Job description
If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.
Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.
What You’ll Do
Own and execute third-party and supplier risk assessments using NIST 800-171 and similar frameworks
Independently scope assessments by identifying data flows, CUI exposure, inherent risk, and assessment approach
Validate vendor controls and trace conclusions from inherent risk through residual risk with defensible rationale
Review and analyze vendor evidence such as SOC 2 Type II reports, ISO 27001 certifications, SIG responses, and penetration test summaries
Evaluate security controls across infrastructure, applications, and cloud environments including AWS and Azure, clearly identifying gaps
Assess vendor criticality and business impact, including breach and termination scenarios
Conduct OSINT research to inform third-party security posture and risk profile
Deliver clear, actionable risk assessment reports, including executive summaries for leadership
Partner with business units to translate technical risk into business impact and guide remediation efforts
Contribute to internal risk assessments, exception-to-policy evaluations, and enterprise risk discussions
Identify process gaps and propose practical improvements, including AI-driven efficiencies to enhance assessment quality and speed
What You’ll Bring
Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Security, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field
3 or more years of experience in IT security or risk management with direct third-party or vendor risk assessment ownership
Demonstrated ability to independently deliver end-to-end risk assessments on schedule
Broad understanding of information security risk beyond TPRM, including internal systems, projects, and policy exceptions
Hands-on experience evaluating SOC 2, ISO certifications, SIG questionnaires, and penetration test results
Practical knowledge of cloud environments and associated security controls
Strong risk judgment with the ability to weigh evidence and make defensible determinations
Clear written and verbal communication skills, able to articulate risk to technical and non-technical audiences
Accountability for quality, accuracy, and timelines without constant oversight
Bonus Points
Certifications such as CRISC, CISA, CISM, CISSP, or cloud security credentials
Experience in higher education or financial services environments
Experience with TPRM programs aligned to NIST 800-171 or CMMC
Knowledge of FERPA and GLBA as applied to third-party data sharing and sensitive data protection
What to Expect
At WGU, our mission drives everything we do, including how we hire. Our interview experience is designed to give qualified candidates the opportunity to show their best work through meaningful conversations and collaboration.
We thoughtfully review every application and invite forward the candidates whose experience and potential best align with the role and our mission.
Interview Steps
Introductory call
Hiring leader interview
Director interview
Work Location
This is a full-time, in-office position at WGU’s office in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Visa Sponsorship
While we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, WGU is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this role.
As an equal opportunity employer, we recognize our strength lies in our people and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all can thrive.
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Additional Information
- Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.
- Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu.
- Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.