Senior Director, Cyber Defense

Reporting directly to the VP/CISO, this leader will oversee Alnylam's global Cyber Defense program while driving a multi-year security maturity roadmap. As a recognized expert in threat detection, incident response, and security operations, the Senior Director will be accountable for both day-to-day operational excellence and long-term strategy. They will lead a growing cyber defense team, partner with senior business and technology leaders, and ensure that security capabilities scale with Alnylam's global growth

This hybrid role is based in Cambridge, MA (2 days/week onsite) with regular engagement at both our Cambridge headquarters and Norton, MA manufacturing site.

Responsibilities

• Lead Alnylam's global Cyber Defense program, including Security Operations Center (SOC), Threat Intelligence, Incident Response, and Insider Risk.
• Drive a multi-year security modernization roadmap aligned with business growth and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee day-to-day operational excellence in threat detection, response, and vulnerability management.
• Develop and execute strategies for proactive threat hunting, purple teaming, and continuous improvement of detection capabilities.
• Establish and maintain cyber crisis management and incident response frameworks, including executive tabletop exercises.
• Partner with senior business and technology leaders to embed security into enterprise initiatives and protect critical assets.
• Manage and mentor talent fostering a culture of accountability and resilience.
• Collaborate with Identity, GRC, and IT teams to advance Zero Trust architecture and unified security controls.
• Define and track key performance metrics (MTTD, MTTR, maturity scores) to measure and report program effectiveness.
• Engage with external partners and vendors to enhance capabilities and validate security posture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Engineering, or related field.
• Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• Industry-recognized certifications strongly preferred (e.g., CISSP, CISM, GIAC).
• Deep familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST CSF, NIST 800-53, HIPAA, PCI DSS (aligned with internal training expectations for senior leaders).
• 15+ years of progressive experience in cybersecurity operations, threat detection, incident response, or digital risk management.
• 10+ years of leadership experience, including managing global or distributed cyber defense or SOC teams.
• Demonstrated success overseeing a modern cyber defense function that includes:

• Security Operations Center (SOC)
• Threat Intelligence
• Incident Response & Forensics
• Insider Threat programs

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U.S. Pay Range

$229,500.00 - $310,500.00

The pay range reflects the full-time base salary range we expect to pay for this role at the time of posting. Base pay will be determined based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, and education. This role is eligible for an annual short-term incentive award (e.g., bonus or sales incentive) and an annual long-term incentive award (e.g., equity).

Alnylam's robust Total Rewards package is designed to support your overall health and well-being. We offer comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a lifestyle reimbursement program, flexible spending and health savings accounts and a 401(k)with a generous company match. Eligible employees enjoy paid time off, wellness days, holidays, and two company-wide recharge breaks. We also offer generous family resources and leave. Our commitment to your well-being reflects our belief that caring for our people fuels the impact we create together.

Learn more about these and additional benefits offered by Alnylam by visiting the Benefits section of the Careers website: https://www.alnylam.com/careers

AboutAlnylam

We are the leader in RNAi therapeutics- a revolutionaryapproach with the potential to transform the lives of people with rare and common diseases. Built on Nobel Prize-winning science, Alnylam has delivered the breakthroughs that made RNAi therapeutics possibleand are just at the beginning of what's possible. Our deep pipeline, late-stage programs, and bold vision reflect our core values: fierce innovation, passion for excellence, purposeful urgency, open culture and commitment to people. We're proud to be a globally recognized top employer, wherean authentic, inclusive culture and breakthrough thinkingfuel one another.

At Alnylam, we commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, pregnancy status or related conditions, genetic information, veteran or military status, marital or familial status, political affiliation, age, or any other factor protected by federal, state, or local law. Alnylam is an E-Verify Employer.