Associate Director - Cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance

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What you'll be doing...

We are seeking a visionary and transformative people leader to pioneer our AI-first Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) strategy for the Verizon Business Group. In this role, you will be responsible for leading a purpose-built team that designs, assesses, implements, and continuously improves Cyber Compliance for our customers. You will be responsible for instilling deep cybersecurity rigor across the organization by implementing new ways of working and introducing AI-driven automation. This role requires a strategic thinker who can not only manage risk but can also innovate and inspire, leading a team at the intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and federal regulation.

Responsibilities will include:

• Define AI-First GRC Strategy: Design and implement processes, remediation playbooks, and a GRC strategy to continuously improve Cyber Compliance across the product business cycle, operations, and technology enablement for Public Sector customers. Drive the North Star Cyber Maturity Strategy with specific goals for security compliance that aligns to FedRAMP and FISMA High Impact Systems.

• Build Public Sector Cybersecurity Rigor: Lead all aspects of cybersecurity for our public sector business, employing industry best practices aligned with NIST 800-53 Control frameworks to achieve FedRAMP, FISMA, and CMMC2.0 accreditations.

• Pioneer Agentic AI for Compliance: Spearhead the introduction of AI-driven automation across the product business cycle, operations, and audits. Drive the automation of POAM SLAs and compliance requirements to create 100% accountability.

• Lead & Mentor a High Performing Team: Be responsible for leading, motivating, and developing high-potential talent, providing assignments and mentoring to give them exposure to the business and opportunities for career development.

• Master the FedRAMP & GRC Landscape:

  • Create a unified and structured process with defined accountability (RACI/RMF) for continuous compliance, monitoring, and remediation aligned with NIST RMF (800-37).

  • Lead ATO/Audit preparedness, including designing and performing internal assessments in accordance with NIST 800-53a to evaluate control effectiveness for FISMA and FedRAMP compliance.

  • Lead the compliance and strategy for ServiceNow GRC and develop the necessary processes and dashboards.

• Drive Executive & Cross-Functional Alignment:

  • Drive and lead Executive Leadership Governance Councils to share compliance objectives, reach consensus on decisions, and discuss risk impacts across the business.

  • Define key performance indicators (KPIs) based on compliance data and risk scoring to support governance and management.

• Oversee Financial & Business Planning: Manage, track, and report on the business case, including capital and operating expenses, for a five-year outlook.

This is a senior leadership role for a candidate who is both a security expert and a business strategist.

• Bachelor's degree or four or more years of work experience.

• Eight or more years of relevant experience required, demonstrated through one or a combination of work and/or military experience, or specialized training.

• Leadership experience delivering with a multiskilled team.

• Public Sector & FedRAMP expertise

• Track record of successfully leading organizations through FedRAMP, FISMA, and/or CMMC 2.0 accreditation.

• Expertise in cybersecurity frameworks and success in implementing them in large organizations, specifically NIST 800-53 and NIST RMF (800-37)

• Strong, practical understanding of AI/ML concepts and a clear vision for how AI-driven automation can be applied to solve real-world GRC and security challenges.

• Experience engaging with cross-functional team members and creating paths of shared success.

• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

• An advanced degree.

• One or more of the following certifications: ISACA CISA, CISM, CRISC, CGEIT, CSX-P, CDPSE, CET, CSSIP, or an AWS Certification.

• Previous Public Sector security clearances.

• Published thought leadership (whitepapers, articles, conference presentations) on AI in cybersecurity or compliance automation.

If Verizon and this role sound like a fit for you, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every "even better" qualification listed above.

Verizon is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristics.

Our benefits are designed to help you move forward in your career, and in areas of your life outside of Verizon. From health and wellness benefit options including: medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, AD&D insurance, identity theft protection, pet insurance and group home & auto insurance. We also offer a matched 401(k) savings plan, stock incentive programs, up to 8 company paid holidays per year and up to 6 personal days per year, parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition assistance, plus other incentives, we've got you covered with our award-winning total rewards package. Depending on the role, employees have the opportunity to receive compensation in the form of premium pay such as overtime, shift differential, holiday pay, allowances, etc. Newly hired employees receive up to 15 days of vacation per year, which grows with additional service. For part-timers, your coverage will vary as you may be eligible for some of these benefits depending on your individual circumstances.