The Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute (CMU SEI) is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Within the SEI, the CERT® Division of the SEI is a leader in cybersecurity and partners with government, industry, law enforcement, and academia to improve the security and resiliency of computer systems and networks.

The Technical Director, Cybersecurity Innovations and Initiatives (TD/CII) will lead the CERT Program Development Office and coordinate CERT’s strategic mission partner pursuits, the fielding of technology innovations, and community outreach efforts. The TD/CII will be responsible for the proactive identification, qualification, and pursuit of a portfolio of new and existing engagements that support the CERT technical and program development strategies (representing an annual revenue of approximately $80M) in support CERT’s research and technical strategy. CERT partnerships and revenue are comprised of a mix of Department of Defense (DoD), Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB), and Intelligence Community mission partners and stakeholders, with a smaller amount of private sector and academic funded collaborations.

In leading CERT Program Development efforts, the TD/CII will recognize and link mission partner and community demand to current and future CERT technical capabilities and applied research and development efforts. The Technical Director will lead efforts to coordinate with CERT and SEI technical staff in developing novel and effective alternatives and approaches to meeting mission partner requirements and needs, supporting CERT and SEI technical objectives, and complying with FFRDC and CMU processes and procedures. Successful funded engagements include applied research, prototype development, operational cyber support and guidance, capacity building, and technology transition.

The Technical Director will across CERT directorates and the SEI to ensure that the necessary program, project, financial, and risk management assistance is provided in support of planned and ongoing CERT technical and operational projects. The TD/CII will maintain awareness of emerging capabilities generated by foundational research and, in conjunction with the CTO and Chie Engineer, guide efforts to align foundational and applied research and development efforts to enhance mission partner success. The Technical Director will be responsible for defining, coordinating, and executing activities targeting measuring, improving and maintaining quality and consistency within CERT and SEI deliverables, products, and services. The D/CII will work with the CERT Director, Deputy Director, and the other CERT and SEI Technical Directors to define and develop program/project practices, processes, and internal policy to ensure alignment with SEI and CERT strategy and goals. The D/CII will also lead CERT’s strategic communications and marketing activities, working in collaboration with others in CERT and the SEI community. The Director is charged with executing the CERT outreach strategy, including, but not limited to, professional technical organizations, internal and external webinars, public relations placement of CERT personnel for articles and interviews, and conferences & trade shows.

The TD/CII will use their experience in the acquisition and development of large Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), and/or FCEB government software-intensive systems to support program development, mission partner relationship management, program/project management, and strategic planning activities. The Director communicates and regularly interacts with external stakeholders (mission partners, collaborators, sponsors) and internal stakeholders (technical teams, support services, technology transfer) at various levels. The TD/CII may also represent CERT, SEI, and CMU at a variety of technical venues, forums, and working groups. Ultimately, Director, Cybersecurity Innovations and Initiatives performs these roles to position CERT and SEI to increase mission impact and advance CERT’s technical strategy and research interests.

The Director will occasionally serve as a technical contributor on select CERT and SEI projects.

Minimum Requirements:

Educational Requirements:

Work Experience Requirements:

Developing and executing business strategies and opportunities collaborating with senior executives, technical management, and technical staff Engaging in research, operations, and transition activities with DoD, FCEB agencies, industry, and academia; working knowledge of how DoD and related government organizations fund and conduct research, innovation, and tech transition Communicating and marketing through professional organizations, webinars, public relations, and conferences and trade shows Experience in leading the creation and execution of strategic planning activities Demonstrated experience in successfully leading diverse, multi-disciplinary groups.

Type of Required Experience:

Ability to communicate the major initiatives, research interests, and priorities within the CERT Division, including the following areas of work: AI/ML security, cyber workforce development, monitoring and response, cyber security foundations, risk and resilience, security automation, and threat analysis Ability to represent the SEI and CERT to senior government and industry leaders and technologists to elicit and distill capability gaps and needs and translate those needs against SEI and CERT technology focus areas Ability to work with technical staff to articulate tailored approaches, goals, schedules, and funding commitments Ability to define and assess business development activities to achieve programmatic, technical, and operational goals Ability to recognize and deal appropriately with confidential and sensitive information Ability to provide leadership skills working with medium-to-large technical and operational teams Ability to utilize strong reasoning and problem-solving skills Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in written and oral form Ability to work independently and be self-sufficient, while recognizing the need for teamwork to achieve team goals

Licenses/Certifications:

Certified Project Management Professional (preferred) Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or similar (preferred)

Responsibilities

Location

Job Function

Position Type

Full time/Part time

Pay Basis

More Information: