Security Operations Center (SOC) Lead

Job Title: Security Operations Center (SOC) Lead Location: Georgia Gwinnett College Regular/Temporary: Regular Full/Part Time: Full-Time Job ID: 301310 About Us Since our founding in 2005, Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) has been dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience to our students. At GGC, we believe that our students' success is our success, and we are committed to creating a culture that supports and uplifts them throughout their academic journey. As a member of our faculty or staff, you will become part of a dedicated and passionate community of educators and professionals. Together, we work towards a common goal of empowering our students to achieve their full potential, both academically and personally. We take pride in our student body, which represents a multitude of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Whether you are involved in teaching or providing essential services, your contribution will make a significant impact on the lives of our students and the broader community. In addition to our commitment to student success, we also value the well‑being and professional growth of our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, designed to support the needs of our faculty and staff. From competitive compensation to health and wellness programs, and professional development opportunities to work‑life balance initiatives, we strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and feel valued. Located in the thriving community of Gwinnett County, GGC offers a rich cultural and social landscape that enhances the overall college experience. Our backdrop is a beautiful, modern 260‑acre campus located just 30 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. Our students and employees benefit from the close proximity to various local amenities, including shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreational opportunities. This vibrant community serves as an extension of our campus, providing a stimulating environment for personal and professional growth. Join GGC and become part of a dynamic team that plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives and celebrating the achievements of our students. Together, let’s make a positive impact and empower the next generation of leaders. Job Summary Reporting to the Director of Information Security, the Security Operations Center (SOC) Lead will implement and lead the day‑to‑day operations of our campus Security Operations Center. This individual will be responsible for coordinating the day‑to‑day technical operations of the SOC by leading cybersecurity investigations, coordinating incident response activities, improving security monitoring and detection capabilities, and mentoring student cybersecurity assistants. The SOC Lead plays a critical role in maintaining a secure campus technology environment while providing meaningful hands‑on cybersecurity experience for student assistants employed within the Security Operations Center. Working outside standard business hours will be required on an as needed basis. Responsibilities Manage SOC Operations: Coordinate daily Security Operations Center activities including security monitoring, incident detection, analysis, response, and escalation procedures. Collaborate with colleagues to improve operational workflows, security monitoring capabilities, and participate in on‑call rotation as needed. Student Workforce Development: Hire, onboard, train, schedule, and mentor student assistants to support SOC operations, providing hands‑on learning experiences in cybersecurity. Incident Response: In collaboration with the Director of Information Security and other colleagues, coordinate incident response efforts, ensure timely and accurate communication, and document security events in compliance with college and university system policies. Security Monitoring & Threat Detection: Support enterprise security monitoring, threat detection, threat analysis, and vulnerability management activities to proactively identify, investigate, and respond to cybersecurity threats while continuously improving operational effectiveness. Process Development: Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, incident response playbooks, and escalation protocols. Collaboration: Work closely with IT infrastructure, help desk, and other units to ensure integrated and timely security support. Reporting: Prepare and present regular reports and metrics on SOC performance, incident trends, and student assistant engagement. Perform additional duties as assigned. Required Qualifications 4 Year / Bachelor's Degree in information security, computer science, information technology, related field, or equivalent experience. At least four (4) years of relevant professional experience in cybersecurity, security operations, systems administration, incident response, or a related technical field. Preferred Qualifications Graduate Degree in a related field Five (5) or more years of professional cybersecurity experience. Demonstrated ability to analyze technical issues, prioritize work, and communicate effectively with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders. Experience working in education, USG experience desired. Experience supporting Security Operations Center (SOC) activities or serving as a technical lead within a cybersecurity operations environment. Experience mentoring student assistants, interns, junior analysts, or technical staff. Relevant cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP, CISM, Security+, CySA+, GCFA, or GCIA. Proposed Salary 71,700 - 91,400 Salary offer will be dependent on candidate's experience and qualifications, internal equity considerations, budget availability, and salary administration guidelines. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Knowledge of cybersecurity operations, incident response, threat detection, vulnerability management, and cybersecurity best practices. Knowledge of enterprise information technology infrastructure, networking, operating systems, identity and access management, cloud technologies, endpoint security, and enterprise security monitoring concepts. Knowledge of IT Service Management best practices and experience using ticketing platforms. Demonstrated ability to coordinate technical investigations, analyze cybersecurity events, determine root cause, and recommend effective remediation strategies. Proven ability to assess business needs and understand the end‑user impact of technical controls. Demonstrated ability to manage risks effectively and enable the business. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines. Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate technical information to both technical and non‑technical audiences. Demonstrated ability to mentor student cybersecurity personnel, foster collaboration, promote continuous learning, and maintain effective working relationships across the College. USG Core Values The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at Conditions of Employment Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States and proof of eligibility will be contemporaneously required upon acceptance of an employment offer. Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC). Eligibility of employment is determined by GGC in its sole discretion, and includes but is not limited to confirmation of credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre‑employment drug test. Offers are subject to the applicable federal laws, state laws, statutes, rules and regulations of this institution, and to the bylaws and policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request. Equal Employment Opportunity Georgia Gwinnett College is an equal employment, equal access, and equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Georgia Gwinnett College to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50). For individuals requiring disability‑related accommodations for participation in any event including the application, interview process, or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact HR at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. Background Check Position of Trust + Education Other Information Due to the volume of applications, applicants may not receive a reply from the College unless an applicant is selected for an interview. Review of applications will continue until positions are filled. 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