Security Awareness Program Manager: Building a Human Firewall in Every Organization

While technology is crucial, people remain the first—and sometimes weakest—line of defense. A Security Awareness Program Manager changes that by educating employees, shaping secure behaviors, and building a culture of security across the organization. This role blends psychology, communication, and cybersecurity to reduce human risk.

What Is a Security Awareness Program Manager?

This role focuses on designing, delivering, and improving security training and behavior-change programs. Awareness Program Managers lead phishing simulations, develop training modules, track engagement metrics, and ensure the workforce understands how to recognize and avoid threats.

Key Responsibilities of a Security Awareness Program Manager

1. Security Training & Education Development

Creating engaging modules, microlearning content, videos, and interactive sessions.

2. Phishing Simulation Programs

Designing and deploying phishing tests, analyzing results, and implementing improvements.

3. Behavioral Analysis & Culture Building

Using psychology and communication strategies to drive behavioral change.

4. Compliance Alignment

Ensuring training meets regulatory requirements (HIPAA, SOX, PCI, GDPR, etc.).

5. Metrics, Reporting & Program Optimization

Tracking click rates, completion rates, trends, and human risk indicators.

Skills and Qualifications Needed

Technical Skills

• Familiarity with phishing simulation tools (KnowBe4, Cofense, Proofpoint, Hoxhunt)

• Understanding of basic cybersecurity concepts and common attack vectors

• Experience with LMS (Learning Management Systems)

• Ability to interpret security metrics and analytics

• Knowledge of compliance requirements for security training programs

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and storytelling skills

• Creativity in building educational content

• Empathy and understanding of diverse learning styles

• Persuasion and influence to drive cultural change

• Organized, detail-oriented, and project-management focused

Other Useful Skills

• Marketing, communications, or instructional design experience

• Knowledge of adult learning principles

• Understanding of change management methodologies

Certifications

• SSAP (SANS Security Awareness Professional)

• CompTIA Security+

• CISSP (for senior-level roles)

• CIPM or CIPT (helpful for privacy-oriented awareness programs)

Career Outlook

This role continues to grow as organizations recognize that technology alone cannot reduce human attack risk. Awareness leaders often progress into roles like:

Security Awareness Lead → Human Risk Manager → GRC Manager → Security Culture Leader → Director of Security Awareness