Lead, Security Specialist - Financial Services (Contract)

The impact you will have:

The Lead, Security Specialist will guide the strategic development and execution of our Microsoft Security Go-to-Market within the Financial Services industry. They will play a critical role in elevating our credibility in areas such as fraud prevention, data protection, and regulatory compliance (e.g., FFIEC, GLBA), driving secure digital transformation for banks, insurers, and capital markets firms, and strengthening our position as a trusted partner to Microsoft and the financial sector.

• Secure high-value customer wins and develop compelling case studies that showcase our expertise in securing financial transactions, data, and infrastructure
• Improve alignment and reputation with Microsoft’s industry teams, resulting in increased lead flow and deeper strategic collaboration
• Influence the development and positioning of security capabilities that address financial regulations and cyber risk frameworks
• Elevate our market presence through thought leadership, contributing to webinars, white papers, and industry events that build trust and demand
• Empower internal teams by providing strategic guidance, mentoring, and enablement that improves execution across sales, presales, and solution teams

What you’ll do:

To achieve these impacts, the Lead, Security Specialist will have core responsibilities in the following areas:

Engage Strategically with Customers

• Act as a trusted security advisor to banks, insurers, and capital markets firms, addressing challenges like fraud prevention, secure digital banking, and regulatory compliance
• Lead and contribute to executive briefings, discovery sessions, proposals, and strategic account planning
• Ensure visibility and utilization across major deals by proactively engaging with account teams and stakeholders
• Support the development of customer case studies and success stories that demonstrate impact and innovation

Drive Thought Leadership and Market Influence

• Represent our security expertise at industry events, webinars, and forums, elevating our brand and credibility
• Author white papers and contribute to content focused on secure banking, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance
• Collaborate with marketing and enablement teams to amplify thought leadership and support broader awareness
• Build relationships with Microsoft’s Financial Services teams to improve alignment and co-develop solutions for banks, insurers, and capital markets

Shape and Align Security Capabilities

• Provide feedback to ensure offerings address financial regulations (e.g., FFIEC, GLBA), fraud prevention, and secure digital banking
• Influence the development of new capabilities and services based on customer insights and market dynamics
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent messaging and effective positioning of security solutions
• Contribute to internal planning and governance processes to drive accountability and strategic alignment

What you’ll bring to the table:

This is the role for a visionary that thrives with a high degree of ownership, and brings demonstrated experience in leading all the dependencies required for success in the market:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in cybersecurity, including roles such as senior security architect, strategist, or CISO, with deep expertise in financial regulations and frameworks such as FFIEC, GLBA, and NYDFS Cybersecurity Regulation
• Equivalent experience or a degree in cybersecurity, information systems, or a related field. Advanced certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM) or degrees are highly desirable
• Proven success in shaping and executing security strategies and initiatives that drive measurable outcomes such as fraud reduction, regulatory compliance, and secure digital banking
• Strong executive communication and facilitation skills, with experience leading workshops, building consensus, and influencing senior stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional engagements, drive alignment, and proactively contribute to strategic opportunities
• Familiarity with Generative AI (e.g., Copilot, Gemini) and its implications for security, governance, and risk management
• Experience with agile methodologies, design thinking, and collaborative solution development
• Ability to conduct market research and translate insights into actionable security strategies and content
• Strong collaboration, influencing, and negotiation skills, with a relentless focus on customer success
• Enjoyment from working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where initiative and assertiveness are key
• Passion for mentoring, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a culture of continuous learning
• Up to 25% travel may be required