Principal Cyber Risk & Strategy Advisor

About Us: 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. Our mission is simple: safeguard the digital world and empower people to work securely and confidently. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people. 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 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) Your Day-to-Day 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. What You Bring to the Team 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. Education & Credentials: Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Business, or equivalent experience. Elite industry certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, or CRISC) are highly preferred. Why Proofpoint? At Proofpoint, we believe that an exceptional career experience includes a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Here are just a few reasons you’ll love working with us: Competitive compensation Comprehensive benefits Career success on your terms Flexible work environment Annual wellness and community outreach days Always on recognition for your contributions Global collaboration and networking opportunities Our Culture: Our culture is rooted in values that inspire belonging, empower purpose and drive success-every day, for everyone. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you need accommodation during the application or interview process, please reach out to [email protected] . How to Apply Interested? Submit your application along with any supporting information- we can’t wait to hear from you! Consistent with Proofpoint values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets as set out below. Pay within these ranges varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate. The range provided may represent a candidate range and may not reflect the full range for an individual tenured employee. This role may be eligible for variable compensation and/or equity. We offer a competitive benefits package, including flexible time off, a comprehensive well-being program with two paid Wellbeing Days and two paid Volunteer Days per year, plus a three-week Work from Anywhere option. Base Pay Ranges: SF Bay Area, New York City Metro Area: Base Pay Range: 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: Base Pay Range: 167,300.00 - 245,355.00 USD All other cities and states excluding those listed above: Base Pay Range: 152,900.00 - 224,235.00 USD