GRC Director Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average GRC Director salary lies between USD 130,000 and USD 390,000 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 17, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for GRC Director roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with GRC Director job listings are Risk management, Compliance and Governance. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Risk management | 9 jobs Compliance | 9 jobs Governance | 9 jobs ISO 27001 | 8 jobs CISO | 8 jobs Audits | 6 jobs Risk assessment | 6 jobs SOC 2 | 6 jobs Privacy | 6 jobs SOC | 6 jobs GDPR | 5 jobs FedRAMP | 5 jobs NIST | 5 jobs HIPAA | 5 jobs PCI DSS | 5 jobs CCPA | 5 jobs Kanban | 5 jobs CMMC | 5 jobs Cloud | 5 jobs Computer Science | 5 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for GRC Director roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with GRC Director job listings are Career development, 401(k) matching and Equity / stock options. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 9 jobs 401(k) matching | 5 jobs Equity / stock options | 5 jobs Flex vacation | 5 jobs Health care | 5 jobs Transparency | 5 jobs Insurance | 5 jobs Flexible spending account | 5 jobs

Salary Composition for a GRC Director

The salary for a GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) Director typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The fixed salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, ranging from 60% to 80%. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, usually accounting for 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, profit-sharing, or other benefits, can make up the remaining 10% to 20%.

Regional differences play a significant role in salary composition. For instance, GRC Directors in major tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might receive higher base salaries and more substantial stock options compared to those in smaller markets. Industry also impacts salary composition; financial services and technology sectors often offer more competitive packages. Company size can influence the structure as well, with larger organizations typically providing more comprehensive benefits and bonus opportunities.

Next Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary further from the GRC Director position, consider pursuing roles with broader responsibilities or higher stakes, such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Chief Risk Officer (CRO). These positions often come with higher compensation due to their strategic importance and increased accountability. Additionally, expanding your expertise in emerging areas like cloud security, data privacy, or AI governance can make you more valuable to employers. Networking within industry circles and participating in high-profile projects can also enhance your visibility and open doors to lucrative opportunities.

Educational Requirements

Most GRC Director positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or Cybersecurity. However, a master's degree, particularly an MBA or a specialized degree in Information Security or Risk Management, is often preferred and can provide a competitive edge. Advanced education demonstrates a deeper understanding of both technical and managerial aspects, which is crucial for a leadership role in GRC.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly bolster your qualifications for a GRC Director role. Common and highly regarded certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)

These certifications validate your expertise in information security, risk management, and governance, making you a more attractive candidate for senior roles.

Required Experience

Typically, a GRC Director is expected to have at least 10 to 15 years of experience in information security, risk management, or compliance roles. This experience should include a proven track record of managing teams, developing and implementing GRC strategies, and working cross-functionally with other departments. Experience in a leadership role, such as a manager or senior manager, is often required to demonstrate your ability to oversee complex projects and drive organizational change.

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