Cybersecurity Advisor - Identity | Remote, Chicago

Optiv • Chicago, IL

2d • $170,000 - $230,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Cybersecurity Advisor (SA) serves as a trusted partner to Optiv clients, combining sales skills with broad security practitioner knowledge to design security solutions tailored to clients’ environments. Working with a dedicated sales team and aligned with client security initiatives, the SA advises on and designs defensible, scalable security programs using advanced security services and technologies. This role provides specialized expertise in the Identity domain and delivers thought leadership and cybersecurity solutions through Optiv’s people, products, and partners.

The SA develops client security strategies and roadmaps aligned with business goals, budgets, and return-on-investment metrics; identifies and advances sales opportunities; and maintains advisory relationships with client stakeholders. The role also collaborates with Optiv’s internal teams and technology partners to shape solutions, support proposals, set client expectations, and promote service delivery excellence and client satisfaction. The position is remote and may be hired near Minneapolis, Minnesota, Illinois, or Wisconsin, preferably near Chicago. Travel is around 25% or as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and/or applicable work experience.
• At least five years of information security experience focused on Identity and Access Management, preferably as a consulting advisor, architect, or engineer.
• Expertise with identity tools such as SailPoint, Saviynt, Okta, BeyondTrust, and Idra (CyberArk).
• Experience speaking about and evangelizing technology vision at events.
• Ability to work as a highly motivated self-starter without day-to-day management.
• Ability to work in an adaptable, nimble team environment with responsive communication.
• Thorough understanding of the current threat landscape, vulnerabilities, and defensive controls.
• Strong business and technical acumen and ability to lead technology-focused discussions.
• Strong presentation, written, and oral communication skills with clients, including whiteboard sessions and other presentation formats.
• Strong attention to detail when reviewing statements of work, quotes, and client deliverables.
• Broad security-related knowledge and willingness to expand expertise across other portfolio domains.
• Ability to travel around 25% or as needed.

Nice To Haves

• CISSP, CISA, CRISC, CISM, GIAC, or other relevant professional cybersecurity certifications.
• Vendor-specific certification(s) focused primarily on the specialty.

Responsibilities

• Drive services and technology business generation to meet or exceed quarterly and annual quota objectives in partnership with account teams, following Optiv’s standardized sales operating processes.
• Understand and maintain knowledge of clients’ security environments, business operations, security needs, and risk appetite; identify security concerns and align them with Optiv’s strategic solutions.
• Participate in the Field Center of Excellence for the assigned domain and position Optiv services and key technology partners’ products to deliver client value.
• Identify cross-sell and upsell opportunities, qualify leads, and coordinate with internal colleagues on scope, proposals, and closing sales.
• Participate in sales opportunities across Optiv’s portfolio and articulate how Optiv’s technology and services meet client stakeholders’ needs.
• Stay current on industry trends and the security landscape to provide thought leadership, support, analysis, and guidance to clients and internal teams.
• Collaborate with service delivery teams to develop domain specialty materials and ensure a consistent, comprehensive approach.
• Work with client stakeholders across security and other relevant functions to develop security strategies and roadmaps aligned with business goals, budgets, and return-on-investment metrics.
• Maintain advisory relationships with client stakeholders, providing thought leadership, support, information, and guidance alongside sales partners.
• Maintain strong working relationships with relevant Optiv technology partners.
• Design complete security programs across technology and services, including facilitating discussions through peer and industry contacts, gathering requirements, analyzing technology selection criteria, and coordinating demonstrations and security technology evaluations.
• Partner with internal Optiv teams, particularly service delivery liaisons, to align client expectations with Optiv’s solution portfolio and support service delivery excellence and client satisfaction.
• Gather and share client feedback with internal teams to support continuous improvement.
• Participate in account planning, forecasting, and pipeline management.
• Help manage and prioritize proposal processes, prepare business proposals and contracts, and respond to RFI/RFPs.
• Pursue ongoing professional development in technical capabilities, soft skills, and security knowledge through education, certifications, and other avenues.
• Use effective sales techniques, including building connections, facilitating meetings, asking probing questions, overcoming objections, gaining trust, positioning solutions, and assisting with closing sales.
• Perform additional duties as directed or needed.

Benefits

• Inclusive employee resource groups.
• Work/life balance.
• Professional training resources.
• Creative problem-solving and opportunities to tackle unique, complex projects.
• Volunteer opportunities through the Optiv Chips In program.
• Technology and resources needed to work productively remotely/from home, where applicable.
• Uncapped bonus plan paid on new and renewal business.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level