Security Awareness Program Manager

The Security Awareness Program Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive security awareness and training program to educate the organization’s workforce on information and physical security best practices to promote and strengthen a culture of security awareness while reducing risk across the organization.

This role collaborates closely with QTS Intelligence, Information Security, and Physical Security Teams to understand risks associated with cyber-attacks and physical threats to QTS operations, personnel, and facilities. The Security Awareness Program Manager will provide training and communications that will play a vital role in accelerating knowledge to protect the organization's assets while continuously evolving the awareness program.

The Security Awareness Program Manager reports to the Vice President, Security Risk & Compliance and can be in any of these three QTS locations : Overland Park, Kansas; Suwanee, Georgia; or Ashburn, Virginia. This position will require up to 10% travel to QTS data center and office locations as required. The ideal candidate will have a technical background and a broad base of experience in cyber security, physical security, and training.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

Program Development and Strategy

Design, execute, and mature a global security awareness strategy aligned with organizational risk and compliance goals.

Collaborate with QTS Learning and Development to develop engaging training content, campaigns, and communications tailored to dissimilar roles and regions.

Establish metrics (e.g., training completion rates, phishing simulation results, and incident reporting rates) to measure program effectiveness and continuously improve based on feedback and performance.

Understand and prepare risk gap analysis to ensure program maturity continues and awareness improves.

Manage QTS Security Awareness Training platform.

Training and Communication

Deliver regular security awareness training, phishing simulations, and targeted education initiatives on ransomware, social engineering, insider threat, and physical security through the QTS Security Awareness Training platform

Collaborate with Corporate Communications, Human Resources, and IT to promote security culture through newsletters, posters, videos, and events.

Create role-based training for high-risk groups (e.g., finance, developers, executives).

Lead the planning and execution of the QTS National Cyber Security Awareness Month activities in October of each year.

Risk Reduction and Behavior Change

Analyze phishing simulation results and other behavioral metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Assess organizational risk to identify areas where human behavior could expose the organizations to threats (e.g., weak passwords and mishandling sensitive information).

Partner with Risk and Compliance teams to align awareness efforts with audit and regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, SOC, ISO 27001, ISO 22301, and PCI).

Promote secure behaviors through gamification, recognition programs, and behavioral nudges.

Stakeholder Engagement

Act as a trusted advisor to business units, helping them understand and mitigate human-related security risks.

Present program impact, updates, and metrics to senior leadership and Security Executive Committee.

Stay current on emerging threats, trends, and best practices in security awareness and human risk management.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS :

Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Communications, Education, or related field.

Five plus years of experience in security awareness, training, or communications within a corporate environment.

Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, threats, and compliance frameworks.

Experience with security awareness platforms (e.g., KnowBe4, Proofpoint, Living Security).

Excellent communication, storytelling, and project management skills.

Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Holds or working towards one or more of the following certifications :  Certified Security Awareness Practitioner (CSAP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Instructional Design or Adult Learning Certifications

TOTAL REWARDS

This role is also eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes : medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and HSA accounts; paid holidays; paid time off; paid volunteer days; employee assistance program; tuition assistance; parental leave; military leave assistance; QTS scholarship for dependents; wellness program, and other company benefits.

This position is bonus eligible.

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We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or discrimination claim.

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QTS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.