GRC Specialist - Public Sector, IT Operations

Job Summary:

The Governance Risk & Compliance (GRC) Specialist leads the development, ongoing implementation, and continuous improvement of cybersecurity and compliance programs for the firm’s Public Sector business line. This role is instrumental in maintaining alignment with federal frameworks such as NIST SP 800-171, CMMC, and FedRAMP.

Job Duties:

• Implements and optimizes programs aligned with NIST SP 800‑171, CMMC, FedRAMP, and other applicable frameworks
• Develops and maintains System Security Plans (SSPs), Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms), and other artifacts for audit readiness
• Evaluates contracts, Statements of Work, and vendor agreements for applicable requirements
• Performs enterprise-wide risk assessments, vulnerability analyses, threat modeling, and control testing
• Leads drafting, revision, and lifecycle management of IT policies, procedures and memos in alignment with NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC requirements
• Maintains compliance dashboards, evidence repositories, and control libraries
• Manages Change Control Board processes and policy change workflows
• Analyzes audit findings and continuous monitoring data to assess impact on CMMC maturity and enterprise cybersecurity effectiveness
• Collaborates with other business lines to ensure that new and existing systems, services, and vendor practices comply with information safeguarding requirements and other organizational requirements
• Ensures organizational policies reflect current regulatory and contractual obligations
• Translates complex technical and compliance information into actionable guidance for non‑technical stakeholders
• Monitors changes in federal cybersecurity laws, standards, and frameworks relevant to CUI protection
• Liaises across IT, Legal, HR, Procurement, and other departments to ensure GRC practices are integrated
• Assesses whether security incidents meet thresholds for regulatory noncompliance, and coordinates appropriate organizational response
• Develops and maintains multi‑year strategic plans and implementation roadmaps that align with cybersecurity objectives
• Other duties as required

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Directs day-to-day activities/workload of staff, as needed

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Education:

• High school diploma or GED, required
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or Computer Engineering, preferred

Experience:

• Three (3) or more years of experience developing or managing cybersecurity compliance programs aligned with NIST or similar federal cybersecurity frameworks, required

License/Certifications:

• Industry‑recognized certifications, such as CISM, CASP +, CISSP, CISA, Security +, or other IT credentials demonstrating knowledge management fundamentals, preferred

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills
• Capacity to work in a deadline-driven environment while handling multiple complex projects/tasks simultaneously with a focus on details
• Capable of successfully multi-tasking while working independently or within a group environment
• Knowledge of FedRAMP, NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-171, NIST CSF, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
• Knowledge of risk management processes (e.g., methods for assessing and mitigating risk)
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, and ethics as they relate to cybersecurity and privacy
• Knowledge of cyber threats and vulnerabilities
• Knowledge of applicable business processes and operations of customer organizations
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, statutes, or directives related to cybersecurity and privacy
• Skilled in creating policies that reflect organizational objectives
• Skilled in communicating with all levels of management (e.g., interpersonal skills, approachability, effective listening skills, appropriate use of style and language for the audience)
• Ability to develop clear directions and instructional materials
• Ability to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) in compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and standards in support of organizational cyber activities
• Ability to tailor technical and planning information to a customer's level of understanding
• Ability to work across departments and business lines to implement the firm's cybersecurity and compliance programs
• Ability to work after standard business hours and travel, as needed
   

Join us at BDO, where you will find more than a career, you’ll find a place where your work is impactful, and you are valued for your individuality. We offer flexibility and opportunities for advancement. Our culture is centered around making meaningful connections, approaching interactions with curiosity, and being true to yourself, all while making a positive difference in the world. 

At BDO, our purpose of helping people thrive every day is at the heart of everything we do. Together, we are focused on delivering exceptional and sustainable outcomes and value for our people, our clients, and our communities. BDO is proud to be an ESOP company, reflecting a culture that puts people first, by sharing financially in our growth in value with our U.S. team.  BDO professionals provide assurance, tax and advisory services for a diverse range of clients across the U.S. and in over 160 countries through our global organization.

BDO is the first large accounting and advisory organization to implement an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). A qualified retirement plan, the ESOP offers participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. The ESOP stands as a compelling addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. The annual allocation to the ESOP is fully funded by BDO through investments in company stock and grants employees the chance to grow their wealth over time as their shares vest and grow in value with the firm’s success, with no employee contributions. 

We are committed to delivering exceptional experiences to middle market leaders by sharing insight-driven perspectives, helping companies take business as usual to better than usual. With industry knowledge and experience, a breadth and depth of resources, and unwavering commitment to quality, we pride ourselves on:

• Welcoming diverse perspectives and understanding the experience of our professionals and clients
• Empowering team members to explore their full potential
• Our talented team who brings varying skills, knowledge and experience to proactively help our clients navigate an expanding array of complex challenges and opportunities
• Celebrating ingenuity and innovation to transform our business and help our clients transform theirs
• Focus on resilience and sustainability to positively impact our people, clients, and communities
• BDO Total Rewards that encompass so much more than traditional “benefits.”  Click here to find out more!

*Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets