Director, IT Security Architecture

Job Title: Director, IT Security Architecture

Location: New Jersey (Remote or Hybrid)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Information Security / IT Architecture

Position Overview:

The Director of Information Security Architecture plays a strategic leadership role in shaping and guiding enterprise-wide cybersecurity initiatives. This individual is responsible for defining security control requirements, developing architectural frameworks, and aligning security capabilities with organizational risk tolerance and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain strategic roadmaps for core security domains, including cloud and network security, application security, identity and access management (IAM), data protection, and governance tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams-including IT, legal, compliance, and privacy-to embed secure practices throughout the technology lifecycle.
• Define and implement enterprise-wide security architecture aligned with recognized frameworks such as NIST CSF and 800-53.
• Provide executive-level reporting and strategic recommendations to improve cybersecurity posture.
• Establish and communicate security control standards across infrastructure, applications, and endpoints.
• Lead initiatives related to data governance, cloud security, secure AI adoption, and regulatory compliance.
• Evaluate emerging cybersecurity technologies through proof-of-value (POV) efforts and lead implementation planning.
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure alignment with organizational security policies.
• Stay current with cybersecurity trends, threats, and best practices to continuously enhance security capabilities.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in cybersecurity architecture or engineering.
• At least 5 years of experience developing and managing technical security control frameworks.
• Proven expertise in securing cloud environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, M365).
• Strong understanding of security technologies across network, application, data, and endpoint layers.
• Experience with IAM platforms such as SailPoint, Entra, and AWS IAM.
• Background in secure software development practices, threat modeling, and vulnerability management.
• Demonstrated success in vendor selection, contract negotiation, and performance oversight.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with hands-on leadership experience in cybersecurity solution implementation.

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, or equivalent are highly desirable.
• Additional credentials in cybersecurity architecture, IAM, or Zero Trust frameworks are a plus.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic Vision: Ability to align security initiatives with long-term business goals.
• Analytical Thinking: Skilled in identifying risks, developing mitigation strategies, and solving complex problems.
• Effective Communication: Capable of articulating technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Collaborative Leadership: Builds partnerships across departments to drive secure innovation.
• Customer Focus: Maintains a strong commitment to internal and external stakeholder needs.
• Continuous Learning: Actively pursues professional development and knowledge-sharing.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary Range: $210,000 - $250,000 annually, plus performance-based incentives.
• Benefits Include: Comprehensive health coverage, retirement plan with matching contributions, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, generous paid time off, and other wellness programs.