Cybersecurity Director

Summary:

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances scientific discovery and education in the life sciences. The Technology & Systems Management (TSM) team supports that mission by delivering secure, resilient, and forward-looking technology solutions across the Institute.

We are seeking a Director, Cybersecurity to lead HHMI’s enterprise information security program and strengthen the Institute’s overall security posture in an evolving threat landscape.

The Director, Cybersecurity serves as the Institute’s senior cybersecurity leader and trusted advisor to the CTO and executive leadership on risk posture and emerging threats. This roleis responsible forensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of digital assets across enterprise systems, infrastructure, and applications.

The Director leads internal cybersecurity and identity and access management (IAM) teams, partners with an external SOC/MSSP for continuous monitoring andresponse, andcollaborates across TSM and Institute leadership to embed security into technology strategy and operations. This role also works closely with Risk and Compliance and the Office of General Counsel to align cybersecurity governance with regulatory requirements and the protection of sensitive research and regulated data.

This position reports to the Chief Technology Officer and is based at HHMI’s headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland. It follows a hybrid schedule with three in-office days per weekand will have occasional travel to our Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, VA.

WhatYou’llGet:

• Mission-Focused Work:Theopportunity to safeguard world-class scientific researchbyleadingsecurity efforts in a research-intensive, innovation-driven environment

• Strategic PartnershipinCutting-Edge Work:Working directly with senior leadership to shape enterprise-wide strategy andinfluenceAI governance and emerging technology security.

• CompetitiveTotal Rewards Package:Comprehensive healthcare, generous retirement contributions, paid leave, andadditionalprograms that support well-being and professional development.   

WhatYou’llDo:

• Develop, implement, and continuously evolve a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy aligned with organizational priorities and risk appetite.

• Serve as senior advisor to executive leadership on cybersecurity risk, posture, and emerging threats.

• In coordination with theEverydayAIteam, lead development of governance frameworks and security practices for emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning systems.

• Lead and develop cybersecurity and IAM teamsacross two locations, setting priorities, guiding technical direction, and fostering professional growth.

• Oversee enterprise security operations, including monitoring, vulnerability management, threat intelligence, and incident response.

• Direct andoptimizerelationships with external SOC and managed security partners to ensure effective 24/7 coverage.

• Partner with Risk and Compliance, the Office of GeneralCounseland other stakeholdersto develop and enforce security policies, standards, and procedures; lead internal assessments and coordinate external audits.

• Establish and communicate security metrics to senior leadership that reflect performance, maturity, and risk reduction.

• Embed security principles into infrastructure, applications, and business systems design, including secure architecture, network segmentation, and identity and accessmanagementbest practices.

• Provide strategic guidanceand leadershipforateam responsible forinternal security/accessassessments, coordinatingexternal audits, and supportingregulatory and compliance initiativesacross financial systemsand other technology areas.

• Lead enterprise incident response and recoveryefforts, anddevelop and test disaster recovery and business continuity plans from a security perspective.

• Oversee cybersecurity budgeting, including operational expenses, service agreements, equipment, and special projects.

What You Bring:

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree

• CISSP, CISM, CISA, or equivalent advanced security certification

Experience

• 12+ years of progressive experience in information security

• 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams and vendors

• Knowledge of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence

Skills &Expertise

• Deep understanding of cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, CIS Controls) and risk management methodologies

• Experience with SOC operations, IAM platforms, cloud security, and endpoint protection technologies

• Strong understanding of identity governance, privileged access management, and authentication technologies

• Experience developing security governance frameworks for AI/ML systems and third-party AI tools

• Proven ability to build high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical risks into business context

• Demonstrated problem-solving ability withstrong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, anda high levelof initiative.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). 

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.#LI-EG1