We incubate and invest in early-stage technology-led companies in the healthcare, national security, and cyber sectors.

Role 

Red Cell is looking for an Operations Principal to join our Platform team and our Cyber Practice. The Red Cell Platform team provides critical support to our incubation companies so that they can focus on building products and solutions. 

The Operations Principal for the Cyber Practice will play a critical role in the incubation and growth of our cybersecurity portfolio companies. This individual will work directly with the Cyber Practice President to evaluate emerging technologies, conduct due diligence on new ventures, and provide operational leadership to nascent companies. The ideal candidate is a highly driven, results-oriented professional with a strong background in commercial cybersecurity and a passion for building innovative businesses. The “Ops Principal” must represent the Red Cell values – you will operate with a high degree of urgency, default towards collaboration, hold yourself and the team accountable for results, always act with integrity, and possess an entrepreneurial spirit. 

Local to the Northern Virginia area with the ability to work 3-4 days per week from the office in Tysons Corner. 

What We’re Looking For….

• Proven Expertise in Commercial Cybersecurity: Deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, practices, and technologies within a business context.

• Strategic Thinker: Ability to analyze complex situations, identify key drivers, and develop effective strategies.

• Project Management Prowess and Process Orientation: Demonstrated experience managing projects across teams, timelines, and varied requirements. Strong ability to identify inefficiencies and implement improvements.

• Adaptability & Resilience: Comfortable in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment, and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Skilled at context switching and able move between various tasks, projects, and responsibilities with ease.

• Excellent Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse audiences, including technical experts, business leaders, and external partners.

• Problem Solver: Ability to diagnose problems quickly and develop creative and effective solutions.

• Experience in a startup or high-growth environment: Understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with early-stage ventures.
• Experience with Security Frameworks and Compliance: Familiarity with relevant frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001) and regulations (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR).

Responsibilities 

As an Operations Principal, you will support our Cyber Practice and general operations for the Red Cell Platform team:  

Support our Cyber Practice by…

• Assisting the Cyber Practice President in evaluating new cyber concepts, ideas, and technologies entering the Red Cell pipeline.

• Conducting thorough due diligence on potential ventures, assessing market viability, competitive landscape, and technical feasibility.

• Contributing to the development and constant improvement of Red Cell’s Cyber Practice strategy and roadmap.

• Maintaining a deep understanding of the evolving cybersecurity landscape, including emerging threats, technologies, and market trends.

• Identifying and assessing potential opportunities for new cyber ventures.

• Collaborating with Red Cell’s network of experts and advisors to gain insights and guidance on specific cyber domains.

• Tracking and monitoring OKRs and KPIs to ensure operational efficiency and achievement of strategic goals.

• Working closely with other Red Cell functions, including finance, legal, HR, and talent acquisition, to ensure smooth integration of new companies.

• Forming relationships with key technologists, leaders, and venture capitalists in the cyber space

Act as a liaison for one or more cyber incubations by…

• Providing operational guidance and support to newly formed cyber companies within the Red Cell ecosystem.

• Assisting in building and scaling company infrastructure, including team development, process implementation, and technology adoption.

• Collaborating with founders and leadership teams to develop and execute business plans, operational strategies, and go-to-market strategies.

• Advising the incubation’s CEO on Red Cell’s standard operating procedures.

• Coordinating with Red Cell’s Head of Operations to manage all activities and deliverables within incubation process (i.e., pipeline phases) and incubation checklist.

• Coordinating all business-related activities with Red Cell’s platform team (i.e., legal, finance, marketing, administration, etc.).

• Developing and facilitating the incubation’s operating rhythm (i.e., meeting cadence) connecting strategic, operational, and tactical meetings in line with Red Cell’s operating cycle.

• Managing the incubation’s budget, financial projections, and resource requirements.

• Determining appropriate technology needs for the incubation while leveraging Red Cell’s platform technology provided to the incubation for project management and collaboration.

• Onboarding new team members to the incubation in collaboration with Red Cell’s talent, administrative, and legal representatives. 

Act in a general Operations role for the Red Cell Platform team by…

• Identifying operational bottlenecks and developing/implementing solutions to improve efficiency and scalability across the organization.

• Selecting and streamlining tools, processes, and operating rhythm for Red Cell as a whole

• Creating and managing strategic plans, OKRs, and budgets for the platform team
• Supporting investment efforts through content creation and materials 

Requirements

• Eligible to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance 

• 10+ years of Business Operations, Project Management, Product Management, or Cybersecurity experience

• Experience in the commercial cybersecurity industry, to include specific expertise in one or more cybersecurity domains (Specific experience in one or more cybersecurity domains (e.g., cloud security, network security, data privacy, threat intelligence).

• Operational and financial acumen 

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree or higher 

Bonus Points

• Strong network within the cybersecurity industry.

• Experience within a venture capital, private equity, or technology incubator environment.

• Experience managing, understanding or working with federal contracting and/or the federal acquisition process

• Technical skills, such as product management, data analysis, or scripting. 

Benefits

• Career track opportunity with potential for rapid advancement with strong performance as the firm grows.
• 100% employer paid, comprehensive health care including medical, dental, and vision for you and your family. 
• Paid maternity and paternity for 14 weeks at employees’ normal pay. 
• Unlimited PTO, with management approval. 
• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning. 
• Optional 401K, FSA, and equity incentives available.

Salary Range:$160,000 - $200,000.This represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience, skills, and other factors.

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