Technical Director, Internet Storm Center (ISC)

SANS Institute; Maryland; Remote; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Bonus opportunities

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Short/long-term disability insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

SANS Institute in the United States is seeking a Technical Director, ISC to lead the ISC operations and guide its next chapter. You will oversee day-to-day activities, steward the contributor community, and serve as a trusted public voice for practitioners and organizations globally.

The role combines leadership in cybersecurity research, threat intelligence, and security operations with hands-on oversight of ISC data collection, honeypot networks, and its publication schedule.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in cybersecurity research, threat intelligence, or security operations.
• Experience mentoring student research and supervising faculty or technical professionals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including producing technical publications.

Responsibilities

• Direct the operations and strategic development of the SANS Internet Storm Center (ISC).
• Oversee infrastructure for ISC data collection (honeypot networks and related systems).
• Coordinate research collaborations with SANS experts and staff.
• Oversee the ISC website and technical platforms; publish ISC analyses.
• Lead the development and maintenance of honeypot software used by ISC and partner programs.
• Manage daily publication schedules and ISC volunteer contributions.

Skills

Cybersecurity research

Threat intelligence

Security operations

Mentoring

Public communications

Job description

About SANS

Founded in 1989, SANS Institute (SANS) began as a cooperative research and education organization. Over the next 25 years, it grew to become the most trusted and widely recognized provider of information security training and certification in the world. Today, SANS has served more than 300,000 cybersecurity professionals around the world, with more than 60,000 earning Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) security certifications—the leading certification that provides assurance to employers that their people and prospective hires can do the job.

At the heart of SANS is a community of practitioners, from auditors and network administrators to CISOs, who share their lessons learned and collaborate on solutions to the challenges they face. These experts, working across corporations, government agencies, and universities, come together to support and strengthen the global information security community.

Why SANS?

At SANS, our culture is defined by three pillars: Mission, Brand, and People.

• Our Mission is to hire people who understand the importance fighting against cybersecurity threats.


• Our Brand reflects a commitment to delivering the highest quality training.


• Our People are grounded in a culture of fairness, honesty, customer focus, and a pragmatic approach.

What You’ll Achieve at SANS

We are seeking a Technical Director, ISC to join our Mission team. This role will be responsible for leading ISC operations and guiding its next chapter. In this role, you will oversee day-to-day operations, steward the contributor community, and serve as a trusted public voice and resource for practitioners, researchers, and organizations worldwide.

The SANS Internet Storm Center (ISC) is a community-driven cyber threat detection network that serves as an early warning system for the global cybersecurity community. Built on data and analysis contributed by volunteers and sensors around the world, the ISC helps defenders everywhere understand emerging threats and respond with confidence.

As a Technical Director, ISC, you will:

ISC Leadership

• Direct the operations and strategic development of the SANS Internet Storm Center (ISC).


• Oversee the infrastructure supporting ISC data collection, including honeypot networks and associated systems.


• Oversee and collaborate on research projects, which may involve working with SANS subject matter experts and SANS staff.


• Oversee the ISC website and supporting technical platforms.


• Guide the ongoing development and maintenance of honeypot software used by both the Internet Storm Center and institutional programs.


• Coordinate the daily publication schedule and contributions from ISC volunteer handlers.


• Oversee students interns for ISC from SANS.edu


• Produce technical analyses and content for ISC publications as needed.


• Serve as the primary media contact for the Internet Storm Center.

Cybersecurity Thought Leadership

• Host or contribute to the Internet Storm Center Daily Podcast.


• Contribute technical content and analysis to SANS NewsBites and @Risk newsletters.


• Maintain vulnerability intelligence systems used to identify, prioritize, and communicate emerging cybersecurity threats.


• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Every SANS employee brings something unique. For this role, we’re looking for candidates with:

• Demonstrated expertise in cybersecurity research, threat intelligence, or security operations.


• Experience mentoring student research and supervising faculty or technical professionals.


• Strong technical background in cybersecurity, including applied security research and incident response.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience producing technical publications for professional audiences.


• Demonstrated leadership in the cybersecurity community through research, publications, presentations, or other recognized contributions.


• Unrestricted authorization to work in the USA; visa sponsorship is not available.

Benefits and Perks of Working at SANS

We’re committed to fair and equitable compensation. The expected base salary range for this position is $175,000–$200,000, depending on geographic location, skills, and experience. This position is also eligible for a bonus. At SANS, we are committed to pay equity and transparency.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your total well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:

• Financial Benefits: Competitive base salary,bonus opportunities, and a 401(k) plan with company match.

• Health & Wellness: Robust medical, dental, and vision plans; company-provided short term disability; optional long-term disability, supplemental life and AD&D insurance for employees and dependents; voluntary benefits including accident insurance and identity theft protection; fitness and wellness programs; and a company paid employee assistance program (EAP).


• Time Off & Flexibility: Generous paid time off, including volunteer time.


• Learning & Development: Access to professional development and SANS training opportunities.

Flexibility and Balance at SANS

We support our colleagues with the tools and flexibility they need to thrive, both professionally and personally. As a primarily remote work environment, we are committed to maintaining strong connections, collaboration, and a vibrant culture across virtual teams. While most roles operate remotely, some positions may require occasional in-person presence depending on role-specific or business needs.

SANS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

SANS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact SANS Human Resources.

SANS complies with all applicable state and local laws regarding the consideration of applicants with arrest or conviction records. For positions governed by federal and/or state banking regulations, SANS will adhere to relevant requirements when evaluating candidates with criminal histories.

Employment eligibility in the United States is required. SANS does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.