

• Ability to interpret and apply technical security requirements in research environments

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work collaboratively across technical and administrative units

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field

• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in information security or cybersecurity

• Experience supporting secure or regulated computing environments

• Knowledge of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) handling requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, if required

• Preferred certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CEH, CCSP, or Security+, which are commonly expected for an enclave security leadership

Special Note:

• Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application.
• Due to U.S. Export Control laws and regulations, the candidate hired will need to be a U.S. citizen (as defined by 8 U.S.C. Sec. 1324b(a)(3).

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Compensation Range: $149367 - $164,300