Senior Cybersecurity Architect

Stanford’s Information Security Office (ISO) is looking for an experienced Senior Cybersecurity Architect with a diverse and deep cybersecurity technical background to work with our small, tightly knit team on a wide range of security-related projects. The Information Security Office is a high-profile team and is one of the few departments with university-wide purview, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to share and shine. We operate with a high degree of autonomy, expecting each of our contributors to bring their own special talents to bear on the tough challenges facing the university. It isn’t easy doing information security at a large university, but we have a great time doing it. Trust, innovation, and fun are at the heart of what we do.

The Senior Cybersecurity Architect is a senior technical member of the cybersecurity team in ISO. Members of this team are responsible for protecting Stanford University networks from cyber threats by actively monitoring for security anomalies, performing vulnerability assessments, and balancing security with business rules/needs. You’ll need extensive experience and understanding of the cybersecurity environment, common network and host-based attacks, attack methods, and network defense architecture; in addition, have extensive previous experience architecting solutions that balance business needs and security. 

As the Senior Cybersecurity Architect, you will develop and maintain cybersecurity plans, strategy, and policy to support and align with university cybersecurity initiatives and regulatory compliance. You will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategies, and drive university initiatives. You will apply a variety of technical skills which include architecting security solutions through analysis, design and prototyping tasks required to provide end-to-end security.  

In this role, you will have the chance to shape ISO’s AI strategy from inception to execution, identifying high-impact use cases, evaluating emerging technologies, and championing ethical and responsible AI practices. Your strategic insights will guide Stanford through transformative change, empowering us to stay ahead of the curve and thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The position reports to the Chief Information Security Officer. 

Your specific responsibilities include:

• Under general direction, develop and implement enterprise information security architecture and solutions.
• Lead and develop plans to safeguard computer configurations against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
• Plan and coordinate IT security efforts with a high degree of dependence upon their individual unique technical contributions.
• Conceive, design, develop, optimize, integrate, and maintain information security technology at a complex level.
• Lead discussions related to cybersecurity best practices and risk mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify mission needs, collaborate on solution design and establish measures of success that are quantifiable and align with the mission need.
• Evaluate AI technologies, frameworks, and platforms to select the most suitable solutions for specific use cases and business requirements.
• Identify opportunities to leverage AI technologies to improve business processes, enhance customer experiences, and drive revenue growth.
• Develop data strategies to ensure the availability, quality, and security of data required for AI model training and inference.
• Champion ethical and responsible AI practices, including fairness, transparency, accountability, and privacy, throughout the AI development lifecycle.
• Troubleshoot highly complex problems for which the analysis and resolution require extensive knowledge of many diverse system components.
• Support and assist incident response efforts including investigations.
• Develop appropriate criteria needed to assess the level of new/existing applications and/or technology infrastructure elements for compliance with enterprise security standards.
• Perform security risk assessment and mitigation.
• Assist in the development and documentation of information security standards, best practices, and guidelines.
• Assist in development and implementation of policies and procedures related to IT security and operational support systems.
• Develop and implement ongoing test plans to ensure compliance with standards and processes (selecting samples, verifying documentation and other requirements).
• Research, design, and advocate new technologies, architectures and security products.
• Mentor and train team members and peers on cyber security solutions and actively participate on system and application improvement project teams.
• Maintain a state-of-the-art awareness of information security issues, incidents, problems, utilities, legal requirements, and solutions for all major information system platforms in use at Stanford.
• Other duties may also be assigned.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and ten years of increasingly technical work experience or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Deep understanding of information security technology approaches, applications (which may include scientific applications), tools, and methodologies, as well as a broad background in a variety of technology platforms.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, such as NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO 27001, and CIS Controls.
• In-depth architecture and configuration knowledge.
• Extensive experience with debugging, troubleshooting, forensics, and security utilities.
• In-depth knowledge of authentication protocols, encryption, and other fundamental security technologies.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of industry standard information security practices.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex technical ideas to non-technical audiences and work with individuals at all levels.
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring team members and providing technical guidance to customers and stakeholders.
• High level of integrity and excellent judgment concerning proprietary and privacy issues.
• Knowledge of architecture and interrelationships (technical and functional).
• Ability to combine information technologies to create solutions for complex problems.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and lead cross-functional teams.

This role is open to candidates anywhere in the United States. Stanford University has five Regional Pay Structures . The compensation for this position will be based on the location of the successful candidate.

The expected pay range for this position is $165,000 to $223,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or course auditing. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at [email protected] . For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form .

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.