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About Us:

We are the leader in human-centric cybersecurity. Half a million customers, including 87 of the Fortune 100, rely on Proofpoint to protect their organizations. We’re driven by a mission to stay ahead of bad actors and safeguard the digital world. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people.

How We Work:

At Proofpoint, you’ll 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.

Senior Director, Office of the CISO

**Location:** Sunnyvale, CA

**Department:** Information Security

**Reports To:** Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Company Overview

Proofpoint is a global leader in human- and agent-centric cybersecurity, securing how people, data, and AI agents connect across email, cloud, and collaboration tools. Proofpoint is a trusted partner to over 80 of the Fortune 100, over 10,000 large enterprises, and millions of smaller organizations in stopping threats, preventing data loss, and building resilience across people and AI workflows. Proofpoint’s collaboration and data security platform helps organizations of all sizes protect and empower their people while embracing AI securely and confidently.

Job Summary

The **Senior Director, Office of the CISO** is a strategic and operational leader who enables the success of Proofpoint’s 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 execution—driving 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 CISO’s 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 CISO’s 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 precision—leveraging 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:

Bachelor’s or Master’s 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.

+ Passion for building high-performing teams and enabling leadership success.

Why Proofpoint? At Proofpoint, we believe that an exceptional career experience includes a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Here are just a few reasons you’ll love working with us:

• Competitive compensation

• Comprehensive benefits

• Learning & Development: We are committed to the growth and development of our team members, offering a range of programs including leadership and professional development workshops, stretch project assignments, and mentoring opportunities to help employees reach their full potential.

• Flexible work environment: [Remote options, hybrid schedules, flexible hours, etc.].

• 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 [email protected] . How to Apply Interested? Submit your application here https://www.proofpoint.com/us/company/careers . We can’t 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: 238,240.00 - 327,580.00 USD

California (excludes SF Bay Area), Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Washington DC Metro, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and Alaska:

Base Pay Range: 191,360.00 - 263,120.00 USD

All other cities and states excluding those listed above:

Base Pay Range: 172,320.00 - 236,940.00 USD

Proofpoint has been honored with six Best Places to Work Awards in 2024 by workplace culture leader Comparably, including Best Company Career Growth, Best Company Outlook, Best Global Culture, Best Engineering Teams, Best Sales Teams, and Best HR Teams.

We are the leader in human-centric cybersecurity. Half a million customers, including 87 of the Fortune 100, rely on Proofpoint to protect their organizations. We’re driven by a mission to stay ahead of bad actors and safeguard the digital world. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people.

Our BRAVE Values:

At Proofpoint, we are BRAVE in everything we do, and our values aren’t just words—they shape how we work, collaborate, and grow.

We seek people who are bold enough to challenge the status quo, responsive in the face of ever-evolving threats, and accountable for delivering real impact.

We value those with a visionary mindset who anticipate what’s next and push cybersecurity forward, and we celebrate exceptional execution that ensures we continue to defend data and protect people.

Proofpoint is an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.

Find your network, your allies, and your biggest fans. We know that work is simply better when you’re surrounded by people who inspire you—who share ideas, cheer you on, and genuinely want to see you succeed. That’s why we offer social circles, sponsored networks, and connection points across teams and time zones—to help you find your people, build your community, and thrive together.

This isn’t just a job—it’s a mission to protect people and defend data in a world that never slows down. We’re building the future of human-centric cybersecurity, and that future belongs to all of us. We take ownership, move fast, and hold ourselves accountable—because that’s what it takes to stay ahead. And we do it together, winning as one.

Be empowered to reach your full potential through meaningful challenges and personalized support—designed around you and your goals. Whether you're growing as a leader or leveling up from great to exceptional as an individual contributor, we’re here to help you get there.

Proofpoint is an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.