GRC Program Manager, Public Sector - job 1 of 2

As a GRC Program Manager at OpenAI, your primary responsibilities will include driving the ATO process for FedRAMP and working with various government clients. You'll collaborate with engineering teams to develop and implement security controls that ensure compliance while balancing operational needs. Additionally, you'll create essential technical documentation and represent the organization as a subject matter expert during audits.

To be a successful GRC Program Manager at OpenAI, you should have over 5 years of compliance experience, particularly in information security. A deep understanding of USG security frameworks like NIST and FedRAMP is crucial, along with prior experience in achieving and maintaining ATOs in highly regulated environments. Excellent communication and multitasking skills will also be essential.

Yes! OpenAI operates with a hybrid work model, allowing GRC Program Managers to enjoy the flexibility of working from home three days a week. This setup helps promote a balanced work-life while still fostering collaboration in office settings.

The onboarding process for the GRC Program Manager role at OpenAI includes a comprehensive introduction to the team and our operational processes. You'll receive support and training to navigate the compliance landscape effectively, ensuring you have the tools necessary to succeed in your role from day one.

A successful GRC Program Manager at OpenAI will benefit from strong technical program management skills, knowledge of security principles, and experience with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure. Moreover, agility in navigating dynamic and ambiguous environments while fostering teamwork will be key to achieving success.

When developing security controls to meet compliance requirements, I first conduct a thorough analysis of the specific regulations and the organization’s operational needs. I collaborate closely with engineering teams to ensure the controls are technically feasible and documented clearly. Effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders is vital to ensure everyone understands the implications and necessity of these controls.

I have extensive experience in obtaining FedRAMP ATOs, during which I've navigated the auditing processes and coordinated with both internal and external assessors. I ensure all necessary documentation, including System Security Plans and risk assessments, are complete and accurately reflect the security posture of our systems. I focus on building relationships with stakeholders to facilitate a smooth ATO process.

My methodology revolves around open communication and a clearly defined project structure. I establish regular check-ins and status updates to ensure everyone is aligned. I encourage feedback and foster an environment where team members can voice concerns or ideas. This collaborative approach not only enhances productivity but also builds trust and engagement among team members.

One significant challenge was navigating complex regulatory shifts that impacted compliance timelines. To overcome this, I spearheaded an initiative that involved reassessing our current security policies and aligning them with the new regulations. I collaborated with compliance experts, provided training to teams on the changes, and adjusted our documentation processes, which ultimately streamlined our compliance efforts and maintained stakeholder trust.

I prioritize ongoing education by subscribing to industry publications and attending relevant conferences and webinars. I also participate in networking groups focused on compliance and security, which provides insights into emerging trends and best practices. This keeps me well-informed and allows me to adapt our strategies in response to any changes in the landscape.

Documentation is crucial in compliance efforts, as it serves as the foundation for audits and assessments. I ensure that all documents—such as risk assessments, security plans, and compliance reports—are not only thorough and accurate but also user-friendly. Clear documentation helps facilitate better understanding among teams and external assessors, and it supports operational effectiveness.

I have worked extensively within cloud environments, particularly AWS and Azure, where I focused on implementing security controls that align with compliance requirements. My experience includes managing infrastructure as code, utilizing services like Kubernetes, and ensuring robust security practices around authentication, encryption, and auditing. This technical background enables me to effectively support compliance efforts and address security challenges.

Effective communication is vital for a GRC Program Manager to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders. Clear communication ensures that security requirements and compliance needs are understood and addressed at all levels of the organization, ultimately facilitating smoother compliance processes and fostering a culture of security awareness across teams.

I measure the effectiveness of GRC initiatives through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics. Key performance indicators, such as successful ATOs achieved, audit scores, and compliance breaches, provide valuable data. Additionally, stakeholder feedback and team engagement levels help assess how well initiatives are being received and their impact on operational efficiency.

When presenting to a non-technical audience about security issues, I focus on simplifying complex concepts into relatable terms. I prepared a presentation that highlighted potential risks using analogies and real-world cases to illustrate the impacts of these threats. This approach helped the audience grasp the significance of security measures without getting lost in technical jargon, fostering a deeper understanding and support for our initiatives.