Lead Compliance Specialist

At Ardent, we hire people who want more than a job — they want to serve a mission that matters. Our teams support the federal government’s most critical national security and defense priorities, helping protect the nation, strengthen resilience, and advance the technologies and capabilities that keep America secure. For veterans, cleared professionals, and purpose-driven innovators, Ardent is a place to continue serving alongside a team that understands the importance of the mission and the people behind it.

We also know top talent has choices, which is why we back our mission with benefits and flexibility that stand out: competitive pay, comprehensive health coverage, flexible PTO, federal holidays off, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, wellness stipends, and a culture that values and rewards hard work, dedication, and adaptability. If you want to build something meaningful, while enjoying the kind of flexibility and support that you need to do your best work — Ardent is where your next mission begins.

Ardent is seeking a Lead Compliance Specialist to join our team.  

This is a hybrid position located in Rockville, MD.

Position Description:

Ardent is seeking a Lead Compliance Specialist to support federal cybersecurity and privacy compliance efforts, with a focus on Security Assessment and Authorization (SA&A) activities. This role will lead compliance initiatives aligned with FISMA, NIST, and federal privacy regulations while ensuring systems meet all required security and authorization standards.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Lead Security Assessment and Authorization (SA&A) activities using the NIST Risk Management Framework.
• Ensure compliance with FISMA requirements and federal cybersecurity standards.
• Develop, review, and maintain security documentation and authorization packages.
• Process Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) and System of Records Notices (SORNs).
• Provide guidance on federal privacy laws, including the Privacy Act and HIPAA.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure systems meet compliance and authorization requirements.
• Support continuous monitoring and compliance reporting activities.

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of cybersecurity experience.
• Strong understanding of FISMA, NIST frameworks, and federal privacy laws.
• Experience with SA&A processes and security documentation.
• One of the following certifications: CISSP, CAP, Security+, CISM, GSEC, or equivalent.
• Equivalent certifications must meet DoD 8570 IAT Level II or higher standards and be approved by the COR.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Privacy Act, HIPAA, and federal privacy compliance frameworks.
• Baltimore Cyber Range (BCR) Cybersecurity Technical Proficiency.
• Experience supporting federal agencies in compliance and authorization efforts.

Due to the nature of the work we support, all candidates in consideration for this role must be willing to undergo the government issued background investigation process prior to receiving system access. We highly encourage all Veterans and those with disabilities to apply.

Ardent is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis protected by state, local, or federal law.