Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT 

 

The University of Southern California (USC) is advancing its cybersecurity posture with a renewed focus on resilience, cyber risk management, and threat-informed defense. As a world-class research institution, USC is building a culture of security that supports its academic and research mission in a rapidly evolving threat landscape. 

  

This role sits within a newly restructured cybersecurity organization that’s leading this transformation. You’ll join a team focused on scalable, proactive defense strategies, incident preparedness, and operational excellence—working alongside experts who are deeply committed to service, innovation, and impact. 

  

If you’re driven by purpose, thrive in complexity, and want to help shape the future of cybersecurity at a leading university, we invite you to bring your leadership to the table. 

 

POSITION SUMMARY 

As the Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering you will be an integral leader of the cybersecurity department while also collaborating with stakeholders across the university ecosystem, and reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). This is a full-time exempt position, eligible for all of USC’s fantastic Benefits + Perks. This opportunity is hybrid.    

 

The Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering leads the design, development and implementation of the university’s cybersecurity architecture and engineering initiatives. Oversees the creation and maintenance of the Enterprise Security Architecture Framework and provides expert guidance on technology implementations, ensuring security solutions align with university objectives. Collaborates and works closely with cross-functional cybersecurity units to design, build, implement and configure security solutions (i.e., tools, processes) that facilitate robust security posture. Ensures security architecture designs and engineered configurations are scalable, resilient and aligned with industry best practices. Oversees the management and maintenance of technology deployed to protect systems from information risks (e.g., security threats, data exfiltration). 

 

The Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering will: 

• Lead Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering Strategy  
  Direct the design, implementation, and configuration of key cybersecurity tools and infrastructure across the university. Ensure all systems and technologies are scalable, resilient, and aligned with best practices to safeguard against cyber threats and data breaches. 

• Oversee Security Infrastructure and Tool Management  
  Manage the integrity and effectiveness of security tools and technologies. Provide oversight on technology deployments that protect university systems and data, while ensuring seamless integration with university-wide governance frameworks. 

• Provide Vision and Technical Expertise  
  Serve as the subject-matter expert for cybersecurity architecture and engineering. Establish and maintain the Enterprise Security Architecture Framework and ensure alignment with university strategy and compliance requirements. 

• Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team  
  Set priorities for the Cyber Architecture and Engineering team while overseeing all aspects of staff management including hiring, training, performance reviews, and technical mentorship. 

• Drive Risk-Based Cybersecurity Solutions  
  Collaborate with internal stakeholders to evaluate risks and recommend proactive security solutions. Stay informed on emerging trends, technologies, and industry standards to continuously elevate the university's cybersecurity posture. 

• Foster an Inclusive and Ethical Work Culture  
  Promote a workplace culture grounded in respect, inclusion, and the USC Code of Ethics. Ensure all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to the mission of the university. 

• Emergency Response and Compliance Responsibilities  
  Participate in emergency preparedness and mandated reporting responsibilities as required by USC policy and state law, including serving as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

 

Great candidates for the position of Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering will meet the following qualifications: 

• 10 years in security architecture design and network security and/or related fields. 

• A bachelor’s degree in information science or computer science or computer engineering or in related field(s); or combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education. 

• Exceptional understanding of security engineering processes (e.g., acquisition, design, build, operation). 

• Expertise in analyzing current-state security technologies and architectures and providing recommendations for future state solutions. 

• Strong understanding of technology and systems infrastructure, with the ability to guide the university's security technology roadmap. 

• Proven ability to drive technical projects to successful completion, demonstrating project management excellence. 

• Leadership skills to manage large programs and work effectively across different business lines within a complex organization. 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to interact with and influence senior levels of management. 

• Capacity to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, adapt to changing priorities, and work independently in a fast-paced environment. 

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

 

Exceptional candidates for the position of Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering will also bring the following qualifications or more: 

• 12 years of relevant experience. 

• A master’s degree in information science or computer science or computer engineering or in related field(s); or combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education. 

• Familiarity with existing university security architecture. 

• Cyber certification (e.g., CISSP, GIAC, CISM). 

 

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, community, well-being, open communication, and accountability. 

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS 

The annual base salary range for this position is $240,133.10 - $290,144.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations. 

 

To support the well-being of our faculty and staff, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of perks to help protect their and their dependents’ health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package. You can learn more about USC’s comprehensive benefits here. 

 

Join the USC cybersecurity team within an environment of innovation and excellence. 

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree In Information Science Or Computer Science Or Computer Engineering Or in related field(s)

Addtional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 10 years in security architecture design and network security and/or related fields.

Minimum Skills: Exceptional understanding of security engineering processes (e.g., acquisition, design, build, operation). Expertise in analyzing current-state security technologies and architectures and providing recommendations for future state solutions. Strong understanding of technology and systems infrastructure, with the ability to guide the university's security technology roadmap. Proven ability to drive technical projects to successful completion, demonstrating project management excellence. Leadership skills to manage large programs and work effectively across different business lines within a complex organization. Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to interact with and influence senior levels of management. Capacity to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, adapt to changing priorities, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Education: Master's degree In Information Science Or Computer Science Or Computer Engineering Or in related field(s)

Preferred Certifications: Cyber certification (e.g., CISSP, GIAC, CISM).
Preferred Experience: 12 years
Preferred Skills: Familiarity with existing university security architecture.

                                                  

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. 

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

• Notice of Non-discrimination
• Employment Equity
• Read USC’s Clery Act Annual Security Report
• USC is a smoke-free environment
• Digital Accessibility

                                                  

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this  USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:

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