Senior Cybersecurity Risk & Compliance Consultant

Job Family:

Cyber Consulting

Travel Required:

None

Clearance Required:

Active Secret

The Senior Cybersecurity Risk & Compliance Consultant is a senior-level role supporting multiple cybersecurity teams within the agency. This position provides leadership and subject matter expertise in one or more of the following areas: Information Security Continuous Monitoring (ISCM), cybersecurity audit and compliance, and data protection strategy. The consultant will work closely with team leaders, IT stakeholders, and federal partners to ensure alignment with federal cybersecurity mandates, including FISMA, NIST, OMB, and Zero Trust principles.

What You Will Do:

• Lead or support the development and execution of cybersecurity strategies aligned with ISCM, IT and Cyber audit, or Data Security teams.
• ISCM Team: Oversee the ISCM technical architecture, ensuring proper implementation of monitoring, detection, and reporting tools.
• ISCM Team: Ensure all ISCM activities adhere to federal cybersecurity standards and requirements, including FISMA, NIST Special Publications (especially SP 800-53 and SP 800-137), and DHS Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) initiatives. Support the development of the overall technology and cybersecurity program to deliver against strategic objectives. Evaluate cybersecurity program effectiveness in identifying, managing, and reducing risk.
• ISCM Team: Provide coordinated support for all aspects of the audit process, from initial scoping and planning to final reporting and remediation. 
• IT and Cyber Audit Team: Review audit plans to assess the adequacy of security controls designed to protect against threats and vulnerabilities.
• IT and Cyber Audit Team: Support the development of the overall technology and cybersecurity program to deliver against strategic objectives. Evaluate cybersecurity program effectiveness in identifying, managing, and reducing risk.
• Data Security Team: Support the development and implementation of Zero Trust data protection strategies, including encryption, tokenization, and data masking techniques to secure sensitive government data across networks and repositories.
• Data Security Team: Design and support the management of identity-centric access controls, defining granular permissions and enforcing least privilege access to government data, aligning Zero Trust principles.
• Conduct risk assessments and continuous monitoring activities to identify, manage, and mitigate cyber risks.
• Coordinate and support internal and external audits, including scoping, planning, reporting, and remediation.
• Ensure compliance with federal cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53, SP 800-137, SP 800-171, SP 800-60, SP 1800-39A, and FIPS 199.
• Develop and maintain cybersecurity policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to demonstrate control effectiveness and compliance status.
• Provide expert guidance to system owners, analysts, and leadership on cybersecurity best practices.
• Present complex findings and recommendations to technical and executive audiences.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders, including federal agencies such as CISA and the Department of State.

What You Will Need:

• An ACTIVE and MAINTAINED SECRET federal security clearance.
• Bachelor’s Degree and SEVEN (7) years of relevant cybersecurity experience, OR a Master’s Degree and FIVE (5) years of relevant experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, specifically in report writing.
• One or more of the following certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Authorization Professional (CAP) / Certified in Governance, Risk and Compliance (CGRC), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), ISC2 Zero Trust Strategy Certificate

What Would Be Nice To Have:

• Experience consulting at federal agencies such as the Department of State on cybersecurity audits and / or IT controls
• Demonstrated experience in the areas of external client-facing management and/or consulting for large firms

The annual salary range for this position is $113,000.00-$188,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

What We Offer:

Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package tha