[Hiring] Cybersecurity A&A Risk Analyst @Cherokee Federal

Role Description

The Cybersecurity Assessment & Authorization (A&A) Risk Analyst provides advanced governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) support to federal information systems in alignment with the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) and the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF). This position is responsible for managing external service authorization activities, conducting security risk assessments, and supporting the monitoring efforts. The role requires strong analytical, documentation, and stakeholder engagement skills to ensure federal systems maintain compliance with applicable federal laws, regulations, and directives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Public Policy, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Professional certification(s) such as CISSP, CISM, or CAP.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive cybersecurity experience, including at least 4 years supporting federal RMF/A&A efforts.
• Demonstrated experience implementing the NIST Risk Management Framework.
• Familiarity with federal cloud security requirements and FedRAMP-authorized environments.
• Experience supporting Moderate and/or High impact systems.
• Experience with Microsoft 365 office applications.
• Ability to engage effectively with technical teams and executive leadership.
• Active Public Trust clearance or ability to obtain.
• Must be a US Citizen.

Requirements

• Manage full lifecycle Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities in accordance with NIST Special Publication 800-37.
• Develop, review, and maintain security authorization documentation, including System Security Plans (SSPs), Security Assessment Plans (SAPs), Security Assessment Reports (SARs), and Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms).
• Review and assess FedRAMP authorization packages, and package updates, to support the evaluation and use of cloud services.
• Monitor ATO packages in the FedRAMP Secure Repository.
• Communicate with system owners, information systems security officers (ISSOs), Cloud Service Providers, and security stakeholders frequently to review significant system changes and ensure continued compliance with federal security requirements.
• Evaluate and validate implementation of security controls defined in NIST Special Publication 800-53 Rev. 5, including inherited and agency-implemented controls.
• Conduct risk assessments using methodologies consistent with NIST Special Publication 800-30 and provide risk analysis and recommendations to Authorizing Officials and senior stakeholders.
• Support continuous monitoring and ongoing authorization activities by reviewing vulnerability scans, tracking POA&Ms, and coordinating remediation efforts.
• Peer review cybersecurity policies, standards, procedures, and implementation guidance.
• Perform regulatory and policy analysis to ensure alignment with federal requirements and agency directives.
• Conduct gap analyses to assess compliance posture and recommend remediation strategies.
• Assist in development of control overlays, baseline updates, and security control tailoring guidance.
• Provide subject matter expertise in governance discussions.
• Support enterprise reporting activities, including risk metrics and compliance dashboards in ServiceNow.
• Provide documentation and analysis support for internal and external reviews, including FISMA reporting activities.
• Assist in preparing responses to oversight inquiries and tracking corrective actions.
• Perform quality assurance reviews of security documentation to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Starting Salary Range for Cybersecurity A&A Risk Analyst: $110,000 – $112,000
• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security.
• Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage.
• Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
• Professional development, training, and certification support.
• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection.