Salary: See Position Description
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number:
Agency: University of South Carolina
Opening Date: 10/30/2026
Closing Date: 12/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Your application must be submitted online at https://apptrkr.com/9924953
Class Code:: AH75
Position Number:: 9924953
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: Unclassified
Job Responsibilities
Observability Operations Manager Department: IT Information Security Advertised Salary Range: Part/Full Time: Full Time USC is evolving its traditional Security Operations Center into a Network Operations and Security Center (NOSC)-a blended operational model that brings security operations, enterprise observability, incident response, and service reliability together under one roof. We're looking for an Operations Manager to lead the NOSC's day-to-day operations, managing both full-time and student staff while coordinating closely with threat hunting, Security SRE, and IT teams across the University. This is a hands-on leadership role: you'll manage operational coverage, serve as an escalation point for both security and availability incidents, and turn recurring operational problems into measurable improvement projects. The Operations Manager leads the people, processes, and daily operations of USC's Network Operations and Security Center (NOSC). The role combines team leadership, incident response, and operational improvement, working across security, observability, threat hunting, and SRE to keep critical university services secure and resilient. Key Responsibilities: - Lead the day-to-day operations of USC's evolving Network Operations and Security Center (NOSC), integrating security operations, enterprise observability, incident response, and service reliability. - Manage and mentor a blended team of full-time professionals and student analysts, including operational coverage, internships, and staff development. - Serve as a senior escalation point for both cybersecurity and availability incidents, working across a large, complex university environment. What You'll Bring: - Experienced operations leader with a strong background in SOC, NOC, or blended security/network operations and incident response in a complex enterprise environment. - Strong people leader and mentor who can manage professional and student staff, build effective teams, and work independently with sound judgement. - Operational problem solver comfortable coordinating across security, infrastructure, SRE, and other teams to turn recurring problems into sustainable improvements. Why Join Us? - Invest in your expertise with access to advanced professional development, including SANS training and industry certifications. - Teach and mentor the next generation by working directly with student analysts and helping them develop real-world security and operations skills. - Work alongside highly credentialed, experienced professionals across incident response, threat hunting, security engineering, SRE, networking, and enterprise IT. - Help build something new as USC evolves toward an integrated NOSC model, with opportunities to shape its people, processes, tooling, and culture. Perks of the University of South Carolina: - Downtown COLA Location: Enjoy working in the heart of Columbia, SC, with easy access to vibrant city life, dining, and cultural events. - Energetic Leadership: Thrive under the guidance of an energetic and innovative leadership team dedicated to transforming IT at USC, making your role impactful and exciting. - Competitive compensation: Some of the BEST benefits you can find! - Paid tuition - Parental leave - Dependent scholarships - State benefits - State retirement plans - Work-Life Balance: Full-time pay with a 37.50 hour work week and generous paid time off. (15 paid vacation days, 15 paid sick days, 13 paid holidays, including an extended December holiday!)
Minimum and Additional Requirements
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities - Advanced knowledge of information security, observability, and privacy best practices, with an emphasis on security operations center and incident response functions. Excellent interpersonal, customer service and written/oral communication skills. - Demonstrated ability to develop an effective, collaborative working relationship with a variety of representative groups with potentially dissimilar priorities. Demonstrated judgment and discretion in working with sensitive, confidential information and matters. - Project coordination experience across diversified operational units. Ability to work with minimal direction and guidance and is self-motivated while also serving as a mentor to more junior and less experienced staff.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications - Extensive experience working in a Security Operations Center, blended Network / Security Operations Center, or Network Operations Center, including incident response, subject to federal and state regulatory requirements as applied in large multi-campus higher education environments or similarly complex enterprise or government environments. Experience with standards-based risk management frameworks (i.e. NIST SP-800, ISO, NIST CSF, HEISC, etc.). - Experience in the evaluation of new technology and security threats as they arise. Familiarity with information security and privacy best practices and related laws, particularly within the context of higher education. - Professional certifications such as GCFE, GCFA, GNFA, GCIH, GCIA, GSNA, GSLC, GSTRT, CISSP or other information security and privacy certifications are highly desired.
Additional Comments
Job Close Date 12/11/2026 Special Instructions to Applicant Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by December 11, 2026. The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to: • Health and Life Insurance • Retirement Programs • Paid Tuition • Dependent Scholarships • Annual Leave • Sick Leave • 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday) • Paid Parental Leave • Professional Development Opportunities Clickhttps://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsc.edu%2Fabout%2Foffices_and_divisions%2Fhuman_resources%2Fcareers%2Findex.php&data=05%7C01%7CKURTRS%40email.sc.edu%7Ceca45df616784275e15908dab2a706ac%7C4b2a4b19d135420e8bb2b1cd238998cc%7C0%7C0%7C638018727680845870%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=j6sQGvabHDZHDmRBFwMrq8P8QCuDmChuJ%2FH5%2F8hDRUw%3D&reserved=0 to learn more about why you should work at USC. To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/9924953
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
