Senior IT Security Specialist

makeawishamerica; United States; Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical vision dental

401(k) match

Laptop & monitor provided

Job summary

Make-A-Wish America is seeking a Security Analyst to support our Information Security program. You will monitor security tools, review alerts, investigate basic events, and assist in protecting systems, data, and users. The role collaborates with our MSSP and IT teams to ensure effective security controls.

Remote work is available nationwide with hybrid options for the Phoenix, AZ area. Candidates should have 2+ years in IT with cybersecurity experience and be comfortable working outside

Qualifications

• 2+ years in IT with cybersecurity experience preferred.
• Experience with EDR/XDR, network/security fundamentals, firewalls, DNS security, content filtering.
• Familiar with vulnerability scanning tools, SIEM monitoring and incident triage.
• Experience with IAM, MFA/SSO, and M365/Azure security features.
• Certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Azure Security Engineer, CCNA Security preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and triage alerts from security tools (SIEM, EDR/XDR, firewalls, email security, cloud platforms).
• Investigate potential security incidents and escalate as needed.
• Assist IAM tasks including user provisioning, access reviews, MFA/SSO support.
• Support vulnerability scanning cycles and remediation tracking.
• Perform routine security checks to ensure tools and controls function properly.
• Collaborate with MSSP and IT teams to resolve security tickets.

Skills

Problem-solving

Cybersecurity basics

Analytical thinking

Written and verbal comms

Organization and detail

Task prioritization

Cross-team collaboration

Tools

EDR/XDR

Firewalls

DNS security

Content filtering

M365 Security

Azure security

Job description

Who We Are

Our vision is to grant the wish of every eligible child. Through our mission, we are uniting communities to grant life-changing wishes. As the world's largest wish-granting organization, we strive to create a sense of community and an environment where we warmly embrace our wish families, volunteers, and colleagues.

Joining Make-A-Wish means becoming part of a mission that believes in the power of a wish.

Location

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We do not sponsor employment visas or other immigration processes to attain or maintain employment eligibility.

Remote positions are open to applicants based anywhere in the continental U.S. Hybrid positions are open to applicants based in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Position Summary

The Security Analyst supports the organization's Information Security program by monitoring security tools, reviewing alerts, investigating basic security events, and assisting in the protection of systems, data, and users. This role performs routine security operations tasks, conducts initial analysis of threats and vulnerabilities, supports identity and access management processes, and contributes to security awareness efforts. The Security Analyst works closely with senior team members and the Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) to elevate issues appropriately and ensure the effectiveness of security controls.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Demonstrated successful problem-solving abilities
• Foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles, threats, and best practices
• Basic knowledge of networks, systems, cloud environments, and endpoint security tools
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to identify and investigate suspicious activity
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to follow procedures, document findings, and support incident response activities
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
• Ability to engage professionally across teams and levels of the organization

Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor and triage alerts from security tools (SIEM, EDR/XDR, firewalls, email security, cloud security platforms)
• Conduct initial investigation and documentation of potential security incidents and escalation
• Assist with identity and access management tasks, including user provisioning, access reviews, and MFA/SSO support
• Support vulnerability scanning cycles and help track remediation progress
• Perform routine security checks to ensure tools and controls are functioning as expected
• Assist with researching new threats, vulnerabilities, and security best practices
• Support security awareness initiatives and phishing simulation programs
• Participate in security incident response activities under guidance from senior staff
• Assist in maintaining security documentation, policies, and reports
• Collaborate with IT teams and the MSSP to resolve security-related tickets and inquiries
• Support configuration and tuning of existing security solutions under supervision
• Work closely with our Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) and IT teams to review alerts and investigate security incidents
• 24/7 Availability for Identity & Access Management, Security Incident Response and Escalation
• Performs other related job duties, as assigned

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years in IT; experience in cybersecurity strongly preferred.
• Exposure to or hands-on experience with:
  • EDR/EXR
  • Network/security fundamentals (firewalls, DNS security, content filtering)
  • Email security and phishing protection
  • Identity and Access Management, MFA/SSO
  • M365 and Azure security features
• Familiarity with:
  • Vulnerability scanning tools
  • SIEM monitoring and event triage
  • Basic incident response process
• Relevant and Current Certifications Preferred: e.g., CompTIA Security+, Azure Security Engineer, CCNA security.

Working Conditions

• Ability to thrive in a remote environment
• Some travel required.
• Requires work outside a traditional Monday - Friday work week, and normal business hours.

This Role's Hiring Range

$57,400 - $63,000 USD

What We Offer

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit package, effective day 1 : Medical, Vision*, Dental*, Wellness
• Competitive compensation with annual incentive potential
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account Options
• Health Reimbursement Account fully funded by Make-A-Wish America
• Short Term Disability*, Long Term Disability* and Life Insurance
• Additional Insurance Plans: Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance through Figo
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with 5% match after one year of service
• Eligibility for student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• The organization will send a laptop, 24" monitor, and a docking station/adaptor to new hires

Time Off

• Competitive PTO starting at 15 days, with enhanced time off for senior roles
• 10 Sick Days
• 11 Pai