Assistant Director, Cyber GRC

Principal Financial Group; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 141,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Time Off

Pension eligibility

Option for hybrid or remote work

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in Des Moines is seeking an Assistant Director of Cyber GRC. This role leads regulatory compliance in cybersecurity, engaging with regulators and translating complex requirements into actionable controls. With over 8 years of experience, the ideal candidate excels in stakeholder management and is adept in cybersecurity frameworks. The position offers flexible working arrangements and a salary range between $141,000 and $180,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in cybersecurity, information risk, or IT compliance.
• Direct experience engaging with regulators.
• Experience with regulatory frameworks such as NIST CSF and 800-53.

Responsibilities

• Lead cybersecurity regulatory compliance activities.
• Design global cybersecurity assurance program.
• Monitor changes in global cybersecurity laws and standards.

Skills

Cybersecurity experience

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in information security, cybersecurity, law, or related field

Tools

NIST standards

SOX regulations

GDPR

HIPAA

Job description

What You’ll Do

We’re looking for an experienced Assistant Director of Cyber GRC to join our Information Security and Risk GRC team. In this role, you’ll lead cybersecurity regulatory compliance activities by engaging with regulators, interpreting new and emerging regulatory requirements on a global scale, translating those requirements into practical security controls, and partnering with technology, risk, and business teams to reduce the threat landscape to demonstrate sustainable compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Governance & Assurance

• Design global cybersecurity assurance program, including control gap assessments, testing, evidence management, and continuous monitoring
• Evaluate control effectiveness and recommend process or tooling improvements to improve efficiency and coverage

Regulatory Compliance & Monitoring

• Monitor and interpret changes in global cybersecurity laws, regulations, and standards (e.g., NIST, SOX, SOC, GDPR, HIPAA)
• Translate regulatory requirements into actionable security controls, metrics, and framework mappings
• Support control design enhancements to address regulatory expectations and emerging risks

Audit & Examination Readiness

• Support readiness for regulatory exams, audits, and third‑party assessments
• Participate in audits, coordinate responses to inquiries, and track remediation activities

Leadership & Collaboration

• Partner with IT, Legal, Risk, Compliance, and Audit teams to align cybersecurity controls with regulatory obligations
• Provide subject‑matter guidance on GRC best practices and control design
• Provide training and awareness on regulatory compliance topics, as needed

Metrics, Reporting, and Stakeholder Communications

• Develop and maintain reporting on control posture, findings, and remediation progress
• Communicate regulatory changes, risks, and control insights to leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information security, cybersecurity, law, or a related field or equivalent experience
• 8+ years of experience in cybersecurity, information risk, or IT compliance
• Direct, hands‑on experience engaging with regulators (e.g., scoping exams, responding to information requests, and/or presenting to examiners)
• Proven experience with regulatory frameworks and standards such as NIST CSF and 800-53, SOX, SOC, GDPR, and HIPAA
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with an ability to brief executives and regulators with clarity and confidence
• Strong stakeholder management experience with the ability to influence cross‑functional teams and drive accountability without direct authority

Skills That Will Help You Stand Out

• Experience designing cybersecurity assurance program in a regulated industry (e.g., finance, insurance, government)
• Professional certifications such as CISA, CISM, CGRC, CRISC, or CISSP
• Familiarity with risk management methodologies and tools
• Diplomacy and professionalism in high‑stakes discussions
• Ability to consult on technical controls

Salary Range

$141,000 - $180,000 / year

Time Off Program

Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short‑term illness. Employees don’t accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided.

Pension Eligible

Yes

Work Environments

This role offers in‑office, hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek), and remote work arrangements (only if residing more than 30 miles from Des Moines, IA, Charlotte, NC, or Raleigh, NC). You’ll work with your leader to figure out which option may align best based on several factors.

Hours

Core business hours are based on Central Standard Time (CST). Occasional adjustments to your schedule will be necessary to accommodate collaboration with global partners.

Work Authorization/Sponsorship

At this time, we’re not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but is not limited to: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc.

Investment Code of Ethics

For Principal Asset Management positions, you’ll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These same requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization.

Experience Principal

At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we’re imagining a more purpose‑led future for financial services - and that starts with you.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Posting Window

We will accept applications for 3 full days following the Original Posting Date, after which the posting may remain open or be removed based upon applications received. If we choose to post the job again, we will accept additional applications for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.