About

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer: Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness We are searching for a Senior Information Security Officer (SISO) who will provides leadership and oversight for cybersecurity operations within a designated secure enclave supporting federally sponsored research. The selected incumbent will be responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of enclave systems, networks, and data, including Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), in accordance with federal cybersecurity requirements and institutional policies. SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY: Exercises functional supervision over enclave-assigned security personnel, which may include Information System Security Officers (ISSOs), system administrators, and compliance support staff. Coordinates enclave security activities with central IT and institutional information security offices. Authority is limited to the assigned enclave. NATURE AND SCOPE: This position operates within a defined secure enclave and does not carry institution-wide cybersecurity authority. The incumbent is accountable for enclave-specific compliance with applicable federal regulations and standards, including NIST SP 800-171, CMMC Level 2, and DFARS requirements, supporting Department of Defense and other federal research programs. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: • Serves as the senior information security authority for the assigned secure enclave and has advisory authority over enclave system administrators. • Implements and maintains enclave-specific cybersecurity policies, procedures, and controls • Develops and maintains System Security Plans (SSPs), Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), and required security documentation • Prepares for DoD assessments, internal audits, and sponsor reviews. • Oversees enclave-level risk assessments, vulnerability management, and continuous monitoring activities • Leads incident response activities within the enclave and coordinates escalation as required • Ensures appropriate access controls, system configurations, logging, and boundary protections are in place • Ensures alignment with institutional security architecture and enterprise risk management. • Coordinates with principal investigators, program managers, and administrative offices to support sponsor cybersecurity requirements • Ensures secure handling, storage, transmission, and disposal of CUI within the enclave CORE COMPETENCIES: • Knowledge of federal cybersecurity standards and compliance frameworks • Experience with secure enclave architectures and network segmentation • Cybersecurity risk management and incident response capabilities • Ability to interpret and apply technical security requirements in research environments • Effective written and verbal communication skills • Ability to work collaboratively across technical and administrative units MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: • Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field • Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in information security or cybersecurity • Experience supporting secure or regulated computing environments • Knowledge of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) handling requirements • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, if required • Preferred certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CEH, CCSP, or Security+, which are commonly expected for an enclave security leadership Special Note: Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application. Due to U.S. Export Control laws and regulations, the candidate hired will need to be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other "protected individual" (as defined by 8 U.S.C. Sec. 1324b(a)(3). Compliance Salary Range Disclosure Compensation Range: $149367 - $164,300 Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world. Howard University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex,sexual orientation,gender or gender identity, marital status, religion, disability or protected veterans status. Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities or veterans status, Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX should be directed to the Office of Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-806-1280. This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not be construed as a contract for employment.