Lead Information Security Analyst - Security Operations

Summary

In collaboration with the IT Security Manager, this position exists to focus on leading and maturing information security operations at MSU Denver. This is designed to help ensure the continuous execution of our organizational missions and to adequately protect our systems and data. A key responsibility is leading incident response and related initiatives with a focus on preparation and prevention. This individual is not only expected to be the primary lead for security operations but to work collaboratively to develop a roadmap to improve processes and technology through innovation, efficiency, and risk reduction. This position participates in the design, creation, testing, and implementation of security solutions, which requires close coordination with various stakeholders throughout the university.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitor security alerts and incidents, ensuring timely detection and proper response
• Conduct thorough investigations of security breaches and incidents
• Maintain incident response plans and procedures
• Conduct foundational information security forensics
• Security tool optimization and tuning (e.g., SIEM, EDR, AV, etc.)
• Pivot off indicators of compromise
• Conduct basic threat hunting
• Analyze phishing emails
• Assess and make recommendations to harden our environment
• Stay updated on latest pertinent security trends, threats, best practices, and technologies
• Develop and support incident response training
• Focus on continuous improvement
• Student employee supervision and mentoring

While not a primary responsibility, you may be asked to support other areas as needed. This includes but is not limited to:

• Active Directory/O365
• eDiscovery
• Vulnerability scanning
• Software and hardware assessments
• Third-party risk management
• Risk assessments
• Policy development
• Network security

Required Qualifications

• At least 3 years supporting or leading security operation domains in a complex organization
• Associate's degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Important Note: Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet ALL required qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications (at least one within 1 year of hire): GCIH, CISSP, GCFA, or agreed upon certification equivalent
• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree

To be successful in this position, beyond demonstratable technical skills, you must have strong organizational and communication skills, the ability to work independently, and remain calm under pressure.

Skills

• Foundational cyber security knowledge
• Networking knowledge (e.g., protocols, ports, services, and technologies)
• Critical thinking, problem solving, and attention to detail under pressure
• Incident response
• Threat hunting
• Forensics
• Security information and event management (SIEM) tuning
• Endpoint detection and response/Antivirus management
• Microsoft on-prem and cloud services security best practices

Schedule Information

Full-time, 40 hours per week
Exempt
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Evenings and Weekend Work: Occasionally as needed
Schedule: Hybrid schedule requiring in person work with the flexibility of some remote work opportunities (subject to supervisor approval)
Travel: Rarely

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

Full Salary Range $67,000- $111,893

The anticipated hiring range is $67,000 - $82,000

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Instructions to Apply

For full consideration, please submit the following documents:

Resume
Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist/s. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former).

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Deadline

Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received by April 24th, 2026.

Open Until Filled

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denver'sbenefits websiteto learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.