JOB SUMMARY:?

Lafayette Group is seeking qualified and team-oriented individuals to work with federal government organizations in support of national cybersecurity programs. The Sr. Cyber Operations Manager is part of a team focused on projects to enhance national operational readiness, deliver tailored cybersecurity guidance, and inject real-time technical expertise into cyber crisis response, planning, and collaboration efforts. This position works directly with Project Managers and cleared Program Analysts on coordinating advanced cyber planning and defense capabilities. Daily tasks may include research and analysis of threat information and ongoing incidents, coordination of crisis response plans, policies, and procedures, researching and developing recommendations on cybersecurity plans, reports, and presentations, preparing for and leading meetings with senior personnel, conducting assessments, developing and delivering trainings and exercises, and providing technical expertise regarding cyber incident response, cyber threat analysis, cyber defense planning, and cyber risk reduction.
The ideal candidate for this role is an experienced, collaborative team member with deep expertise in cybersecurity and defense operations, has an innate curiosity to learn, and the drive to excel with a team of like-minded colleagues in a high-profile, fast paced environment.

Job Responsibilities:

• Work on a team of Program Analysts, Managers, and Subject Matter Experts to help clients solve nationally significant cybersecurity challenges.
• Advise on strategic issues surrounding crisis response, including development and integration of response frameworks, playbooks, and tools for multiple partners and agencies.
• Analyze operational information and perform qualitative and quantitative research and analysis in support of projects to identify key themes and trends from complicated data sets (e.g., analysis during active cyber incidents, dynamic triage of threat information).
• Expand critical cybersecurity capabilities through automation, generative AI, and SME-supported analysis to ensure operational scalability and rapid response to rising threats.
• Assist with client engagement and support including preparing for and leading meetings, facilitating planning and data gathering sessions, and developing recommendations for plans, documents, and reports to support client needs.
• Support the development of written work products within and across areas of responsibility including strategic plans, assessments and reports, presentations, talking points, fact sheets, and white papers.
• Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders; demonstrate that their needs are hear and understand their needs, value their feedback and are their partner in achieving their goals.
• Continue to deepen personal expertise in the field through ongoing engagement and continuous learning.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 12+ years experience with cyber incident response/crisis response, cybersecurity and/or cyber defense
• Possession of excellent oral and written communication skills; diplomatic and an excellent listener
• Possession of excellent analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to remain open-minded, flexible and curious in problem-solving approach
• Ability to think conceptually and strategically and learn quickly
• Ability to build relationships and network effectively with all levels of staff, including senior leadership, both internal and on the client site
• Ability to obtain a security clearance
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree
• Discipline specific advanced training (e.g., CISSP, CISM, GCIH, GCFA, GCFE)
• Experience coordinating multi-agency responses and sharing information and intelligence during incidents
• Experience handling (safely receiving/processing) malware samples
• Experience implementing AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Perplexity.ai) and Python
• Existing TS-SCI or Secret clearance or DHS Suitability

Location: Arlington, VA
Federal Contracts: This position involves working on federal contracts that require all workers on the contract to be U.S. Citizens. Additionally, some contracts may require the ability to obtain a security clearance.
Salary Range: $125,000-$150,000
Expected Start Date: October 1, 2025
Contingent Hire: This position will be hired contingent upon winning the Federal contract work.
Lafayette Group provides equal employment opportunities to all persons and prohibits employment decisions based on race, religion, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, or sexual orientation.
Equal Opportunity Employer, Including disabled and veterans
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• Work on a team of Program Analysts, Managers, and Subject Matter Experts to help clients solve nationally significant cybersecurity challenges.
• Advise on strategic issues surrounding crisis response, including development and integration of response frameworks, playbooks, and tools for multiple partners and agencies.
• Analyze operational information and perform qualitative and quantitative research and analysis in support of projects to identify key themes and trends from complicated data sets (e.g., analysis during active cyber incidents, dynamic triage of threat information).
• Expand critical cybersecurity capabilities through automation, generative AI, and SME-supported analysis to ensure operational scalability and rapid response to rising threats.
• Assist with client engagement and support including preparing for and leading meetings, facilitating planning and data gathering sessions, and developing recommendations for plans, documents, and reports to support client needs.
• Support the development of written work products within and across areas of responsibility including strategic plans, assessments and reports, presentations, talking points, fact sheets, and white papers.
• Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders; demonstrate that their needs are hear and understand their needs, value their feedback and are their partner in achieving their goals.
• Continue to deepen personal expertise in the field through ongoing engagement and continuous learning