Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT 

The University of Southern California (USC) is advancing its cybersecurity posture with a renewed focus on resilience, cyber risk management, and threat-informed defense. As a world-class research institution, USC is building a culture of security that supports its academic and research mission in a rapidly evolving threat landscape. 

This role sits within a newly restructured cybersecurity organization that’s leading this transformation. You’ll join a team focused on scalable, proactive defense strategies, incident preparedness, and operational excellence—working alongside experts who are deeply committed to service, innovation, and impact. 

If you’re driven by purpose, thrive in complexity, and want to help shape the future of cybersecurity at a leading university, we invite you to bring your leadership to the table. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

As the Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering you will be an integral leader of the cybersecurity department while also collaborating with stakeholders across the university ecosystem, and reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). This is a full-time exempt position, eligible for all of USC’s fantastic Benefits + Perks. This opportunity is hybrid.    

The Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering leads the design, development and implementation of the university’s cybersecurity architecture and engineering initiatives. Oversees the creation and maintenance of the Enterprise Security Architecture Framework and provides expert guidance on technology implementations, ensuring security solutions align with university objectives. Collaborates and works closely with cross-functional cybersecurity units to design, build, implement and configure security solutions (i.e., tools, processes) that facilitate robust security posture. Ensures security architecture designs and engineered configurations are scalable, resilient and aligned with industry best practices. Oversees the management and maintenance of technology deployed to protect systems from information risks (e.g., security threats, data exfiltration). 

The Director, Cyber Architecture & Engineering will: 

• Lead Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering Strategy  
  Direct the design, implementation, and configuration of key cybersecurity tools and infrastructure across the university. Ensure all systems and technologies are scalable, resilient, and aligned with best practices to safeguard against cyber threats and data breaches. 

• Oversee Security Infrastructure and Tool Management  
  Manage the integrity and effectiveness of security tools and technologies. Provide oversight on technology deployments that protect university systems and data, while ensuring seamless integration with university-wide governance frameworks. 

• Provide Vision and Technical Expertise  
  Serve as the subject-matter expert for cybersecurity architecture and engineering. Establish and maintain the Enterprise Security Architecture Framework and ensure alignment with university strategy and compliance requirements. 

• Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team  
  Set priorities for the Cyber Architecture and Engineering team while overseeing all aspects of staff management including hiring, tra