Work at FIRST
Executive Director, Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams
This job opening is closed. This page is available for reference only.
FIRST is a globally focused, US incorporated non-profit association, bringing together incident response and security teams from around the globe. FIRST runs different programs including training courses and capacity building, standards development, conferences, meetings and cyber security information sharing. It is a global association with nearly 500 member teams in over 90 countries and continues to grow. Our primary mission is to enable our members around the world to work collaboratively and facilitate maturity in global incident response capability.
FIRST is hiring a full-time, seasoned, non-profit and technology executive director. The director will oversee the administration, programs, and implement the strategic plan of the organization. The incumbent will collaborate closely with FIRST’s volunteers and professional staff to manage and implement its programs. Other key duties include fundraising, marketing and community outreach. The director reports to the Board of Directors of FIRST. This position is fully remote.
Main Responsibilities
- Drive FIRST programs and mission
- Partner closely with FIRST’s Board of Directors in order to fulfill the FIRST mission. Brief the Board on a monthly basis, and the membership on a quarterly basis on the progress of implementing our programs
- Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer and Accountant to ensure the Board is informed to make the right decisions to ensure the financial health of the organization
- Be a spokesperson and face of FIRST to partners, and our members. Build relationships appropriate to partner and member relationships and establish an ongoing communication cadence. Advocate FIRST programs with these audiences.
- Raise funds to support the implementation of FIRST programs. Establish guidance with grantors to ensure continued support and investment in our programs.
- Drive projects within FIRST to further advance the organization.
Additional responsibilities
FIRST is looking for a hands-on Executive Director, with the ability to implement programs, until sufficient fundraising is completed to further professionalize functions. The key projects we are looking for the Executive Director to implement include
- FIRST Training program, which develops training curricula and a cadre of trainers, and in a sustainable way trains both members and non-members.
- Engage with our Public Relations firm to provide visibility and awareness of the work of FIRST in the global community. Ensure key FIRST stakeholders and community participants are given visibility in the media and our views are projected to new audiences. Draft and publish press releases and bylines together with our PR firm. Draft social media messages and plan them for release.
- Drive FIRST membership. Our goal is to hit thousands of members in ~180 countries. This requires us to scale heavily, which will require innovative thinking around how to scale our non-profit. In particular, we expect the Executive Director to help us grow in the developing world.
- Work with our event organizers and local volunteer staff to recruit sponsors for events and the organization.
- Engage with FIRST professional staff and our volunteer community on implementing and organizing security events across the world.
- Engage with the international community of policymakers on cybersecurity challenges important to our membership, and poll, aggregate and advocate the views of our membership.
Requirements
- Knowledge of the Incident Response or Cyber security community. Knowledge of Internet governance or the technology community should be sufficient.
- Up to 25% of travel, mostly international.
- Ability to speak at international conferences as a subject matter expert
- Optionally, the candidate should have first-hand experience in working in, or managing, a CSIRT.
Qualifications
- Bachelor or Advanced Degree, or equivalent experience
- Experience with project management at a senior and hands-on level, for instance PMP/GCPM and agile methodologies
- Proven focus on transparency and high integrity leadership
- Five or more years senior management experience
- Experience in Budget Management
- Proven track record & references in running a non-for-profit organization (as executive director or equivalent) in the field of IT and/or networks.
- Solid, hands-on budget management skills, including preparation, analysis, decision making, and reporting
- Experience working with and managing a force of volunteer contributors
- Strong public speaking and presentation abilities
- The ability to communicate to different stakeholders and cultures.
- Business fluent in English
We will treat your application confidential within the FIRST board. At a later stage we may consult with others, after informing you and getting your agreement.
