Senior Director, Office of the CISO
Sunnyvale, CA - USA
Job Summary
About Us:
Proofpoint is a global leader in human- and agent-centric cybersecurity. We protect how people data and AI agents connect across email cloud and collaboration tools. Over 80 of the Fortunelarge enterprises and millions of smaller organizations trust Proofpoint to stop threats prevent data loss and build resilience across their people and AI workflows. Our mission is simple: safeguard the digital world and empower people to work securely and confidently. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people.
How We Work:
At Proofpoint youll be part of a global team that breaks barriers to redefine cybersecurity guided by our BRAVE core values:
Bold in how we dream and innovate
Responsive to feedback challenges and opportunities
Accountable for results and best in class outcomes
Visionary in future focused problem-solving
Exceptional in execution and impact
The Senior Director Office of the CISO is a strategic and operational leader who enables the success of Proofpoints global security mission. Reporting directly to the CISO this role combines the strategic alignment and leadership partnership of a Chief of Staff with the operational rigor of a Head of Security Operations. As a trusted advisor this senior leader connects strategy to executiondriving alignment transparency and excellence across all security functions. You will manage the operational cadence of the Office of the CISO oversee critical programs and communications and ensure that the CISOs strategic priorities are executed effectively. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives at the intersection of cybersecurity strategy operations and organizational leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Alignment
Align security priorities with business outcomes ensuring accountability across all security functions.
Synthesize insights and performance data to inform executive decisions and board-level reporting.
Act as a strategic advisor and representative for the CISO in internal and external engagements. Security Operations
Manage the Office of the CISOs operations including leadership collaboration programs reviews and operational reporting cycles.
Maintain organizational visibility into priorities risks and resource allocation.
Oversee execution of strategic cross-functional information security programs
Implement a structured program management framework to ensure delivery accountability and measurable impact.
Establish and monitor OKRs KPIs and operational dashboards to track progress and outcomes. Communication & Influence
Serve as the operational liaison between the Office of the CISO and key partners across the enterprise.
Build strong cross-functional relationships to influence and align leadership around key initiatives.
Lead development of executive and board-level materials including risk posture updates performance metrics and strategic briefings.
Drive internal communications ensuring consistent messaging and awareness across the global security organization.
Team Leadership & Development
Build lead and develop a global team within the Office of the CISO fostering a culture of operational excellence accountability and continuous improvement.
Empower teams to execute with precisionleveraging data performance metrics and structured decision-making to drive measurable security and business outcomes.
Promote a pragmatic balance between risk management and business enablement ensuring security initiatives are grounded in strategic value operational efficiency and measurable impact.
Cultivate leadership readiness and organizational resilience through coaching collaboration and transparent performance management.
Qualifications Education:
Bachelors or Masters degree in Cybersecurity Business Administration or related field. Experience:
10 years of experience in cybersecurity technology strategy or business operations.
5 years supporting senior executives in a Chief of Staff Head of Operations or equivalent role.
Proven track record driving strategic and operational excellence in large global complex organizations.
Strong understanding of enterprise security functions governance and operational frameworks.
Excellent executive communication skills with the ability to influence across technical and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated success in program execution leadership enablement and organizational design. Preferred Attributes
Experience in the cybersecurity or SaaS sector.
Executive presence with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Strategic thinker with strong operational discipline.
Trusted advisor with exceptional judgment and professionalism.
Ability to manage ambiguity and drive clarity across complex initiatives.
Why Proofpoint
At Proofpoint we believe that an exceptional career experience includes a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Here are just a few reasons youll love working with us:
Competitive compensation
Comprehensive benefits
Career success on your terms
Flexible work environment
Annual wellness and community outreach days
Always on recognition for your contributions
Global collaboration and networking opportunities
Our Culture:
Our culture is rooted in values that inspire belonging empower purpose and drive success-every day for everyone.
We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds experiences and perspectives. If you need accommodation during the application or interview process please reach out to .
How to Apply
Interested Submit your application along with any supporting information- we cant wait to hear from you!
Consistent with Proofpoint values and applicable law we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets and we pay differently based on those defined markets as set out below. Pay within these ranges varies and depends on job-related knowledge skills and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate. The range provided may represent a candidate range and may not reflect the full range for an individual tenured employee. This role may be eligible for variable compensation and/or equity. We offer a competitive benefits package including flexible time off a comprehensive well-being program with two paid Wellbeing Days and two paid Volunteer Days per year plus a three-week Work from Anywhere option.
Base Pay Ranges:
SF Bay Area New York City Metro Area:
Base Pay Range: 245400.00 - 337370.00 USDCalifornia (excludes SF Bay Area) Colorado Connecticut Illinois Washington DC Metro Maryland Massachusetts New Jersey Texas Washington Virginia and Alaska:
Base Pay Range: 197100.00 - 271040.00 USDAll other cities and states excluding those listed above:
Base Pay Range: 177500.00 - 244090.00 USDRequired Experience:
Senior IC