Career Center

We are currently seeking a dynamic and experienced Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager

to join our Office of the CISO – Security Operations team within the Information Technology Services (ITS) department here at the University of Southern California.

The Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager is responsible for managing activities relating to security monitoring and incident response. They will lead internal investigations of security violations, respond to all information security relevant events and ensure that Service Level Agreements and Standard

Operating Procedures are defined, tracked and met. This role will monitor USC’s

assets, network and data for attempted efforts to compromise security protocols and ensure

prevention of events that negatively impact confidentiality, availability and integrity. A leadership position, the SOC manager is responsible for the development and oversight of the SOC program, interface with other IT and business units, and effectively communicate to both staff and executive levels.

THE TEAM

The ITS vision aligns strategy, business, and services; affirms ITS cultural values; empowers cross-functional teamwork; embraces world-class best practices; and promotes innovation, excellence, agility, and efficiency. To achieve this vision, ITS is committed to providing a modern technology infrastructure that is resilient and delivers the performance necessary to meet the demands of a growing customer base, training in the latest technologies for its highly productive and motivated workforce, outstanding customer experience, and technology services that are aligned with the university’s mission to provide exceptional learning opportunities for students. ITS is creating a workplace where employees can develop cutting-edge skills, take pride in the services they provide, and have access to the roles and career paths that align to their abilities and potential.

ITS CULTURE

USC’s ITS organization represents a diverse and talented team, committed to supporting a collaborative culture and delivering secure and innovative IT services, core to the mission of USC. ITS values accountability, excellence, and commitment to exceptional customer experience. ITS strives for a supportive and inclusive culture that encourages employees to do their best work every day and where individuals are recognized and celebrated for their contributions.

ABOUT USC

USC is the leading private research university in Los Angeles—a global center for arts, technology, and international business. With more than 47,500 students, we are located primarily in Los Angeles but also in various US and global satellite locations. As the largest private employer in Los Angeles, responsible for $8 billion annually in economic activity in the region, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic and professional schools and administrative units. As a USC employee and member of the Trojan Family—the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work—you will enjoy excellent benefits, including a variety of well-being programs designed to help individuals achieve work-life balance.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

The candidate for the position of SOC Manager must meet the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Security, Information Technology, Information Systems Management, Computer Science, Engineering or related field(s) or equivalent demonstrated work experience
• 5 years of directly related experience in Information Security
• Excellent people-management skill
• Experience in crisis management
• Good technical and trouble-shooting ability
• Ability to work in a high stress environment
• Ability to interact with staff, peers, and business units on a technical and professional level
• A thorough understanding of customer service related performance metrics.
• CISSP certification, ITIL Certified, Security management certification (ISSMP; CRISC; CISM; Auditing).

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate for the position of SOC Manager meets the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Security, Information Technology, Information Systems Management, Computer Science, Engineering or related field(s)
• 7+ years of experience in Security Operations or in a SOC environment
• One or more of the following certifications: GIAC: Continuous Monitoring Course (GMON),Security Essentials (GSEC),Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA), Certified Perimeter Protection Analyst (GPPA), Information Security Fundamentals (GISF), Certified Enterprise Defender (GCED), Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP), Certified Incident Handler (GCIH).

THE WORK YOU WILL DO

The SOC Manager:  

• Holds overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of USC’s Security Operations Center. Central to this responsibility is translating leadership’s cybersecurity strategies into actionable tactical activities within the SOC, including working closely with USC’s managed security monitoring service provider.
• Leads security incident response efforts by maintaining an in-depth knowledge of common attack vectors, security exploits and countermeasures. Responds to all information security relevant events (hacker intrusions, virus infections, denial of service attacks, etc.).
• Ensures that Service Level Agreements are defined, tracked and met.
• Responsible for driving execution of daily, weekly and monthly metrics for statistical threats and KPIs.
• Ensures that Standard Operating Procedures are being created and followed by the team.
• Monitors USC’s assets, network and data, ensuring the prevention of events that negatively impact confidentiality, availability and integrity.
• Monitors and analyses attempted efforts to compromise security protocols. Identifies and investigates activities, and conducts and provides analyses regarding results. Escalates issues to higher level associates.
• Develops and supports strategic plans and projects to meet Security and SOC goals and objectives.
• Authors and coordinates security status reports to provide system status, report potential and actual security violations, and provide procedural recommendations.
• Works with teams in the development of a comprehensive set of operational security policies and standards, designed to permit the organization to achieve its business objectives while effectively managing our security and compliance requirements for meeting PCI and SOX goals.
• Reviews logs and messages to identify and report possible violations of security.
• Coordinates, documents and reports on internal investigations of security violations
• Maintains awareness and knowledge of current changes within legal, regulatory, and technology environments which may affect operations. Ensures senior management and staff are informed of any changes and updates in a timely manner. Establishes and maintains appropriate network of professional contacts. Maintains membership in appropriate professional organizations and publications. Attends meetings, seminars and conferences and maintains continuity of any required or desirable certifications, if applicable.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time

Come join the USC ITS team and work as a trusted partner in shaping an environment of innovation and excellence.