VP Malware Research

ActiveFence is seeking a visionary and results-driven VP of Malware Research to lead the strategic direction of our malware research operations. This executive-level position requires a seasoned leader with a strong track record in building operational frameworks, fostering strategic client partnerships, and spearheading cross-functional initiatives. You will play a pivotal role in shaping our long-term research capabilities while ensuring operational excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Define and champion the strategic vision and long-term roadmap for ActiveFence's research operations, ensuring alignment with overall company objectives.
• Lead executive-level client relationships and strategic account management, serving as a primary point of contact for key clients and ensuring their satisfaction and long-term partnership.
• Oversee comprehensive budget planning and resource allocation across research operations to optimize efficiency and impact.
• Drive cross-organizational partnerships and business development initiatives to expand our research capabilities and market reach.
• Define the organizational structure and reporting hierarchies for research operations, fostering a high-performing and collaborative environment.
• Lead executive decision-making on major operational and strategic changes, guiding the team through complex challenges and opportunities.
• Represent ActiveFence in executive forums and industry conferences, enhancing our reputation and thought leadership within the cybersecurity landscape.
• Conduct senior stakeholder management and executive communications, ensuring transparent and effective communication across all levels.
• Define escalation procedures and expertly handle critical client escalations, demonstrating strong problem-solving and diplomatic skills.

Must-Have:

• Extensive executive leadership experience (minimum 7+ years) in a senior operational or research management role, with a focus on defining strategy and building high-performing organizations.
• Demonstrated success in establishing new departments, divisions, or significant operational units from the ground up within a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to manage and grow complex, strategic client relationships at the executive level.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget planning, resource allocation, and optimizing operational costs.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with a track record of effectively engaging C-level executives and external stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of the cybersecurity landscape, research methodologies, and operational best practices.

Nice-to-Have:

• Experience in a rapidly scaling technology company or a similar growth-oriented environment.
• Background in technical sales or business development at an executive level within the cybersecurity industry.
• Proven experience in a role requiring significant public speaking or representation at industry events.

ActiveFence is the leading provider of security and safety solutions for online experiences, safeguarding more than 3 billion users, top foundation models, and the world’s largest enterprises and tech platforms every day. As a trusted ally to major technology firms and Fortune 500 brands that build user-generated and GenAI products, ActiveFence empowers security, AI, and policy teams with low-latency Real-Time Guardrails and a continuous Red Teaming program that pressure-tests systems with adversarial prompts and emerging threat techniques. Powered by deep threat intelligence, unmatched harmful-content detection, and coverage of 117+ languages, ActiveFence enables organizations to deliver engaging and trustworthy experiences at global scale while operating safely and responsibly across all threat landscapes.