University of Southern California
Director, Enterprise Identity and Access Management
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The University of Southern California (USC) is advancing its cybersecurity posture with a renewed focus on resilience, cyber risk management, and threat-informed defense. As a world‑class research institution, it is building a culture of security that supports its academic and research mission in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
This role sits within a newly restructured cybersecurity organization that’s leading this transformation. You’ll join a team focused on scalable, proactive defense strategies, incident preparedness, and operational excellence – working alongside experts who are deeply committed to service, innovation, and impact.
If you’re driven by purpose, thrive in complexity, and want to help shape the future of cybersecurity at a leading university, we invite you to bring your leadership to the table.
POSITION SUMMARY As the
Director, Enterprise Identity and Access Management
you will be an integral leader of the cybersecurity department while also collaborating with stakeholders across the university ecosystem and reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer. This is a full‑time exempt position, eligible for all of USC’s fantastic Benefits + Perks. This opportunity is hybrid.
The Director, Enterprise Identity and Access Management is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive identity and access management strategy that integrates Zero Trust principles, extends identity governance to both human and non‑human actors, and supports the university’s mission of innovation, security and operational excellence. Drives IAM initiatives that safeguard institutional assets, streamline access experiences and enable a secure digital transformation for faculty, staff, students and partners. Works collaboratively across all university departments to ensure that IAM technologies align with academic, research and operational needs while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.
The
Director, Enterprise Identity and Access Management
will:
Develop and implement a forward‑thinking IAM strategy that aligns with the university’s technological and cybersecurity goals. Drives the adoption of modern IAM principles such as Zero Trust and identity decentralization to secure access across hybrid and multi‑cloud environments. Leads the university’s IAM program to maturity across CISA’s Zero Trust pillars (identity, device, network, application, data). Maintains professional currency. Advocates for innovative solutions. Participates in industry forums, conferences, and professional publications. Serves as an advisor to senior leadership on IAM trends and innovations, threat mitigation strategies related to access control, and ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
Lead the deployment of advanced IAM technologies (e.g., AI‑driven access controls, adaptive authentication solutions) while ensuring seamless integration with cloud‑native, mobile, IoT and multi‑cloud platforms. Ensures IAM systems enable digital transformation initiatives, secure collaboration with external partners, and support academic, research, and administrative resource access.
Oversee the lifecycle of digital identities (e.g., provisioning, de‑provisioning, role‑based access control) for joiners, movers, leavers (JML) and non‑human identities across systems, ensuring accurate and secure access management. Develop metrics and dashboards to monitor IAM performance, assess program effectiveness, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
Develop and enforce IAM policies that comply with regulatory standards (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR). Conduct risk assessments and establish incident response protocols for IAM‑related vulnerabilities.
Partner with academic and operational units to identify IAM needs, deliver tailored solutions, and represent the university on internal and external committees.
Lead and mentor IAM professionals. Oversee workforce planning.
Ensure recruitment, training, and professional development of staff. Manage the IAM budget. Oversee vendor relationships, contracts, and SLAs to deliver high‑quality IAM solutions.
Accountable for all aspects of staff management (hiring, coaching, training, performance reviews, pay actions, and promotions within the Enterprise Identity and Access Management organization). Provide technical leadership and mentorship to ensure a high‑performing team.
Encourage a workplace culture where all employees are valued, value others and have the opportunity to contribute through their ideas, words and actions, in accordance with the Code of Ethics.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Great candidates for the position of
Director, Enterprise Identity and Access Management
will meet the following qualifications:
10 years in Identity and Access Management
Bachelor’s degree in information science, cybersecurity or related field(s) with combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Proven track record of developing and implementing IAM strategies aligned with Zero Trust and modern identity principles
Expertise in advanced IAM technologies (e.g., AI‑driven access controls, adaptive authentication, and seamless integration with multi‑cloud and hybrid environments)
Demonstrated experience implementing Zero Trust IAM strategies and advanced access governance
Strong understanding of regulatory standards and the ability to enforce compliant IAM policies
Experience managing the full lifecycle of digital identities (provisioning, de‑provisioning, role‑based access control)
Demonstrated success in building metrics and dashboards for assessing IAM performance and program effectiveness
Excellent leadership and mentorship skills
Financial acumen
Strong collaboration skills
CISSP, GIAC, CISM, etc.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in information science, cybersecurity or related field(s)
Experience in higher education, research computing or healthcare environments
Familiarity with non‑human identity (NHI) management and secrets lifecycle tools (e.g., HashiCorp, Astrix)
Knowledge of ITDR platforms and integration with SOC/SIEM tooling
Relevant cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP, CISM or similar
SALARY AND BENEFITS The annual base salary range for this position is $220,358.05 to $268,851.50. When extending an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s experience, education, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, and external market considerations.
To support the well‑being of faculty and staff, USC provides benefits‑eligible employees with a broad range of perks that help protect health, wealth, and future. Learn more about USC’s comprehensive benefits here.
Join the cybersecurity team within an environment of innovation and excellence.
In addition, the successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, community, well‑being, open communication, and accountability through ideas, words and actions.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This role sits within a newly restructured cybersecurity organization that’s leading this transformation. You’ll join a team focused on scalable, proactive defense strategies, incident preparedness, and operational excellence – working alongside experts who are deeply committed to service, innovation, and impact.
If you’re driven by purpose, thrive in complexity, and want to help shape the future of cybersecurity at a leading university, we invite you to bring your leadership to the table.
POSITION SUMMARY As the
Director, Enterprise Identity and Access Management
you will be an integral leader of the cybersecurity department while also collaborating with stakeholders across the university ecosystem and reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer. This is a full‑time exempt position, eligible for all of USC’s fantastic Benefits + Perks. This opportunity is hybrid.
The Director, Enterprise Identity and Access Management is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive identity and access management strategy that integrates Zero Trust principles, extends identity governance to both human and non‑human actors, and supports the university’s mission of innovation, security and operational excellence. Drives IAM initiatives that safeguard institutional assets, streamline access experiences and enable a secure digital transformation for faculty, staff, students and partners. Works collaboratively across all university departments to ensure that IAM technologies align with academic, research and operational needs while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.
The
Director, Enterprise Identity and Access Management
will:
Develop and implement a forward‑thinking IAM strategy that aligns with the university’s technological and cybersecurity goals. Drives the adoption of modern IAM principles such as Zero Trust and identity decentralization to secure access across hybrid and multi‑cloud environments. Leads the university’s IAM program to maturity across CISA’s Zero Trust pillars (identity, device, network, application, data). Maintains professional currency. Advocates for innovative solutions. Participates in industry forums, conferences, and professional publications. Serves as an advisor to senior leadership on IAM trends and innovations, threat mitigation strategies related to access control, and ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
Lead the deployment of advanced IAM technologies (e.g., AI‑driven access controls, adaptive authentication solutions) while ensuring seamless integration with cloud‑native, mobile, IoT and multi‑cloud platforms. Ensures IAM systems enable digital transformation initiatives, secure collaboration with external partners, and support academic, research, and administrative resource access.
Oversee the lifecycle of digital identities (e.g., provisioning, de‑provisioning, role‑based access control) for joiners, movers, leavers (JML) and non‑human identities across systems, ensuring accurate and secure access management. Develop metrics and dashboards to monitor IAM performance, assess program effectiveness, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
Develop and enforce IAM policies that comply with regulatory standards (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR). Conduct risk assessments and establish incident response protocols for IAM‑related vulnerabilities.
Partner with academic and operational units to identify IAM needs, deliver tailored solutions, and represent the university on internal and external committees.
Lead and mentor IAM professionals. Oversee workforce planning.
Ensure recruitment, training, and professional development of staff. Manage the IAM budget. Oversee vendor relationships, contracts, and SLAs to deliver high‑quality IAM solutions.
Accountable for all aspects of staff management (hiring, coaching, training, performance reviews, pay actions, and promotions within the Enterprise Identity and Access Management organization). Provide technical leadership and mentorship to ensure a high‑performing team.
Encourage a workplace culture where all employees are valued, value others and have the opportunity to contribute through their ideas, words and actions, in accordance with the Code of Ethics.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Great candidates for the position of
Director, Enterprise Identity and Access Management
will meet the following qualifications:
10 years in Identity and Access Management
Bachelor’s degree in information science, cybersecurity or related field(s) with combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Proven track record of developing and implementing IAM strategies aligned with Zero Trust and modern identity principles
Expertise in advanced IAM technologies (e.g., AI‑driven access controls, adaptive authentication, and seamless integration with multi‑cloud and hybrid environments)
Demonstrated experience implementing Zero Trust IAM strategies and advanced access governance
Strong understanding of regulatory standards and the ability to enforce compliant IAM policies
Experience managing the full lifecycle of digital identities (provisioning, de‑provisioning, role‑based access control)
Demonstrated success in building metrics and dashboards for assessing IAM performance and program effectiveness
Excellent leadership and mentorship skills
Financial acumen
Strong collaboration skills
CISSP, GIAC, CISM, etc.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in information science, cybersecurity or related field(s)
Experience in higher education, research computing or healthcare environments
Familiarity with non‑human identity (NHI) management and secrets lifecycle tools (e.g., HashiCorp, Astrix)
Knowledge of ITDR platforms and integration with SOC/SIEM tooling
Relevant cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP, CISM or similar
SALARY AND BENEFITS The annual base salary range for this position is $220,358.05 to $268,851.50. When extending an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s experience, education, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, and external market considerations.
To support the well‑being of faculty and staff, USC provides benefits‑eligible employees with a broad range of perks that help protect health, wealth, and future. Learn more about USC’s comprehensive benefits here.
Join the cybersecurity team within an environment of innovation and excellence.
In addition, the successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, community, well‑being, open communication, and accountability through ideas, words and actions.
#J-18808-Ljbffr