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It Risk Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Technology Auditor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Who You Are * 3-4 years of experience in IT auditing, risk management, or information security. * Experience with SOX IT controls (ITGCs & ITACs) and a solid understanding of ICFR concepts and ...

Risk Manager

Santa Ynez, CA · On-site

$99K - $124K/yr

... technologies) that is structured as a centralized point of service and is focused on defined ... Compiles required underwriting information and applications for renewal process on all insurance ...

... technologies) that is structured as a centralized point of service and is focused on defined ... Compiles required underwriting information and applications for renewal process on all insurance ...

... of information security, engineering, computer science or equivalent advance technology field of ... Experience developing and deploying risk management frameworks and programs, preferably with ...

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It Risk Manager information

See California salary details

$50.8K

$110.1K

$167.8K

How much do it risk manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for it risk manager in California is $110,095.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $127,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by IT Risk Managers when implementing risk mitigation strategies across different departments?

IT Risk Managers often encounter challenges such as varying levels of risk awareness among departments, resistance to new controls or procedures, and balancing business objectives with security requirements. Successful risk mitigation requires clear communication, stakeholder buy-in, and tailored training to ensure all teams understand the importance of compliance. Building strong relationships and fostering a culture of shared responsibility are key to overcoming these hurdles and ensuring effective risk management across the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an IT Risk Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an IT Risk Manager, you need a solid understanding of risk assessment, information security, and compliance frameworks, often backed by a bachelor's degree in information technology or related fields. Familiarity with tools such as risk management software, GRC platforms, and certifications like CISSP, CISM, or CRISC is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, communication skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure effective identification, mitigation, and communication of IT risks, supporting organizational resilience and compliance.

What is the highest salary for a risk manager?

The highest salary for an IT Risk Manager can exceed $150,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, advanced certifications like CRISC or CISSP, and working in large organizations or financial institutions. Senior risk managers or those in managerial or executive roles may earn even higher compensation, including bonuses and benefits.

What does an IT Risk Manager do?

An IT Risk Manager is responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could impact an organization's information technology systems and data. They develop and implement risk management strategies, policies, and procedures to protect against cybersecurity threats, data breaches, and compliance violations. IT Risk Managers also work closely with other departments to ensure security best practices are followed and often lead risk assessments, audits, and incident response planning.

Is risk a good career?

A career as an IT Risk Manager is considered stable and in demand, as organizations prioritize cybersecurity and risk mitigation. The role requires strong analytical skills, knowledge of security frameworks, and often certifications like CISSP or CRISC. It offers opportunities for advancement and specialization in a growing field.

What is the difference between It Risk Manager vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectIt Risk ManagerCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsCRISC, CISSP, CISMCISSP, Security+, CEH
Work EnvironmentOversees risk management strategies across IT systemsMonitors and responds to security threats and incidents
Industry UsageUsed in organizations with complex IT infrastructuresCommon in security-focused roles across industries

The It Risk Manager focuses on identifying and managing IT risks at an organizational level, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation strategies. In contrast, a Cybersecurity Analyst primarily monitors security threats and responds to incidents. While both roles require similar certifications and work within the IT security domain, the It Risk Manager has a broader scope related to risk management policies, whereas the Cybersecurity Analyst concentrates on threat detection and response.

How much does a risk manager get paid?

A risk manager's average salary varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. Senior risk managers or those with specialized certifications like FRM or CRM can earn higher salaries, especially in large organizations or financial sectors.

What is the role of IT risk manager?

An IT risk manager is responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating information technology risks within an organization. They develop security policies, implement controls, and ensure compliance with industry standards to protect digital assets and infrastructure. Strong knowledge of cybersecurity, risk management frameworks, and relevant certifications like CISSP or CISM are often required.
What cities in California are hiring for It Risk Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most It Risk Manager job openings:
Principal of Access Management Risk

Principal of Access Management Risk

Early Warning Services

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

At Early Warning, we've powered and protected the U.S. financial system for over thirty years with cutting-edge solutions like Zelle, Paze, and so much more. As a trusted name in payments, we partner with thousands of institutions to increase access to financial services and protect transactions for hundreds of millions of consumers and small businesses.

Positions located in Scottsdale, San Francisco, Chicago, or New York follow a hybrid work model to allow for a more collaborative working environment.

Candidates responding to this posting must independently possess the eligibility to work in the United States, for any employer, at the date of hire. This position is ineligible for employment Visa sponsorship.

OverallPurpose

Provides independent second-line oversight, assessment, and crediblechallengeof first-line technology risk management activities across the company. Partners across Technology, Security, Product, Data, and other business functions to evaluate risk and control practices, including risk assessments, issues management, control validation, key risk indicators, governance reporting, and escalation. Helps ensure technology-related risks are managedconsistentwith enterprise risk appetite, regulatory expectations, and sound industry practice. May support one or more focus areas based on business need, including Enterprise Technology Risk, Data Security Risk, Access Management Risk, Offensive Security Risk, Vulnerability Management Risk, AI SecurityRisk, andAsset and Inventory Management Risk.


Essential Functions

  • Provide independent review, oversight, and crediblechallengeoffirst-line technology risk management activities, controls, and decisions.

  • Evaluate the design and execution of risk management practices to ensure alignment with enterprise frameworks, policies, regulatory expectations, and relevant industry standards.

  • Provide independentchallengeand oversight of risk identification and assessment activities.

  • Review and challenge risk and control self-assessments,issuesmanagement, remediation plans, control validation outcomes, and key risk indicators.

  • Assess the adequacy of severity ratings, root cause analyses, action plans, and closure evidence for technology-related issues and risk events.

  • Identifyrisk trends, concentrations, and emerging themes through analysis of risk data, governance materials, and business changes; develop an independent view of risk exposure and control effectiveness.

  • Prepare and support reporting, escalation, anddiscussionmaterials for senior leaders, governance forums, and risk committees.

  • Partner with first-line leaders, subject matter experts, and independent testing or validation teams to improve clarity of control expectations, testing scope, and evidence requirements.

  • Provide ongoing risk advisory support whilemaintainingsecond-line independence and accountability for effectivechallenge.

  • Recommendopportunities to strengthen risk awareness, governance routines, and training that improve technology risk management maturity.

  • Support the company's commitment to risk management and protecting the integrity and confidentiality of systems and data.


Focus: Enterprise Technologyand Information SecurityRisk

  • Provide independentchallengeand oversight of technology risk management practices across infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity, product, and operational technology domains.

  • Provide independentchallengeand oversight ofinformation securityrisk management practices acrossthreat management, network, endpoint, cloud, architecture,data, access, AI,or applicationsecuritydomains.

  • Assess alignment of technology risk and control activities to enterprise policies, risk frameworks, and applicable industry standards.

  • Evaluate whether risk assessments, control inventories,issuesmanagement, and key risk indicators are executed consistently and effectively across the technology organization.

  • Challenge risk identification activities related to significant technology changes, new products or capabilities, and cross-functional initiatives.

  • Assess risk trends and systemic themes across the technology environment and provide independent reporting and escalation as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Education and/or experience typically obtained through completion of aBachelor'sdegree or equivalent.

  • Typically has 12 years of experience ordemonstratedportfolio consistent with experience required of the role in technology risk, information security, operational risk, or related disciplines within a regulatedor otherwisecomplex operating environment.

  • Strong understanding of risk management practices, control frameworks, and second-line oversight withinathree lines of defense model.

  • Demonstrated experience providing independent review, challenge, or governance of first-line technology, security, data, or operational risk activities.

  • Strong ability to assess control design and effectiveness, synthesize risk data,identifythemes, and translate technical issues into business risk.

  • Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, including experience interacting with senior leaders and cross-functional partners.

  • Strong critical thinking, judgment, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide practical, risk-based recommendations in a complex environment.

  • Ability tooperateindependently, manage competing priorities, andmaintaineffective working relationships while preserving second-line objectivity.

  • Background and drug screen.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree oradditionalrelated education and/or experience preferred.

  • Experience in financial services, payments, fintech, oranotherhighly regulated industry.

  • Familiarity with relevant regulatory expectations and industry standardsand frameworksapplicable to technology and security risk managementsuchas;ISO 27002, PCI DSS, NIST, FFIEC,andSOC 2.

  • Experience supporting governance committees, audits, examinations, or regulatory interactions.

  • Relevant risk, security, audit, or control certifications preferredsuch as CISA, CISM, CISSP, CCSP, CRISC, GSNA, CGIH, or equivalent preferred.

  • Project or process management experience supporting cross-functional risk, control, or governance initiatives preferred.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow instructions and perform other related duties as assigned by their supervisor.

Working conditions consist of a normal office environment. Work is primarily sedentary and requires extensive use of a computer and involves sitting for periods of approximately four hours. Work may require occasional standing, walking, kneeling, and reaching. Must be able to lift 10 pounds occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently. Requires visual acuity and dexterity to view, prepare, and manipulate documents and office equipment including personal computers. Requires the ability to communicate with internal and/or external customers.
Employee must be able to perform essential functions and physical requirements of position with or without reasonable accommodation.

The base pay scale for this position in:
Phoenix, AZ/ Chicago, IL / Washington, DC in USD per year is: $184,000 - $230,000.
New York, NY/ San Francisco, CA in USD per year is: $221,000 - $276,000.

Additionally, candidates are eligible for a discretionary incentive plan and benefits.

This pay scale is subject to change and is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific candidate, which is always dependent on legitimate factors considered at the time of job offer. Early Warning Services takes into consideration a variety of factors when determining a competitive salary offer, including, but not limited to, the job scope, market rates and geographic location of a position, candidate's education, experience, training, and specialized skills or certification(s) in relation to the job requirements and compared with internal equity (peers). The business actively supports and reviews wage equity to ensure that pay decisions are not based on gender, race, national origin, or any other protected classes.

Some of the Ways We Prioritize Your Health and Happiness

  • Healthcare Coverage-Competitive medical (PPO/HDHP), dental, and vision plans as well as company contributions to your Health Savings Account (HSA) or pre-tax savings through flexible spending accounts (FSA) for commuting, health & dependent care expenses.

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan-Featuring a 100% Company Safe Harbor Match on your first 6% deferral immediately upon eligibility.

  • Paid Time Off -Flexible Time Off for Exempt (salaried) employees, as well as generous PTO for Non-Exempt (hourly) employees, plus 11 paid company holidays and a paid volunteer day.

  • 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave

  • Maven Family Planning - provides support through your Parenting journey including egg freezing, fertility, adoption, surrogacy, pregnancy, postpartum, early pediatrics, and returning to work.

AndSOmuch more! We continue to enhance our program, so be sure tocheck our Benefits page herefor the latest. Ourteamcan share more during the interview process!

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Early Warning Services, LLC ("Early Warning") considers for employment, hires, retains and promotes qualified candidates on the basis of ability, potential, and valid qualifications without regard to race, religious creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, protected veteran or disability status or any factor prohibited by law, and as such affirms in policy and practice to support and promote equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and municipal laws. The company also prohibits discrimination on other bases such as medical condition, marital status or any other factor that is irrelevant to the performance of our employees.