NETWORK SECURITY ADMINISTRATOR

Position Summary

The Network Security Administrator will be responsible for maintaining and securing the organization’s network infrastructure and cybersecurity posture. In addition to hands-on administration, this role will oversee and manage external vendors providing network and network security services, ensuring accountability, service quality, and alignment with internal standards.

This position focuses on administering and optimizing Cisco security technologies such as Cisco MXDR, Cisco Email Threat Defense, Cisco Duo, Cisco SASE, Cisco ISE, and Cisco Umbrella, while enforcing best practices in monitoring, incident response, and compliance.

Duties/Responsibilities

Network & Security Operations

• Administer and maintain Cisco firewalls, switches, VPN gateways, and security platforms.
• Manage and monitor Cisco MXDR for real-time threat detection and response.
• Configure Cisco Email Threat Defense to block phishing, spam, and malicious attachments.
• Administer Cisco Duo for MFA and identity-based access control.
• Manage Cisco Umbrella for DNS-layer protection and secure web gateway capabilities.
• Maintain Cisco ISE for network access control and endpoint compliance.
• Support Cisco SASE framework for secure connectivity between users, cloud, and applications.
• Conduct regular network and security audits to identify vulnerabilities and enforce remediation.
• Lead incident response activities and coordinate with vendors for containment and recovery.

Vendor & Service Management

• Act as the primary liaison between the company and network/security vendors.
• Define and track SLAs, review vendor performance, and ensure timely resolution of issues.
• Evaluate vendor-delivered solutions for compliance with company cybersecurity policies.
• Coordinate upgrades, configuration changes, and security projects executed by vendors.
• Maintain documentation of vendor contracts, service scopes, and technical handoffs.

Duties/Responsibilities Cont.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Maintain and optimize monitoring, alerting, and reporting systems.
• Produce regular reports on security incidents, network uptime, and vendor performance metrics.
• Escalate and collaborate with Cisco TAC or managed service providers as required.

Policies, Compliance & Continuous Learning

• Implement and enforce network and security policies aligned with NIST CSF and NIS2.0 frameworks.
• Support internal and external audits, ensuring consistent documentation and compliance posture.
• Maintain detailed records of network configurations, incidents, and change management activities.
• Stay current with emerging threats, technologies, and cybersecurity trends; apply relevant insights to enhance defenses and operational resilience.
• Participate in training, certifications, and industry forums to continuously improve knowledge and skills.

Collaboration & Training

• Work closely with IT Infrastructure, Cloud, and Application teams to maintain a secure environment.
• Provide user awareness and technical guidance to staff and vendors on secure operations.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in network and cybersecurity administration.
• Hands-on experience with: Cisco MXDR, Cisco Email Threat Defense, Cisco Duo, Cisco SASE, Cisco ISE, Cisco Umbrella, Cisco ASA / Firepower / Meraki devices.
• In-depth understanding of TCP/IP, VLANs, VPNs, DNS, DHCP, and routing protocols.
• Experience managing vendors or MSPs in a hybrid IT/security environment.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Cisco certifications: CCNP Security, CCNA Security, or equivalent.
• Experience with SIEM tools, incident response, and endpoint protection platforms.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 and Azure AD integration with Cisco security tools.
• Experience in multi-site, hybrid network environments.

Competencies

OWNERSHIP | EXCEPTIONALISM | RELATIONSHIPSAccepting ResponsibilityAcquiring InformationActing StrategicallyCoordinating Project ActivitiesCommunicating Effectively

Travel

Travel is to and from branch office locations in VA and NC

Supervisory Responsibility

This role currently doesn't supervise any employees. 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to success