Cybersecurity Strategist (Clearance Required)

As a Cybersecurity Strategist at ICF, your main responsibilities include supporting project and program management for strategic initiatives, enhancing collaboration with industry partners, and developing operational and program management plans. You will also coordinate joint cyber defense exercises and assist in crafting incident response plans, which are crucial for protecting critical infrastructure.

To qualify for the Cybersecurity Strategist position at ICF, candidates must possess an active high-level security clearance and be a U.S. citizen. Additionally, having at least 5 years of experience in the cybersecurity field is essential. Familiarity with project management principles and a thorough understanding of cybersecurity best practices are highly preferred.

Yes, the Cybersecurity Strategist position at ICF may require travel several times a year for client events. This will provide an opportunity to engage directly with partners and stakeholders, enhancing collaboration across the cybersecurity landscape.

A successful Cybersecurity Strategist at ICF should have excellent communication and writing skills, strong leadership qualities, and the ability to perform strategic thinking. Additionally, technical certifications (like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP) and familiarity with operational planning are highly advantageous in this role.

The Cybersecurity Strategist role at ICF offers a hybrid work environment, requiring on-site attendance in Arlington, VA for 2-3 days a week. This setup encourages collaboration with team members while allowing flexibility to work remotely when appropriate.

In answering this question, highlight specific projects you've managed, detailing your role, the methodologies you utilized, and how you ensured project objectives were met. Showcase your skills in collaborating with teams and engaging with stakeholders effectively.

Talk about your approach to continuous learning, mentioning industry publications, webinars, relevant certifications, and involvement in professional communities. This shows your proactive stance on staying informed about the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Emphasize your communication skills and your approach to relationship-building with partners. Discuss specific tactics, such as regular meetings, feedback loops, and collaborative initiatives that foster trust and a shared commitment to cybersecurity.

Outline a structured approach you would take, including threat assessment, stakeholder alignment, and continual revisions to ensure relevance. Providing examples from your past experience will strengthen your response.

Reflect on current cybersecurity trends, including the rise of sophisticated cyber threats and the increase in remote work. Discuss how these challenges impact organizations and your thoughts on potential solutions, demonstrating your analytical skills.

Share a specific example, focusing on your problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Highlight how you identified the core issues, communicated effectively, and worked towards a resolution that met the stakeholder's needs and aligned with organizational goals.

Mention specific tools you're proficient in, such as project management software (like Microsoft Project or Jira) and how you leverage these tools to enhance productivity and communication within your team.

Discuss your process for planning training exercises, including identifying objectives, creating realistic scenarios, and following up with lessons learned. Emphasize how you engage participants and ensure actionable takeaways.

Talk about the various components of the U.S. cyber ecosystem, including government agencies, private industries, and the role of public-private partnerships. Demonstrating a nuanced understanding will show your depth of knowledge and preparedness for the role.

Share your passion for cybersecurity, discussing key experiences or influences that led to your interest. This could include your desire to protect sensitive information, work with advanced technologies, or contribute to national security efforts.