Director of Cyber Defense

Director of Cyber Defense

Location: Dallas-Fort Worth, TXWork Arrangement: Hybrid, 2–3 days onsite per weekReports to: Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)Compensation: $250,000 - $275,000 Base | $350,000 - $375,000 OTE | Based on the alignment and experienceAbout the CompanyOur client is a high-growth strategic investment and technology organization with a diverse portfolio of operating businesses and ventures spanning financial services, advanced technology and other highly complex industries.The organization combines significant capital resources, engineering capability and access to advanced computing infrastructure to build and scale businesses with long-term ambitions.This is an environment where senior leaders are given genuine ownership, the opportunity to build rather than simply maintain, and the resources to pursue ambitious technology initiatives.Cybersecurity is a strategic priority at the executive level, with a mandate to build a modern, globally capable defense organization while embracing AI as a fundamental part of the future security operating model.This is an opportunity to join at a significant point in that transformation and have a direct impact on how cyber defense is designed, operated and scaled across the wider organization.The RoleThe Director of Cyber Defense will own and transform the enterprise cyber defense function across a complex portfolio of operating businesses.This is a senior leadership role spanning:Threat detection and detection engineeringIncident response and DFIRThreat intelligence and threat huntingGlobal security monitoringSIEM, SOAR and security automationA key focus is developing an AI-first cyber defense capability, including the introduction of AI agents to support detection, alert triage, investigation, threat hunting and response.The successful candidate will also lead the organization's approach to AI security and governance, protecting AI platforms, model endpoints and agentic workloads while establishing appropriate human oversight and controls.Key ResponsibilitiesOwn and mature enterprise cyber defense strategy, operations and performance.Lead global security monitoring across a complex, multi-entity environment.Develop and implement an AI-driven, increasingly agentic security operations model.Establish governance around AI usage, data handling, model risk and human oversight.Lead major incident response and continuously improve response readiness.Drive SIEM, SOAR, detection engineering and security automation.Mature threat intelligence and proactive threat hunting capabilities.Partner with executive leadership, technology, legal, risk and compliance teams.Build, coach and retain a high-performing cyber defense organization.Ensure security operations meet applicable regulatory and compliance requirements.Required Experience10+ years of cybersecurity/cyber defense experience, including 5+ years leading teams or security functions.Proven ownership of enterprise detection, incident response, threat intelligence and security operations.Deep experience with Microsoft Sentinel, Defender and Entra ID.Strong experience with modern SOAR platforms and security automation.Proficiency with KQL, Python and PowerShell.Demonstrated experience applying AI/ML and automation to security operations.Strong understanding of AI security, including LLMs, agentic workloads, AI gateways and model endpoints.Familiarity with NIST AI RMF, MITRE ATLAS, OWASP Top 10 for LLM Applications and MITRE ATT&CK.Experience operating security monitoring and response at scale across multi-entity, multi-tenant or shared-service environments.Experience with data classification and protection, including DLP, DSPM, Microsoft Purview or comparable technologies.Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills.Experience within regulated industries, particularly financial services/banking, is strongly preferred.CISSP, CISM, GCIH, GCFA or equivalent certifications are preferred.Work AuthorizationCandidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future.Benefits100% employer-paid medical coverageEmployer-paid dental and vision16 weeks paid parental leave401(k) with company match up to 6%25 days PTO + 12 company holidaysCompany-paid life and disability insuranceHSA/FSA optionsWellness benefitsCompany-paid lunch stipend