Senior Director, Strategic Projects

About Us:

 

Proofpoint is a global leader in human- and agent-centric cybersecurity. We protect how people, data, and AI agents connect across email, cloud, and collaboration tools. Over 80 of the Fortune 100, 10,000 large enterprises, and millions of smaller organizations trust Proofpoint to stop threats, prevent data loss, and build resilience across their people and AI workflows. Our mission is simple: safeguard the digital world and empower people to work securely and confidently. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people.

How We Work:

At Proofpoint you’ll be part of a global team that breaks barriers to redefine cybersecurity guided by our BRAVE core values: 

Bold in how we dream and innovate

Responsive to feedback, challenges and opportunities

Accountable for results and best in class outcomes

Visionary in future focused problem-solving

Exceptional in execution and impact

The Role

Proofpoint is seeking a Senior Director, Strategic Programs to lead the enterprise strategic programs function for People & Culture, responsible for defining and executing the portfolio of initiatives that shape the future of how HR operates globally.

This leader will establish the strategy, governance, and operating model for enterprise People initiatives, directing multiple large-scale programs spanning workforce transformation, HR technology modernization, AI enablement, organizational effectiveness, and mergers & acquisitions integration. Operating as a senior advisor to executive leadership, the Senior Director will translate business strategy into transformational programs that impact how Proofpoint attracts, develops, and supports its global workforce.

The role requires the ability to navigate complex, ambiguous business challenges, influence company policy, and guide strategic decisions that have long-term impact on the organization’s effectiveness and growth.

This role, based at our Sunnyvale headquarters, reports to the VP, Culture & Employee Experience and partners closely with senior leadership across the company.

What You’ll Drive

HR Service Delivery & Operational

• Lead enterprise initiatives that evolve HR’s service delivery model, operating mechanisms, and global service frameworks.
• Define the strategy and governance structures that guide how HR services are delivered across the organization, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and alignment with business needs.
• Oversee complex initiatives that redesign workflows, operating processes, and service delivery mechanisms across HR, IT, Finance, and business teams.
• Drive organizational alignment around process standardization, operational improvements, and service optimization that improve HR effectiveness at scale.
• Develop executive-level reporting frameworks and governance mechanisms that enable leadership visibility into strategic initiatives and operational performance.

HR Transformation

• Lead large-scale HR transformation programs that modernize the People organization and align HR capabilities with evolving business strategy.
• Translate organizational priorities into structured transformation initiatives that drive improvements in HR operating models, workforce strategy, and service delivery.
• Coordinate complex cross-functional workstreams across HR COEs, HRBPs, Shared Services, and systems teams to ensure alignment and successful execution.
• Guide strategic decision-making and resolve complex issues that arise during major transformation initiatives.

AI & Technology Enablement

• Provide strategic leadership for initiatives that introduce AI-enabled tools, automation, and digital capabilities within HR.
• Partner with IT, Legal, Security, and Procurement leaders to ensure the responsible, compliant, and scalable adoption of emerging technologies.
• Drive initiatives that enhance HR’s ability to leverage technology, data, and automation to improve employee experience and operational efficiency.
• Establish governance and oversight mechanisms that guide the implementation and adoption of new digital capabilities across the People organization.

M&A Integration Program Management

• Serve as the strategic program lead for People & Culture during acquisitions, guiding workforce integration efforts from due diligence through integration.
• Develop integration str ategies across HR systems, processes, policies, and employee communications to ensure successful workforce transitions.
• Coordinate cross-functional partners to ensure integration initiatives align with business objectives and deliver a consistent employee experience.
• Monitor risks, dependencies, and strategic decisions that influence the success of integration efforts.

Strategic HR Initiatives

• Translate enterprise business priorities into structured initiatives that strengthen HR’s ability to support organizational growth and workforce effectiveness.
• Lead cross-functional working sessions, executive steering discussions, and strategic planning forums that guide major People initiatives.
• Identify systemic process bottlenecks and organizational challenges, and design solutions that improve HR speed, clarity, and operational impact.

What You Bring

• 15+ years of experience leading complex enterprise-scale programs, transformation initiatives, or strategic operations, preferably within HR, organizational transformation, or business operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead high-impact initiatives that span multiple functional areas and influence outcomes at the executive level.
• Expertise in strategic program leadership, including governance, risk management, stakeholder alignment, and organizational change.
• Strong understanding of HR operating models, HR systems ecosystems, and emerging technology trends impacting the workforce.
• Experience supporting M&A workforce integration initiatives within complex organizations.
• Exceptional executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and drive alignment across functions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex organizational challenges and design scalable solutions.
• Technology industry experience strongly preferred.
• BA required; advanced degree or PMP certification preferred.

Why Proofpoint?

At Proofpoint, we believe that an exceptional career experience includes a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Here are just a few reasons you’ll love working with us:

• Competitive compensation

• Comprehensive benefits

• Career success on your terms

• Flexible work environment

• Annual wellness and community outreach days

• Always on recognition for your contributions

• Global collaboration and networking opportunities

 

Our Culture:

Our culture is rooted in values that inspire belonging, empower purpose and drive success-every day, for everyone.

We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you need accommodation during the application or interview process, please reach out to accessibility@proofpoint.com.

 

How to Apply

Interested? Submit your application along with any supporting information- we can’t wait to hear from you!

Consistent with Proofpoint values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets as set out below. Pay within these ranges varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate. The range provided may represent a candidate range and may not reflect the full range for an individual tenured employee. This role may be eligible for variable compensation and/or equity. We offer a competitive benefits package, including flexible time off, a comprehensive well-being program with two paid Wellbeing Days and two paid Volunteer Days per year, plus a three-week Work from Anywhere option.

Base Pay Ranges:

SF Bay Area, New York City Metro Area:

Base Pay Range: 245,400.00 - 337,370.00 USD

California (excludes SF Bay Area), Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Washington DC Metro, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and Alaska:

Base Pay Range: 197,100.00 - 271,040.00 USD

All other cities and states excluding those listed above:

Base Pay Range: 177,500.00 - 244,090.00 USD