Director of Identity and Access Management

Join Us in Transforming Education At Cengage Group, we are committed to instilling the power and joy of learning in students worldwide. Our mission is rooted in driving innovation that enhances the lives of millions of learners, enabling them to achieve their aspirations through quality education. Our Commitment to Inclusion and Growth We pride ourselves on our inclusive culture, which is fundamental to our success. By embracing diverse perspectives and fostering an environment where everyone can share their ideas, we cultivate a workplace that enhances individual well-being and drives company excellence. Our initiatives integrate these values into the daily fabric of our work life. The Director of Identity and Access Management will spearhead Cengage Group's comprehensive identity and access strategy across all employee and customer systems. As a key strategic leader in our cybersecurity team, you will oversee crucial identity platforms such as Okta and Active Directory, ensuring we deliver secure and scalable access management while mitigating identity-related risks. Your Responsibilities Will Include: Identity & Access Management Strategy Crafting and executing a comprehensive IAM strategy that includes workforce identity, customer identity (CIAM), privileged access management (PAM), and identity governance. Overseeing Okta platform operations for both employee and customer identity applications, ensuring optimal configuration and integration. Leading the strategy for Active Directory along with hybrid cloud identity architecture and Azure AD integration. Driving key IAM initiatives such as Okta consolidation, multi-factor authentication strategy, and lifecycle automation. Championing identity platform modernization and maintaining strategic roadmaps to enhance IAM capabilities. Establishing and enforcing identity and access policies aligned with security frameworks and compliance mandates. Collaborating with application teams to implement least-privilege access models and zero-trust principles. Security, Risk, and Compliance Leading assessments of identity-related risks and proactively identifying potential vulnerabilities. Ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, and FERPA. Working closely with Risk Management and Incident Response teams to address identity threats and security incidents. Overseeing audits and readiness processes for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and other relevant certifications. Developing and maintaining disaster recovery and business continuity plans for identity services. Team Leadership & Partner Engagement Building, mentoring, and leading a dynamic IAM team with diverse technical and operational skills. Effectively communicating complex identity and security concepts to both technical and business stakeholders. Acting as a trusted advisor to executives, balancing security needs with user experience. Key Skills and Qualifications: Minimum of 10 years of experience in IAM, with at least 5 years in leadership roles. Demonstrated success managing enterprise IAM platforms such as Okta, Active Directory, and Azure AD. Robust experience in customer identity and access management (CIAM) within B2C or B2B contexts. Expertise in identity-related protocols and technologies, including SAML, OAuth, OIDC, SCIM, LDAP, MFA, PAM, and IGA. Deep understanding of identity-centric security models, zero-trust architecture, and access governance. Proven track record of leading IAM transformations and modernization efforts. Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST, CIS, and ISO 27001. Strong communication skills and the ability to influence cross-functional teams. Experience in private equity environments or organizations gearing for liquidity events is preferred. A background in educational technology, SaaS systems, or regulated industries is highly valued. Successful Outcomes for This Role: Reduction in identity-related security incidents and faster response times for credential compromises. Effective consolidation of the Okta platform resulting in cost savings and improved efficiency. High satisfaction levels from application teams and business partners regarding IAM service delivery. Identity architecture effectively positioned to support growth through expected liquidity events. Final Notes This role necessitates a security-focused mindset while also enabling business functions pragmatically. The right candidate will understand that the effectiveness of IAM programs hinges on robust technical architecture, risk management, and collaborative engagement throughout the organization. This position presents a unique opportunity to provide insights to executive leaders and private equity stakeholders, with potential growth into broader cybersecurity leadership roles. Cengage Group is dedicated to attracting and hiring the best talent, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. We ensure equal opportunity employment, in compliance with all applicable laws regarding discrimination. We also strive to provide reasonable accommodations during the application process for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require such accommodations, please contact us. About Cengage Group Cengage Group, a global leader in education technology, has been serving millions of learners for over 100 years. We provide affordable and innovative digital products and services that equip students with essential skills for job readiness. We support the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching, and research sectors worldwide, making a profound impact on learners' lives. Compensation Overview We take pride in our Total Rewards package that empowers employees. The compensation for this position ranges from $138,200.00 to $180,000.00, with an opportunity to participate in a discretionary incentive bonus program, reflecting individual and company performance. Important Notice: Beware of recruitment scams where bad actors impersonate Cengage Group. We will never extend a job offer without conducting interviews through official channels. Always verify that communication comes from an @cengage.com email address.

Created: 2026-03-04