M365 Security Specialist

M356 Security Specialist
ROLE
We need an experienced M365 Security Specialist at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The M365 Program Management Office provides a suite of Microsoft 365 tools that streamline daily operations and drive process improvements, prioritizing innovation and collaboration within the organization to deliver high-impact initiatives. In this role, you will develop data readiness plans and integrate Purview to protect sensitive data, manage AvePoint Online Services interfaces and security, document Security Change Requests and audit logging solutions, and provide security and cyber architect support. This is a full-time opportunity. We can offer a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package.
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop data readiness plans and integrate Purview to protect sensitive data across the M365 environment.
• Manage AvePoint Online Services (AOS) interfaces and security configurations including tenant-to-tenant migrations, Splunk Enterprise integration, bring your own keys, IP restrictions, and SFTP connections.
• Document and manage Security Change Requests and audit logging solutions for M365 cloud platforms.
• Provide security and cyber architect support for the M365 Program Management Office.
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge and implementation of Microsoft security product enhancements including Defender, Purview, Loop, and Graph Connector security features.
• Establish enterprise security policies and apply data connectors in M365 environments to ensure compliance with IRS security protocols.
• Collaborate with systems support staff to ensure security integration across SharePoint Online, Teams, Exchange Online, and Azure platforms.
• Monitor and manage user permissions, data retention requirements, and compliance settings across the M365 cloud suite.
• Ensure all security processes, plans, schedules, and documentation are completed timely and meet IRS standards.
• Provide bi-weekly status reports encompassing schedule, M365 security deliverables, action items, risks, mitigations, escalations, accomplishments, and closures.
• Contribute to monthly consolidated status reports providing overall health assessment of M365 security posture.

REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

• 7+ years of relevant hands-on experience supporting Microsoft 365 Cloud Based Suite security in a large corporate or government environment.
• Extensive experience with Microsoft Purview for data protection and compliance.
• Strong knowledge of AvePoint Online Services (AOS) security configurations and interfaces.
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Defender, Azure Active Directory security features, and M365 governance practices.
• Experience documenting Security Change Requests and implementing audit logging solutions.
• Strong understanding of security and cyber architecture principles.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain security technologies and technical business concepts to multiple audiences.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective business unit relationships.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Engineering, or related field (required)
• OR Associate's degree with 9+ years of relevant experience
• OR High School Diploma/GED with 11+ years of relevant experience
• Relevant Microsoft security certifications - preferred

LOCATION

• Remote (with occasional on-site visits if necessary)

CLEARANCE

• U.S. citizenship is required
• IRS Minimum Background Investigation (MBI) clearance required

CLIENT

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS), M365 Program Management Office

WORK HOURS

• 40 hours per week
• 8 hours per day

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION

• Employment Classification Eligibility — W2

RELOCATION

• Not eligible for relocation benefits

West 4th Strategy is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, age, marital status, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, pregnancy, political affiliation, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law.

Other Considerations: applicants will be subject to a background investigation. Individual’s primary workstation is located in an office area. The noise level in this environment is low to moderate. Regularly required to sit for extended periods up to 80% of the time; frequently required to move about to access file cabinets and use office equipment such as PC, copier, fax, telephone, cell phone, etc. Occasionally required to reach overhead, bend, and lift objects of up to 10 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the use of computer monitor screens up to 80% of the time.

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