Position Overview

The Cybersecurity Advisor serves as a key member of GEMA/HS, the State’s risk advisor for both physical and cyber threats. The position supports Georgia’s mission to protect life, property, and infrastructure by helping public and private partners strengthen cybersecurity resilience across critical infrastructure sectors.

Operating under the Office of the Governor, this role focuses on assessing vulnerabilities, supporting risk mitigation, and developing cybersecurity strategies that align with state and federal frameworks, including compliance with DHS and FEMA grant standards.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

Assessment & Risk Management

• Conducts assessments of systems and networks to identify deviations from secure configurations, policies, or standards.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of defense-in-depth strategies and develops corrective action plans.
• Performs risk analyses to measure the impact of cyber threats on critical systems and infrastructure.

Cybersecurity Support & Guidance

• Provides cybersecurity technical assistance to critical infrastructure owners and operators across Georgia.
• Assists in developing cyber defense and resiliency assessment methodologies.
• Delivers actionable guidance on cyber risk reduction and continuity of operations planning (COOP).

Collaboration & Coordination

• Serves as a GEMA/HS representative within Emergency Support Function (ESF) 17 – Cybersecurity during emergency operations.
• Collaborates with federal, state, and local government partners, as well as private sector and faith-based organizations, to implement coordinated cybersecurity programs.
• Supports statewide cyber incident response and recovery efforts.

Strategic Development

• Contributes to the creation and implementation of regional and statewide cybersecurity strategies.
• Reviews and enhances partner risk management and information-sharing programs.
• Advocates for cybersecurity awareness, best practices, and emerging technology policy adoption.

Critical Infrastructure Protection

• Supports cyber protective visits and assessments to secure critical cyber infrastructure (e.g., elections systems, utilities, communications networks).
• Assists in identifying and prioritizing protection of key assets in alignment with the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) framework.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field, or equivalent education/experience combination.
• Ability to travel statewide/regionally and respond to incidents as needed.
• Strong analytical, planning, and communication skills.
• Competency in applying cybersecurity principles to confidentiality, integrity, and availability requirements.
• Understanding of:
  • Network security concepts and risk management frameworks (RMF)
  • System accreditation and certification processes
  • Vulnerability identification and compliance scanning
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
• Background check required (criminal, financial, educational, and employment history).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• Experience in:
  • Hazard mitigation and emergency management operations
  • Project management and multi-agency coordination
  • GIS software, preferably ESRI ArcGIS 9.x or higher
  • Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access)

Key Competencies

• Cyber risk assessment and threat analysis
• Incident response and business continuity planning
• Technical communication and stakeholder engagement
• Strategic cybersecurity program development
• Application of NIST, DHS CISA, and FEMA cybersecurity frameworks

Mission Alignment

This position directly supports GEMA/HS’s mission to build a safer, more resilient Georgia by integrating cybersecurity into the state’s overall emergency management and homeland security strategy. The advisor plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between cyber and physical security, ensuring continuity of operations for critical services statewide.