Principal Cyber Risk & Strategy Advisor

Proofpoint is a global leader in human- and agent-centric cybersecurity. We protect how people, data, and AI agents connect across email, cloud, and collaboration tools. Over 80 of the Fortune 100, 10,000 large enterprises, and millions of smaller organizations trust Proofpoint to stop threats, prevent data loss, and build resilience across their people and AI workflows.

How We Work

At Proofpoint you’ll be part of a global team that breaks barriers to redefine cybersecurity guided by our BRAVE core values:

• Bold in how we dream and innovate
• Responsive to feedback, challenges and opportunities
• Accountable for results and best in class outcomes
• Visionary in future focused problem-solving
• Exceptional in execution and impact

About the Role

Proofpoint is seeking an experienced, dynamic Principal Cyber Risk & Strategy Advisor to serve as a high-visibility thought leader and commercial strategist within our enterprise services team. In this senior role, you will act as a trusted advisor to C-level executives at global enterprise organizations, bridging the gap between sophisticated technical controls and overarching corporate risk management. Leveraging deep domain expertise across Data Security (DSPM, Enterprise DLP, Cloud/CASB, Insider Threat Management) and Threat Intelligence, you will lead high-stakes executive discovery sessions to uncover client vulnerabilities and structure high-value services solutions. You will not just sell services—you will define strategic cyber roadmaps that maximize client security outcomes and drive Proofpoint’s market share expansion in the enterprise sector.

Location: United States (Remote with occasional travel)

Responsibilities

• Executive Advisory & Scoping: Partner with enterprise clients, account executives & teams, and services leaders to lead strategic discovery sessions, translate complex risk profiles into commercial services proposals, and structure tailored solution roadmaps.
• C-Suite Influence: Build immediate rapport, trust, and credibility with CISOs, CIOs, and Board members, advising them on multi-year data protection, compliance, and incident response programs.
• Market Thought Leadership: Serve as a subject matter expert and industry voice, periodically representing Proofpoint at executive roundtables, industry seminars, and key trade shows.
• Cross-Functional Strategy: Capture real-world client insights, emerging market trends, and regulatory shifts to actively influence and collaborate with Services Product Management, Marketing, and Engineering teams.
• Threat & Domain Mastery: Maintain deep, continuous expertise in SaaS protection, emerging threat vectors, and evolving regulatory landscapes to proactively advise clients on defensive strategies.

Requirements

• Consulting or Enterprise Leadership: 6+ years of experience as a high-level management consultant (e.g., Big Four, Accenture, IBM) or enterprise practitioner designing, scaling, or advising on comprehensive Data Security programs.
• Commercial Acumen & Executive Presence: Exceptional communication, storytelling, and presentation skills with a proven track record of influencing C-suite decision-makers and aligning security services with corporate business goals.
• Advanced Architecture Knowledge: Deep foundational knowledge across a wide range of Security & Risk domains, specifically Data Security Posture Management (DSPM), Enterprise DLP, Cloud Security (CASB/Isolation), Insider Threat Management (ITM), and Incident Response.
• Regulatory & Framework Fluency: Strong understanding of global risk and policy frameworks (NIST, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR).
• Strategic Market Insight: Deep expertise navigating evolving regulatory landscapes (e.g., SEC cyber disclosures, DORA, NIS2) to proactively uncover client service opportunities, mitigate compliance risk, and accelerate business growth.
• Professional Attributes: Self-starter with strong organizational and process management capabilities, possessing a consultative mindset that thrives on complex problem-solving in collaborative team environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Business, or equivalent experience.
• Elite industry certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, or CRISC) are highly preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits
• Flexible time off
• Comprehensive well-being program with two paid Wellbeing Days and two paid Volunteer Days per year
• Three-week Work from Anywhere option
• Annual wellness and community outreach days
• Always-on recognition for your contributions
• Global collaboration and networking opportunities

Pay

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. Pay within these ranges varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate. This role may be eligible for variable compensation and/or equity.

• SF Bay Area, New York City Metro Area: $200,300.00 - $293,810.00 USD
• California (excludes SF Bay Area), Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Washington DC Metro, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and Alaska: $167,300.00 - $245,355.00 USD
• All other cities and states excluding those listed above: $152,900.00 - $224,235.00 USD