Coordinator, Security Operations Center BAT

San Jacinto College•Houston, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The SOC Coordinator (Coordinator) provides leadership and coordination for San Jacinto College’s (SJC) embedded Security Operations Center (SOC) that supports the Cybersecurity AAS and BAT academic programs and the San Jacinto College Office of Cybersecurity. This position bridges instruction and workforce training with live cybersecurity operations by coordinating student-engaged SOC activities, supporting faculty, and building employer and industry relationships that connect students to internships, certifications, and employment. The Coordinator ensures that SOC operations align with SJC’s NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation, institutional mission, and regional workforce needs by advancing hands-on learning, student skill development, and sustainable employer partnerships. The Coordinator leads workforce development efforts by transforming live SOC operations into structured training and career-building experiences. This role ensures that every student’s engagement in the SOC contributes to skill development, credential attainment, and direct pathways to employment in cybersecurity roles within industry.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution in Cybersecurity, Computer Information Systems, Information Technology, or a closely related discipline.
Minimum of three (3) years of related experience in cybersecurity operations, security monitoring, incident response, information security, risk management, or a closely related field; or Experience working in or with a Security Operations Center, Network Operations Center, or similar environment.
Ability to demonstrate the College values
Knowledge of information security risk management, cybersecurity best practices, and common frameworks.
Familiarity with cybersecurity tools and concepts, such as SIEM, log analysis, incident response workflows, vulnerability management, and ticketing systems.
Proficiency with IT infrastructure and common software, including Microsoft Office and collaboration platforms.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated leadership abilities, including experience in coordinating projects, guiding teams, or training and mentoring others.
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external organizations.
Ability to work under stress, manage multiple priorities, and maintain professionalism in direct contact with students, colleagues, and external partners.
Criminal background check may be required in accordance with institutional and partner policies.
Valid driver’s license may be required, along with the ability to travel to partner sites.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution in Cybersecurity, Computer Information Systems, Information Technology, or a closely related discipline.
Minimum of five (5) years of related experience in cybersecurity operations, security monitoring, incident response, information security, risk management, or a closely related field.
Experience with SOC or security monitoring operations in public-sector or education environments.
Experience working in or with Texas community colleges, K-12 school districts, or local government entities.
Industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications, such as Security+, CySA+, CEH, CISSP, GSEC, or similar.

Responsibilities

Supervise students performing coursework in the SOC, along with work-study students, student employees, and interns assigned to the SOC.
Provide daily direction, oversight, and feedback to students completing course-based labs, rotations, and assignments in the SOC.
Monitor student work in the live SOC environment for quality, accuracy, and adherence to operational and security procedures.
Coordinate day-to-day operations of the embedded College SOC to ensure alignment with cybersecurity course outcomes, labs, and program-level learning objectives.
Provide technical guidance and just-in-time training to students working in the SOC.
Reinforce best practices in incident response, log analysis, threat hunting, and documentation.
Develop and deliver training sessions, workshops, and simulations such as tabletop exercises and cyber ranges for students, faculty, and College staff using SOC infrastructure.
Collaborate with cybersecurity faculty on curriculum-connected SOC work.
Design and schedule student rotations, lab assignments, practicums, and capstone projects that use live SOC tools, data, and procedures.
Integrate SOC experience into course outcomes, certificates, and degree programs so that students earn academic credit and professional value for SOC participation.
Develop, implement, and oversee a structured workforce development framework for SOC students so that every operational activity supports employability and career readiness.
Coordinate student progression pathways from classroom to live SOC operations, including skills mapping, role assignments, and competency tracking aligned with national cybersecurity workforce frameworks.
Facilitate student access to industry-recognized certifications, workshops, and professional mentoring that enhance their readiness for cybersecurity careers.
Build and maintain strong, ongoing relationships with employers, industry partners, workforce boards, professional organizations, and workforce development agencies to support long-term engagement and student opportunity.
Schedule and conduct regular check-ins and reviews with employer partners, capturing hiring needs, skill gaps, and feedback on student readiness.
Connect students to internships, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities.
Coordinate student participation in workforce programs such as Texas Workforce Commission internships, apprenticeships, and grant-funded experiential learning opportunities.
Work with institutional leadership to formalize agreements such as MOUs, internship and apprenticeship agreements, and statements of roles and responsibilities, and help ensure alignment with SJC policies and NSA CAE expectations.
Represent SJC and the SOC externally to advance partnerships and awareness.
Attend regional meetings, advisory boards, conferences, and workforce and industry events.
Participate in regional and state-level workforce development initiatives, ensuring alignment with Texas workforce goals and cybersecurity talent pipelines.
Participate in program advisory committee meetings, providing SOC updates and gathering industry input to inform curriculum and program direction.
Track, analyze, and report SOC and student performance data.
Track and manage SOC operational metrics such as tickets, incidents, response times, and student hours.
Track and report key student workforce metrics, including hands-on hours, certifications earned, internships secured, and post-graduation employment rates.
Collect and analyze assessment data and employer feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of SOC operations and student learning outcomes.
Use data and dashboards to inform improvements in processes, tools, training, and the student experience, and prepare summary reports for College leadership.
Use data-driven analysis to improve workforce development outcomes, adjusting student engagement strategies and training methods based on performance and feedback.
Support NSA CAE compliance and reporting by helping faculty gather evidence of hands-on learning, knowledge units, and workforce-aligned activities delivered through the SOC.
Coordinate daily operations and strategic planning with College IT, cybersecurity faculty, division leadership, and workforce development staff.
Help ensure that SOC operations support institutional compliance, including information security policies, data privacy, and regulatory requirements.
Teach one cybersecurity course section per academic year as assigned by the program director, in support of the Cybersecurity AAS and BAT programs.
Develop and execute outreach and marketing strategies to promote SOC student engagement opportunities and cybersecurity awareness campaigns across SJC and the Texas Gulf Coast.
Collaborate with College marketing, workforce, and community engagement offices to highlight student success stories, regional impact, and employer partnerships connected to the SOC.
Support or lead community-facing events, such as Cybersecurity Month activities, K-12 outreach, and student-led cybersecurity awareness workshops for the College community.
Identify emerging cybersecurity trends, threats, and technologies, and recommend enhancements to SOC capabilities and student training.
Assist with grant implementation and reporting when SOC activities are tied to externally funded projects or workforce initiatives.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned to support the mission of the College and the success of students.