Cybersecurity SME III ZTA Program Task Lead

Subject Matter Expert - Cyber Security (Senior) / ZTA Program Task Lead

This position requires the ability to obtain a Public Trust

We are seeking a highly experienced Subject Matter Expert - Cyber Security (Senior) to serve as the Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) Program Task Lead. The ZTA Program Task Lead will be responsible for creating, managing, and providing expert guidance on the organization's transition to a Zero Trust security model, ensuring that the strategic direction, policies, and standards of the Zero Trust framework are effectively implemented. The ideal candidate will lead the charge in establishing a Zero Trust foundation by overseeing identity verification protocols, network segmentation, access control policies, and security governance while ensuring full compliance and alignment across the organization.

Compensation & Benefits:

Estimated Starting Salary Range for Subject Matter Expert - Cyber Security (Senior) / ZTA Program Task Lead: $200.000-$205,000

Pay commensurate with experience.

Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Subject Matter Expert - Cyber Security (Senior) / ZTA Program Task Lead Responsibilities Include:

• Lead the design, development, and operation of a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) Program to transition the organization to a Zero Trust security model, ensuring adherence to the core principle of "never trust, always verify."
• Provide high-level systems analysis, design, integration, documentation, and implementation advice on Zero Trust security frameworks for complex cybersecurity environments.
• Define the strategic direction, policies, and standards necessary to implement the Zero Trust framework, ensuring they align with the organization's security objectives and broader cybersecurity strategy.
• Establish a foundational blueprint for Zero Trust adoption, including identity verification protocols, network segmentation strategies, and access control policies, to be executed by operational teams.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other teams and stakeholders to ensure a cohesive and effective adoption of Zero Trust principles throughout the organization.
• Oversee training and awareness initiatives for employees across all departments to promote understanding and compliance with Zero Trust principles and security policies.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, advising leadership on Zero Trust principles, implementation strategies, and how they enhance cyber resilience and defense against threats.
• Conduct risk assessments, gap analyses, and security reviews to evaluate current security architectures and guide the integration of Zero Trust methodologies.
• Implement governance and oversight processes to continuously monitor and validate the effectiveness of Zero Trust controls and policies.
• Ensure the organization meets compliance with relevant cybersecurity frameworks and regulations as part of the Zero Trust adoption.
• Stay informed on emerging trends, technologies, and threats related to Zero Trust and proactively adapt the organization's strategy and architecture as necessary.
• Develop and maintain documentation, reports, and dashboards to track the progress of the Zero Trust initiative and communicate findings to senior leadership.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Subject Matter Expert - Cyber Security (Senior) / ZTA Program Task Lead Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested:

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in cybersecurity, with a focus on Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), identity management, network segmentation, or related fields.
• IAT Level III certification (e.g., CISSP, CISM, or equivalent).
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and managing Zero Trust security models in enterprise environments.
• Strong expertise in identity verification protocols, network segmentation, and access control policies aligned with Zero Trust principles.
• Knowledge of industry standards and compliance frameworks such as NIST, FISMA, and ISO 27001 relevant to Zero Trust.
• Experience with security governance and oversight, including auditing and monitoring security policies and practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with experience conducting training and awareness programs.
• Familiarity with cloud-based security architectures and integration of Zero Trust in hybrid IT environments preferred.
• Experience in managing cross-functional teams and complex security projects preferred.
• Knowledge of Zero Trust technologies, such as identity and access management (IAM), secure access service edge (SASE), and endpoint security solutions preferred.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal

Company Information:

Cherokee United Services (CUS) is a part of Cherokee Federal - the division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and serving the government's mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about CUS, visit cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI #LI-REMOTE

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

5 Keywords:

1. Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)
2. Identity verification protocols
3. Network segmentation
4. Access control policies
5. Security governance and compliance

5 Similar Job Titles:

1. Senior Zero Trust Security Engineer
2. Zero Trust Security Program Manager
3. Senior Cybersecurity Architect - Zero Trust
4. Senior Identity and Access Management (IAM) Architect
5. ZTA Strategy Lead

Legal Disclaimer: Cherokee Federal is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit cherokee-federal.com/careers for information regarding our Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer Statement, and Accommodation request.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.