Directory Services Lead - Remote Eligible

Directory Services Lead

The University of Southern California (USC) is advancing its cybersecurity posture with a renewed focus on resilience, cyber risk management, and threat-informed defense. As a world-class research institution, USC is building a culture of security that supports its academic and research mission in a rapidly evolving threat landscape. This role sits within a newly restructured cybersecurity organization that's leading this transformation. You'll join a team focused on scalable, proactive defense strategies, incident preparedness, and operational excellence—working alongside experts who are deeply committed to service, innovation, and impact. If you're driven by purpose, thrive in complexity, and want to help shape the future of cybersecurity at a leading university, we invite you to bring your leadership to the table.

As the Directory Services Lead you will be an integral member of the cybersecurity department while also collaborating with stakeholders across the university ecosystem, and reporting to the Manager, IGA and Directory Services. This is a full-time exempt position, eligible for all of USC's fantastic Benefits + Perks. This opportunity is remote.

The Directory Services Lead is responsible for overseeing the management and operations of directory services (e.g., Oracle Directory, Kerberos, Contractor Management Solutions). Leads the product offering, managing projects, prioritizing tasks, and directing both engineering and operational activities. Ensures the security, integrity, and efficient functioning of directory services. Collaborates with various departments to meet regulatory requirements. Provides leadership and mentorship to a team of professionals. Fosters a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.

The Directory Services Lead will:

• Lead the development and management of the Directory Services product roadmap, ensuring alignment with university goals.
• Manage directory services-related projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget.
• Prioritize tasks/projects based on business needs, risk assessments, and resource availability. Oversee the design, development, and implementation of Oracle Directory, Kerberos, and Contractor Management Solutions.
• Ensure the integration of directory services with other university systems and applications. Oversee the day-to-day operations of directory services to ensure optimal performance and security.
• Develop and enforce policies and procedures tailored to the university's directory services needs.
• Conduct regular risk assessments.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of directory services processes.
• Encourage a workplace culture where all employees are valued, value others and have the opportunity to contribute through their ideas, words, and actions, in accordance with the USC Code of Ethics.

Great candidates for the position of Directory Services Lead will meet the following qualifications:

• 5 years of experience in Identity and Access Management.
• A bachelor's degree or combined experience and education as substitute for minimum education.
• Experience in managing directory services (e.g., Oracle Directory, Kerberos, Contractor Management Solutions).
• Proven experience successfully managing directory services-related projects from inception to completion.
• Demonstrated ability to lead the development and management of the IAM product roadmap.
• In-depth knowledge of directory services systems and solutions (e.g., design, development, implementation).
• Experience in ensuring the integration of directory services with other organizational systems and applications.
• Proven track record of overseeing the day-to-day operations of directory services.
• Ability to develop and enforce policies/procedures tailored to organizational directory services needs and conduct regular risk assessments.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

Exceptional candidates for the position of Directory Services Lead will also bring the following qualifications:

• CISSP, CISM and product-specific certifications.
• In addition, the successful candidate must demonstrate, through ideas, words, and actions, a strong commitment to USC's Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, community, well-being, open communication, and accountability.

The annual base salary range for this position is $149,278.92 to $167,126.43. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

To support the well-being of our faculty and staff, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of perks to help protect their and their dependents' health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

• Notice of Non-discrimination
• Employment Equity
• Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
• USC is a smoke-free environment
• Digital Accessibility