How to Hire a Cyber Program Manager

Hiring Guide for Cyber Program Managers

Table of contents

Introduction

As organizations become increasingly reliant on technology, maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture has become a top priority. That's where Cyber Program Managers come in - they are the individuals responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and execution of cybersecurity programs and initiatives within an organization. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about hiring Cyber Program Managers – from understanding the role to making an offer.

Why Hire

The role of a Cyber Program Manager is critical in ensuring that an organization's cybersecurity efforts are effective and up-to-date. Hiring a Cyber Program Manager can bring the following benefits to your organization:

• Improved cybersecurity posture: Cyber Program Managers are experts in creating and executing cybersecurity programs that can help your organization become more resilient against cyber threats.
• Continuous program improvement: Cyber Program Managers have a deep understanding of the cybersecurity landscape and can continuously improve your organization's cybersecurity programs.
• Compliance: With the increasing number of data Privacy regulations globally, Cyber Program Managers can also ensure that your organization remains compliant with relevant regulations.
• Risk mitigation: Cyber Program Managers can identify potential cybersecurity Vulnerabilities and work towards mitigating those risks before they are exploited.

Understanding the Role

To effectively recruit a Cyber Program Manager, you need to have a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities. Some of the core responsibilities of a Cyber Program Manager include:

• Developing and implementing cybersecurity policies and procedures
• Identifying threats and vulnerabilities and assessing risk
• Developing and implementing cybersecurity training and awareness programs
• Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders across the organization
• Conducting security Audits and assessments
• Managing incident responses and disaster recovery plans
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies

Sourcing Applicants

There are a few different ways you can source applicants for a Cyber Program Manager role. One of the most effective ways is to use specialized job boards such as infosec-jobs.com. In addition, here are a few other strategies to consider:

• Employee Referrals: Your current employees may know people in their network who would be a good fit for the role, so consider offering a referral bonus to encourage them to refer strong candidates.
• LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a great resource for finding potential candidates. You can use the platform's search feature to find professionals with relevant experience and qualifications.
• Networking: Attend industry events and conferences to connect with cybersecurity professionals and promote the open position to them.

Skills Assessment

When assessing the skills of a Cyber Program Manager, it's essential to consider their experience and qualifications. Here are some key skills and qualifications to look for:

• Experience in developing and implementing cybersecurity policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of industry-wide cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST, ISO, and CIS.
• Experience in conducting security audits and assessments.
• Familiarity with tools and technologies used in cybersecurity such as SIEM, IDS/IPS, and Firewalls.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to effectively manage a team and collaborate with stakeholders across the organization.
• A degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field.

Interviews

When interviewing candidates for a Cyber Program Manager role, it's important to ask the right questions to identify whether they are the right fit for the role. Here are some questions to consider:

• Tell me about a project in which you implemented a cybersecurity program. What was your role, and what were the key outcomes?
• How do you stay up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies?
• Have you ever had to manage a security incident? Can you walk me through the steps you took to resolve it?
• Can you provide an example of a situation where you had to communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders?
• Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision related to cybersecurity. How did you approach the situation, and what was the outcome?

Making an Offer

Once you've identified a strong candidate for the Cyber Program Manager role, it's time to make an offer. Be sure to include the following elements in your offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Clear job responsibilities and expectations
• Opportunities for growth and development within the organization

Onboarding

After you've made an offer, it's time to onboard your new Cyber Program Manager. Here are some best practices to consider when onboarding a new hire:

• Ensure they have access to the necessary tools and technologies to perform their job effectively.
• Provide an orientation to the organization, including introductions to key stakeholders.
• Establish clear goals and expectations for the first few months in the role.
• Assign a mentor or supervisor to support them as they transition into the role.

In conclusion, hiring a Cyber Program Manager is a critical step in ensuring that your organization's cybersecurity posture is strong and effective. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a successful recruitment process and find a candidate who will help take your cybersecurity program to the next level.