Cybersecurity Advisor
Posted 1 week ago by 1753344833
Negotiable
Outside
Hybrid
USA
Summary: The Cybersecurity Advisor will lead the development and operation of a Cyber Range in collaboration with IBM X-Force, focusing on hands-on cybersecurity training and real-world threat simulations. This part-time role requires expertise in cybersecurity operations and the ability to align training programs with academic and industry standards. The advisor will work closely with technical teams, faculty, and industry partners to ensure effective curriculum integration and workforce development. The position may involve occasional onsite presence in Chicago, IL.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the lead advisor for the implementation of the IBM X-Force Cyber Range platform
- Collaborate with IBM's technical team, internal IT staff, and academic leaders to ensure smooth deployment
- Provide technical and strategic input on infrastructure, equipment, and software requirements
- Work closely with faculty to integrate cyber range exercises into cybersecurity and IT curricula
- Recommend and help design scenarios that reflect current threat landscapes and industry practices
- Align range content with national frameworks such as NIST NICE, CompTIA, CISSP, etc.
- Assist in developing training programs for industry partners, first responders, and students
- Support grant initiatives and workforce development goals related to cybersecurity training
- Serve as a subject matter expert to connect academic programming with regional employer needs
- Advise on best practices for cyber range operations, maintenance, and user management
- Contribute to the development of operational protocols, safety/security policies, and access procedures
- Assist in tracking outcomes and effectiveness of training simulations for continuous improvement
Key Skills:
- Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
- 5+ years of professional experience in cybersecurity operations, threat analysis, or related areas
- Strong understanding of incident response, red/blue team exercises, and cybersecurity frameworks
- Experience with or exposure to cyber range platforms (IBM X-Force, Cyberbit, etc.)
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, especially in educational or training settings
- Master's degree or certifications such as CISSP, CEH, GCIH, or similar (preferred)
- Experience in higher education or workforce training environments (preferred)
- Knowledge of IBM X-Force Cyber Range platform specifically (or willingness to undergo training) (preferred)
- Demonstrated ability to engage with diverse populations and foster inclusive learning environments (preferred)
Salary (Rate): undetermined
City: Chicago
Country: USA
Working Arrangements: hybrid
IR35 Status: outside IR35
Seniority Level: undetermined
Industry: IT
Detailed Description From Employer:
Job Title: Cybersecurity Advisor
Location: Chicago, IL (occasionally be onsite) Job Type: Part-Time
Job description:
- Our client partner is launching a state-of-the-art Cyber Range in partnership with IBM X-Force to provide hands-on cybersecurity training and simulate real-world threat scenarios. We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Cybersecurity Advisor to guide the development, implementation, and operation of the cyber range, and ensure alignment with academic, industry, and workforce development goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Implementation & Setup
- Serve as the lead advisor for the implementation of the IBM X-Force Cyber Range platform
- Collaborate with IBM s technical team, internal IT staff, and academic leaders to ensure smooth deployment
- Provide technical and strategic input on infrastructure, equipment, and software requirements
Curriculum & Instructional Design Support
- Work closely with faculty to integrate cyber range exercises into cybersecurity and IT curricula
- Recommend and help design scenarios that reflect current threat landscapes and industry practices
- Align range content with national frameworks such as NIST NICE, CompTIA, CISSP, etc.
Workforce & Industry Engagement
- Assist in developing training programs for industry partners, first responders, and students
- Support grant initiatives and workforce development goals related to cybersecurity training
- Serve as a subject matter expert to connect academic programming with regional employer needs
Operations & Evaluation
- Advise on best practices for cyber range operations, maintenance, and user management
- Contribute to the development of operational protocols, safety/security policies, and access procedures
- Assist in tracking outcomes and effectiveness of training simulations for continuous improvement
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
- 5+ years of professional experience in cybersecurity operations, threat analysis, or related areas
- Strong understanding of incident response, red/blue team exercises, and cybersecurity frameworks
- Experience with or exposure to cyber range platforms (IBM X-Force, Cyberbit, etc.)
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, especially in educational or training settings
Preferred:
- Master s degree or certifications such as CISSP, CEH, GCIH, or similar
- Experience in higher education or workforce training environments
- Knowledge of IBM X-Force Cyber Range platform specifically (or willingness to undergo training)
- Demonstrated ability to engage with diverse populations and foster inclusive learning environments