Director, Security Architecture and Engineering

CFA Institute; Charlottesville (VA); Remote; USD 122,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive bonus

401(k) employer contribution

Comprehensive medical benefits

Job summary

CFA Institute is seeking a Director, Security Architecture and Engineering to lead a high-performing team shaping modern security architecture across cloud and on-premises environments. You will translate enterprise objectives into roadmaps, embed secure-by-design practices, and drive multi-year cybersecurity initiatives with measurable outcomes.

The role offers a remote-first setup with global scope, reporting to the CISO and collaborating with IT and business stakeholders to elevate security

Qualifications

• Experience leading 10+ engineers over multiple years.
• Proven track record delivering cybersecurity and infrastructure initiatives.
• Strong cloud engineering and security background (AWS, Azure).

Responsibilities

• Lead transformation of security architecture and engineering capabilities.
• Drive delivery of major cybersecurity and technology programs with clear outcomes.
• Oversee cloud and infrastructure environments (Azure, AWS) and security engineering practices.
• Translate security strategy into actionable roadmaps, standards, and plans.
• Embed secure-by-design and DevSecOps across systems and workflows.
• Champion automation to improve efficiency and scalability.
• Lead and develop a high-performing leadership team (3–5 reports).
• Strengthen operational performance in global support functions.
• Build cross-functional partnerships and shared ownership of outcomes.
• Establish and track KPIs to measure success.

Skills

Leadership

Security architecture

Cloud security

DevSecOps

Automation

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic thinking

Tools

AWS

Azure

Job description

Are you excited to shape the future of cybersecurity architecture while leading high-performing engineering teams? As Director, Security Architecture and Engineering, you’ll drive modernization initiatives, embed security into enterprise platforms, and influence strategic technology decisions across the business.

The Director, Security Architecture and Engineering leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of security architecture and engineering capabilities across the organization. This role is responsible for executing security strategies through scalable, resilient, and secure technology solutions spanning cloud and on-premises environments. With a strong focus on delivery and operational effectiveness, the Director translates enterprise security objectives into actionable architecture standards, engineering roadmaps, and implementation plans. The role leads a team of architects and engineers and works closely with IT and business stakeholders to embed secure-by-design principles and strengthen the organization’s security posture.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the transformation of security architecture and engineering capabilities, elevating organisational maturity across cybersecurity and infrastructure
• Drive delivery of key initiatives, including major cybersecurityand technologyprograms, ensuring projects reach clear, successful outcomes
• Oversee cloud and infrastructure environments (Azure, AWS), application support, and security engineering practices
• Translate enterprise security strategy into actionable roadmaps, standards, and implementation plans
• Embed secure-by-design and DevSecOps principles across systems, platforms, and workflows
• Champion automation to improve efficiency, scalability, and operational effectiveness
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing leadership team (3–5 direct reports) across security engineering, NOC, and help desk functions
• Strengthen operational performance, particularly within global support functions, driving accountability and service improvement
• Build strong cross-functional partnerships to align stakeholders and create shared ownership of outcomes
• Establish and track KPIs to measure success and continuously improve delivery and processes
• Provide technical leadership on emerging threats, technologies, and best practices

What We’re Looking For

• Significant leadership experience managing and scaling technical teams (typically 10+ people over multiple years)
• Proven ability to deliver complex cybersecurity and infrastructure initiatives—not just design them
• Strong background in cloud engineering and security (AWS, Azure) and modern infrastructure environments
• Deep expertise across key security domains (e.g.IAM,network security, monitoring, encryption, cloud security,A/V, Mobility)
• Experience driving automation and process improvement within engineering or security functions
• A collaborative leadership style that builds alignment, influence, and trust across teams
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts into business outcomes
• Experience operating in environments undergoing transformation or change
• Knowledge of frameworks such as NIST or ISO 27001are beneficial but optional
• Relevant certifications (e.g. CISSP, CISM, cloud security) are beneficialbut optional

Why Join Us

• Shape the future: Play a critical role in a multi-year cybersecurity transformation programme with real organisational impact
• Leadership exposure: Report directly to the CISO and influence strategy at the highest level
• Build and evolve: Lead a function with strong foundations and clear opportunities for improvement and innovation
• Career progression: This role is a recognised pathway toward future CISO-level opportunities
• Global impact: Work across a diverse, international organisation spanning the US, UK, and APAC
• Autonomy and flexibility: Remote-first role with the ability to make meaningful, lasting change
• Collaborative culture: Partner with experienced leaders and teams committed to continuous improvement

At CFA Institute, we are committed to transparency and equity in our hiring process. In compliance with wage transparency laws in many of the jurisdictions in which we recruit, we provide the following information regarding compensation for this position: Expected salary range: $122,300 - $163,100 per year. All salary ranges are subject to adjustment based on experience, education, and other factors relevant to the position. Additional benefits include eligibility for an annual incentive bonus, a 12% employer contribution to a 401(k) or pension plan, and a comprehensive medical benefits package.

About CFA Institute

CFA Institute are the global leader in investment excellence and ethics. With nearly 200,000 charterholders across 160 markets, we drive professional growth, ethical behavior, and better markets. We care about our employees’s well-being, offering industry-leading benefits like:

• Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family
• Generous leave and time off
• Competitive retirement plans
• Flexible work options
• Wellness, education, and support programs

Be part of a team committed to putting investors first and growing economies.

Important Message: Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements as CFA Institute cannot make assumptions about your education, experience, or location. We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. CFA Institute prohibits both discrimination and harassment with regard to all identifying characteristics: any individual employee, group of employees, or prospective employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, religion, creed or belief, age, marital or partnership status, marital or family status, care giver status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, physical abilities/qualities, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, predisposing genetic characteristic, military or veteran status, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence or sex offense or stalking, unemployment status, infectious disease carrier status, migrant worker status, educational background, socio-economic status, geographic location and culture or any other basis protected by applicable law. This policy impacts all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, development, promotion, demotion, layoff, recall, furlough, transfer, leave of absence, and dismissal. This is a global policy that applies to all CFA Institute employees, regardless of location.

If, due to a disability or current medical condition, you need an accommodation or assistance to complete a job application, you can request one at any stage of the recruitment process. Please send an email to [e-mail] noting the accommodations or assistance you are requesting. Please do not include any medical or health information in this email. We will review your request and contact you to discuss the possible options and arrangements. We will try our best to provide you with an accommodation or assistance that meets your needs and respects your preferences.

Our application is not compatible with Internet Explorer (IE). We recommend using Chrome.