[Hiring] Cybersecurity Policy Analyst @Cherokee Federal

Role Description

Cherokee Federal is seeking a Cybersecurity Analyst to support the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) as a member of its Oversight and Compliance Team. This position supports the development and maintenance of cybersecurity policy in alignment with federal requirements.

The Cybersecurity Analyst will work as part of a small team of analysts under the direction of the Cybersecurity Oversight and Compliance Lead. The role focuses on:

• Researching requirements
• Drafting policy content
• Supporting governance and compliance activities
• Collaborating closely with stakeholders across the organization

This is a full-time remote position supporting Cherokee Federal’s cybersecurity contract with the U.S. National Science Foundation in Alexandria, VA. This position reports to the Cybersecurity Oversight and Compliance Lead, operates within a structured federal compliance environment, and requires collaboration with other IT teams, security personnel, program offices, and senior stakeholders. The role supports governance, risk, and compliance activities to maintain a strong cybersecurity posture across systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Public Policy, or related field.
• CompTIA Security+ certification (or the ability to obtain certification within 6 months of hire date)
• Familiarity with federal cybersecurity frameworks and requirements (e.g., NIST RMF, FISMA, OMB memoranda, DHS directives).
• Experience contributing to policy, procedure, or technical documentation.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple assignments.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• This position requires an active Public Trust clearance or the ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance to be considered.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Requirements

• Support the development, revision, dissemination, and maintenance of NSF cybersecurity policies, standards, procedures, information system authorization packages, and reports in alignment with federal requirements (e.g., FISMA, OMB guidance).
• Research and interpret federal cybersecurity guidance (e.g., NIST publications, CISA directives) and assist in translating requirements into NSF policy.
• Perform gap analyses to recommend updates and improvements to the NSF Cybersecurity Program.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs), system owners, ISSOs, and other stakeholders to gather input and ensure policies are practical and implementable.
• Perform research on system security techniques and methodologies.
• Assist in development of security requirements and risk analysis.
• Assist in maintaining policy documentation, including version control, formatting, and repository management.
• Support governance processes such as policy reviews, comment adjudication, and working groups.
• Contribute to audit and compliance activities, including evidence collection and support for POA&M tracking.
• Help develop reports, metrics, and briefings related to compliance and program status.
• Stay current on changes to federal cybersecurity requirements and contribute to team awareness and updates.
• Support other functional areas on the Oversight & Compliance Team as needed.
• Cybersecurity Program Development: Contributes to drafting and maintenance of cybersecurity documentation, including authorization packages, risk assessments, reports, policies, and procedures.
• Research & Analysis: Applies strong research and analytical skills to translate cybersecurity regulations and risks into clear, actionable guidance.
• Regulatory Awareness: Applies knowledge of federal cybersecurity requirements to assigned tasks.
• Collaboration: Works effectively within a team and with stakeholders across technical and business areas.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Starting Salary Range for Cybersecurity Analyst: $115,000 – $120,000
• 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