Security Operations Center Manager

Job ID: 30473
Agency: Bureau of Information & Telecommunications
Location: Sioux Falls, SD or Pierre, SD
Salary: $104,859.36-$131,063.76 Annual Salary, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: 11
Closing Date: 2/15/25

This is a full-time position with the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications (BIT). For more information on BIT, please visit https://www.sd.gov/bit. If you are highly motivated, enjoy cybersecurity, and looking to build a career, we want you to join our team!

BIT consists of five divisions - Administration, Data Centers, Development, Telecommunications, and South Dakota Public Broadcasting - which serve the State of South Dakota by providing technology solutions, services, and support. The Security Operations Center Manager is a key position within the Telecommunications division.

Benefits of working for the State of South Dakota include:

• multiple health plan options, including a $0 employee premium option;
• 6% fully matched retirement plan. Includes long term disability and family survivor benefits;
• $25,000 paid life insurance;
• generous leave policies;
• stable industry sector;
• flexible work schedule, providing the ability to maintain a great work/life balance.

BIT seeks a Security Operation Center (SOC) Manager that is responsible for both the daily operations and the long-term strategic direction of the SOC. This role oversees the fiscal, administrative, and operational aspects, as well as the establishment, execution, and evaluation of the teams, including Cyber Operations of Triage & Analysis, Threat Hunting, Incident Response, and Support of Assessments, Architecture, and Engineering.

Reporting to the Telecommunications Director, the SOC Manager will provide daily guidance and leadership to the SOC staff, assisting them in overcoming various challenges and serving as their primary advocate. The manager will ensure the coordinated delivery of security services, from policy and regulation compliance to assessing statewide security risks, incident management, managing day-to-day analysts, engineers, and architect functions.

Examples of daily tasks include:

• Monitoring security alerts and incidents, and coordinating response efforts.
• Conducting regular threat assessments and vulnerability analyses.
• Overseeing the implementation of SOC policies and procedures.
• Providing training and support to SOC staff on the latest security protocols and technologies.
• Collaborating with others to ensure comprehensive security coverage.
• Preparing and presenting security reports to senior management.

Additionally, the manager will focus on building and maintaining strong relationships within the team and across other teams within BIT, acting as a representative and point of contact. This position offers a dynamic and challenging environment, requiring the ability to wear multiple hats and positively influence the strategy and direction of the SOC.

The Ideal Candidate Will:

• Must have exceptional long term IT Support experience.
• Provide vision and leadership for the Security Operations Center (SOC).
• Serve as the escalation point for technical or customer satisfaction issues, including after-hours as needed.
• Ensure regular audits are completed for processes, data, controls, and security.
• Collaborate with the team to identify and implement process improvement plans and continuous improvement strategies.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships within and outside the organization.
• Drive the implementation and adoption of value-added features, automation, and orchestration.
• Experience of creating and maintaining technical documentation.
• Coordinate the overall system health reporting, including events, incidents, etc.
• Ability to handle multiple responsibilities and projects simultaneously.
• Outstanding judgment and the ability to interact in a stressful and challenging environment.
• Ability to problem solve high pressure issues.
• Deliver regular status reports to management.
• Assist in recruitment, training, performance evaluation, promotion, and retention activities.
• Build career paths and enable the team to achieve their career aspirations.
• Foster an employment environment that promotes growth, positivity, and engagement at all levels.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• In-depth understanding of cybersecurity principles, practices, and technologies, including threat intelligence, incident response, and risk management.
• Knowledge of security operations center (SOC) processes, tools, and best practices.
• Understanding of network and system security, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and endpoint protection.
• Experience and/or familiarity with NIST, CIS, and other security frameworks and standards, including their concepts and best practices.
• Proficiency in incident response techniques and procedures is crucial. This involves identifying, analyzing, and responding to security incidents to mitigate potential threats.
• The ability to interpret threat intelligence to anticipate and defend against potential cyber threats.
• Experience with SIEM tools to monitor and analyze security events and logs for suspicious activities.
• Knowledge of identifying, assessing, and mitigating vulnerabilities within the organization's systems and networks.
• Knowledge of secure architectures and engineering solutions to protect the organization's assets.
• Knowledge of digital forensics and analyze malware to understand the nature of security breaches.
• Developing and enforcing security policies and procedures to ensure a consistent and effective security posture.

Skill to:

• Strong leadership skills to guide and support the SOC team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey complex security concepts to various stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address security issues promptly and effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and successful completion.
• Skilled in building and maintaining strong relationships within the team and across other teams within BIT.
• Skilled in performing complex, performance analysis and root cause analysis
• Experience in developing processes, procedures, methods, and key metrics using reporting and analytics to drive efficiencies, identify gaps.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities in an effective and professional manner.
• Demonstrate flexibility and availability for escalation purposes.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently with minimal direction.

Ability to:

• Ability to think strategically and align SOC operations with the organization's long-term goals and objectives.
• Ability to adapt to changing security landscapes and emerging threats, continuously improving SOC processes and capabilities.
• Strong decision-making abilities to make informed and timely decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Keen attention to detail to ensure accuracy and thoroughness in security assessments and incident responses.
• Ability to advocate for the SOC team and its needs, ensuring they have the necessary resources and support to succeed.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=14W
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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