Freelance Security Risk Assessment Jobs in Minnesota

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you're looking for.

Position Summary
Executes critical aspects of the Enterprise Security Risk Management function. Partners with the business to document and measure risk inherent to systems, assets, and information. Works with the security teams and collaborates with the business to assess IT risks. Tracks risk remediation items. Oversees the risk review process and reporting across the enterprise.
Essential Responsibilities

• Oversees the risk acceptance process across the enterprise to ensure risks are documented and accepted at the correct levels of the organization. Validates remediation plans are in place to reduce risk where possible. Manages cycle to reassess accepted risks, obtain sign-off, and provide reporting.

• Assists business partners with completing risk assessments and ensuring the correct documentation is captured to support the risk assessment process. Translates technical language into business terms to facilitate understanding of risk to the business.

• Maintains documentation and templates in the GRC toolset and makes recommendations for and implements tool and process improvements.

• Collaborates with senior and lead risk analysts on activities related to risk modeling, comprehensive periodic risk assessments, and regulatory reporting standards and expectations, and the development of communication and presentations for internal and external audiences.

• Supports on the development of communications and presentations appropriate for senior level audiences and external regulators.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years experience working in a security function. (One year of working in a highly regulated environment e.g. Utilities, Financial, may substitute for up to 18 months experience in a security function.)

• 2 years of experience with risk assessments, audit or control testing.

• Knowledge of security and lifecycle management, including auditing methodology or technology risk assessments.

• Self-starter; adaptable to change; motivated to set personal and program goals and proactively track performance against goals and initiatives.

• Ability to develop strong working relationships with peers and stakeholders across business units.

• Experience working with information security policies, standards, industry best practices and/or frameworks (e.g., ISO 27K, NIST 800-53, FISMA, BITS, etc.)

• Knowledge of IT Security tools and technologies used in an enterprise environment.

• Preferred Requirements: Bachelor's degree or higher with a concentration in computer science, technology, or business, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Security or Risk-related certifications (CRISC, CISSP, CISA, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Risk Assessment Experience:Experience conducting vendor and project-based security risk assessments, including identifying risks, evaluating impact/likelihood, and recommending appropriate controls and treatment strategies.

• Security Frameworks & Controls:Working knowledge of security frameworks and standards (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001) and ability to apply control requirements within risk assessments and findings.

• GRC Tooling:Familiarity with GRC platforms such as Archer and/or ProcessUnity for documenting assessments, tracking risks, and managing findings lifecycle.

• Findings & Risk Management:Experience developing detailed findings, managing remediation tracking, and supporting risk acceptance and exception processes with minimal guidance.

• Stakeholder Engagement:Ability to partner with business and technology teams to gather requirements, facilitate discussions, and support risk-based decision-making.

• Communication & Documentation:Strong written communication skills with the ability to clearly document risk assessments, findings, and recommendations for both technical and business audiences.

• Self-Starter & Adaptability:Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, and prioritize work across multiple assessments and initiatives.

• Security & Risk Background:~5+ years of experience in cybersecurity, IT risk, GRC, audit, compliance, or security consulting.

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you're ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.

Non-BargainingThe anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $73,700.00 to $104,633.00 per yearThis position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Deadline to Apply: 07/21/26

EEO is the Law |EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)

All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.