Company Profile
The Automotive Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Auto-ISAC) is the focal point for relevant cybersecurity information sharing for the automotive industry. In this capacity, the organization supports and enhances the ability of the automotive private sector to prepare for, prevent, and respond to malicious cyber activity, encompassing threats, vulnerabilities, and incidents and to mitigate risks of operational disruptions and reduce associated costs. The ability to provide threat intelligence consistently and effectively to assure awareness, inform vigilance, and support preparedness in the automotive sector is an operational necessity for its global automotive Members. In August of 2015, the Auto-ISAC was incorporated in the State of Delaware as a 501(c) (6) not-for-profit organization. For more information on Auto-ISAC, please visit www.automotiveisac.com.
Overview of Position
The Director of Operations (DO) is crucial to the successful operations of the organization, with focus on managing the daily activities of the company by overseeing several areas of essential business function, including legal, contracting, supplier management, finance, accounting and overall operations. The DO is responsible for directing actions across the organization and assessing how to improve efficiency and reduce costs as needed.
The scope of responsibility for this role is very wide and thus requires thorough knowledge of various disciplines. The ideal candidate must be competent in running a small business and able to plan and execute many distinct kinds of operational activities. The DO must be an excellent leader who implements the most efficient ways to run the business. The goal is to safeguard and augment the efficiency of the company’s operations to facilitate accelerating development and long-term success.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The DO assumes an executive leadership role in managing and guiding the operations of the Auto-ISAC, reporting directly to the Auto-ISAC Executive Director (ED). The DO is tasked with the oversight and management of all business operations. The DO will liaise with the ED to make decisions for operational activities and to set strategic goals.
The role requires planning and monitoring of the day-to-day running of business activities to ensure efficient operations and continuous improvement in meeting the Auto-ISAC’s goals, objectives, and deliverables. The DO is responsible for supervising all business side personnel and reviewing and providing recommendations for sound and consistent practices and procedures to support uniformly the different departments as needed to ensure an effective unified global operation. Further in this vein, the DO will regularly evaluate the efficiency of business procedures according to organizational objectives and make recommendations for enhancements. Accompanying oversight of the financials and operating budgets will be exercised to ensure accuracy, cost efficiency, and organizational effectiveness in commitments of fiscal resources. The role will manage the legal and procurement processes and coordinate allocation of resources and supporting materials for a smooth operation. Additionally, the DO’s roles and responsibilities include overseeing member support processes and member satisfaction. The DO will formulate or revise policies and promote their implementation; manage relationships and agreements with external partners and vendors; evaluate overall performance by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting performance data and metrics; and ensure that the company operates in accordance with established laws and regulations.
The DO is entrusted with the day-to-day administration of the Auto-ISAC and reporting to the ED in all areas of the operations. To streamline performance of day-to-day functions, the DO delegates operational duties to the appropriate staff, both in Europe and the U.S., enabling consistency in maintaining a focused approach on running the business.
This position description is not intended to delineate, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned. The nature of the operational and business demands on the Auto-ISAC evolves, and so, too, may the essential functions of this position.
Management and Coordination
Ø Implements Auto-ISAC policies, processes, and procedures ensuring effective, efficient, and consistent operations across the global organization.
Ø Oversees and directs Auto-ISAC staff in all business operations.
Ø Develops and tracks key metrics to evaluate Auto-ISAC performance.
Ø Engages and aligns with functional leaders in the U.S. and Europe to ensure consistency, effectiveness, and continuity of operations.
Ø Utilizes and adapts sound business policies, procedures, and practices across functional areas to meet mission requirements and members’ needs in all of the Auto-ISAC’s organizational elements.
Skills and Abilities
Ø Proven experience as Director of Operations or equivalent position.
Ø Outstanding communication and people skills. Specifically, the DO must be comfortable and willing to speak publicly at large gatherings such as conferences, roundtables, and forums discussing the activities and future of the Auto-ISAC.
Ø Knowledge and understanding of relevant statutes, regulations, executive orders and implementing policies, and guidelines, domestically and internationally, that pertain to the operations and functions of an information sharing and analysis center supporting the cybersecurity awareness and preparedness and response capabilities for private sector industry.
Ø Experience working in a global or multinational context, preferably in cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, or emergency management and response.
Ø In-depth knowledge of diverse business functions and principles (e.g., supply chain, finance, legal aspects, human resources, customer service, etc.).
Ø Proven capability to establish and maintain effective communication and productive relationships with industry executives, government agencies, industry associations, and supporting alliances.
Experience
Ø 20+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience at the executive level in leading security operations and supporting functions, including cybersecurity.
Ø Considerable experience in managing human, financial, and information resources to address complex issues related to security and preparedness, including cybersecurity.
Ø Financial planning, forecasting, and risk management to ensure sustainable financial health and support long-term organizational growth.
Ø Broad knowledge and experience in addressing cybersecurity risks specific to critical infrastructure or product security, including vulnerability of operating networks and corporate information technology (IT) systems.
Ø In-depth understanding of national and international cybersecurity requirements (e.g., UNECE R155 type approval regulation and ISO/SAE 21434 CSMS standard) and other industry standards and regulatory compliance requirements.
Ø Extensive record of accomplishment of demonstrated experience and effectiveness in briefings of and interactions with members of Boards of Directors, chief executive officers, and senior executives.
Ø Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development, staying updated on emerging trends and best practices in cybersecurity and operations management.
Ø Prior experience working in the automotive industry or related or supporting industries in manufacturing, high-tech, or transportation sectors is preferred.
Education Requirements
An advanced academic degree in a relevant field, such as cybersecurity, national security affairs, intelligence, law, business administration, or engineering, is essential.
Travel Requirements
Some travel, including internationally, is required.
Auto-ISAC Commitment
The Auto-ISAC organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to selecting personnel of impeccable qualifications based on demonstrated ability and potential for excellence without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual preference/orientation – in accordance with all applicable federal and state employment laws.
Location
This position will be primarily virtual, with preference given to candidates located in the greater Detroit or Washington, DC, metropolitan areas. The Auto-ISAC headquarters is located at 20 F Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20001.
Compensation and Benefits:
This is a full-time employee position. Full compensation includes:
· Annual Bonus: Up to 20% of base salary, based upon specific performance metrics;
· Paid Time Off: Includes 3 weeks of paid time off for vacation and sick leave, along with 3 personal days;
· Paid Holidays: All Federal U.S. holidays;
· Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision plans paid 100% for employees, with 50% coverage for family members;
· Additional Benefits: Flex spending account, short and long-term disability insurance, Employee Assistance Plan (EAP);
· Retirement Benefits: 401k plan with a 7% company contribution match available within one month of employment, with no time requirements for vesting; and
· Professional Development: Yearly training allocation.
The employment is at will. Employee is subject to a probationary period and review no later than 180 days from initial employment, with an annual period of performance review thereafter. Benefits shall be as set at the time of employment but may be subject to annual adjustment based upon policies established or approved by the Board of Directors and changes in the employee’s status.
Counseling on performance and guidance on any changes made to the position description and/or expectations of performance shall be provided by the Executive Director. Consideration of wage adjustments and awards for sustained superior performance shall be made once annually, based upon the performance review.