Cybersecurity Associate Director

Guidehouse

. Lead high-impact federal cybersecurity engagements and serve as a trusted advisor to government stakeholders .

Posted 11/2/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $149,000 - $248,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in federal cybersecurity risk management, governance, and digital modernization initiatives, with a strong focus on leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex cybersecurity programs. Proven ability to develop innovative cybersecurity solutions and maintain trusted client relationships while driving business development efforts.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Federal Cybersecurity Risk ManagementLeadership in Cybersecurity EngagementsBusiness Development ExperienceZero Trust ImplementationActive SECRET Security Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Cybersecurity Risk ManagementGovernance FrameworksProposal DevelopmentClient Relationship ManagementCybersecurity Standards ComplianceAI Security SolutionsCloud SecurityData ProtectionCyber ResilienceDigital Modernization

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsTeam LeadershipMentoringKnowledge SharingClient Engagement

Certifications & Qualifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Industry Keywords

EO 14028OMB GuidanceCISA DirectivesNIST FrameworksZero Trust PrinciplesIntelligence CommunityDepartment of Homeland SecurityDepartment of StateDepartment of WarFederal Cybersecurity Standards

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudCyber SecurityPMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead high-impact federal cybersecurity engagements and serve as a trusted advisor to government stakeholders
Lead medium to large (15-40 FTEs) cybersecurity engagements
Ensure alignment with EO 14028, OMB guidance, CISA directives, and NIST frameworks
Support growth of cybersecurity offerings through proposal development, solution shaping, client relationship management, and opportunity identification
Oversee delivery of large cybersecurity engagements, ensuring quality, scalability, and adherence to federal cybersecurity standards
Contribute to thought leadership through publications, conference participation, solution development, and industry engagement
Lead strategic client engagements and enterprise cybersecurity transformation initiatives
Help agencies strengthen resilience against nation-state threats, modernize security operations, and advance Zero Trust objectives
Develop emerging cybersecurity offerings in AI security, cyber resilience, Zero Trust, cloud security, and data protection
Integrate Zero Trust principles into enterprise services in accordance with NIST SP 800-207, CISA, DOW, and IC frameworks
Build and maintain trusted client relationships and identify opportunities for expanded mission support
Contribute to innovative cybersecurity solutions using AI-enabled controls, analytics, and automation
Work across cybersecurity, data, technology modernization, and AI teams to deliver integrated client solutions
Lead and mentor multidisciplinary project teams while fostering professional growth, technical excellence, knowledge sharing, and innovation

Requirements

What you’ll need

Active and current SECRET (or higher) federal security clearance
Twelve (12+) years of experience in cybersecurity risk management and governance
Three (3) years in leadership or supervisory roles
Deep understanding of federal cybersecurity, privacy, risk management, and digital modernization initiatives
Business Development experience
US Citizenship is contractually required
Ability to be onsite 3-5x per week in the Washington, DC/Arlington, VA area
Demonstrated business development activities through proposal development, client relationship management, solution shaping, and opportunity identification
Demonstrated ability to lead medium to large, multidisciplinary teams and deliver complex cybersecurity programs
Strong communication skills for engaging audiences from C-Suite executives to technical specialists
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university (nice to have)
Five (5) years of cybersecurity experience in one of the following agencies: Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, Department of War or the Intelligence community (nice to have)
Master’s Degree (nice to have)
Project Management Professional (PMP) (nice to have)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and/or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) (nice to have)
Up to 10% travel required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus
Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Basic Life & Supplemental Life
Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
Student Loan PayDown
Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
Skills Development & Certifications
Employee Referral Program
Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program
Mobility Stipend
Flexible benefits package
Up to 10% travel requirement