Director, Application Security

About the Role

We’re looking for a Director of Application Security to architect and lead an AI-native, agent-driven Application Security function at Zeta.

This is a hands-on, player/coach leadership role focused on shifting security decisively left—embedding security intelligence directly into the software development lifecycle, CI/CD pipelines, and AI-powered development workflows.

Rather than operating as a traditional gate or review function, Application Security at Zeta is evolving into a continuous, autonomous capability: powered by policy-as-code, security agents, real-time risk signals, and deep integration with how engineers build software.

Zeta is at the forefront of the AI-native transformation of marketing, having launched Athena by Zeta—a superintelligent, conversational AI agent deeply embedded in the Zeta Marketing Platform. As Zeta accelerates into this AI-driven, agentic future, security is foundational—not optional.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Strategy (AI-Native Player/Coach)

• Define and drive an AI-native Application Security vision and roadmap.
• Design the operating model for agentic AppSec, including security copilots and policy-enforcing agents.
• Act as a hands-on technical leader shaping secure architectures.
• Build and mentor a modern Application Security team focused on leverage and automation.

Agentic Threat Modeling & Continuous Validation

• Evolve threat modeling into continuous, system-aware analysis.
• Embed automated security reasoning into CI/CD and AI/ML pipelines.
• Lead AI-specific adversarial testing (prompt injection, model abuse, data leakage).

Shifting Security Left into the SDLC

• Embed security agents directly into IDEs, PRs, and CI workflows.
• Deliver in-context security guidance without slowing velocity.
• Use continuous risk scoring to influence release decisions.

AI & Emerging Threat Defense

• Own AppSec strategy for AI systems, models, prompts, and agents.
• Translate emerging AI risks into automated guardrails.

Security Culture & Enablement

• Foster an ambient, automated security culture.
• Train engineers on secure AI-native system design.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

• 5–10+ years in AppSec, DevSecOps, or secure software development.
• Strong knowledge of OWASP, cloud-native systems, and API security.
• Familiarity with AI/ML security risks.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

WHY THIS ROLE

This is a foundational opportunity to define what Application Security looks like in an AI-native enterprise—securing not just code, but decisions, agents, and intelligence at scale.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Unlimited PTO
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employee Equity
• Employee Discounts, Virtual Wellness Classes, and Pet Insurance And more!!

SALARY RANGE

The salary range for this role is $300,000-$350,000 TC, depending on location and experience.

PEOPLE & CULTURE AT ZETA

Zeta considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does Zeta discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

We’re committed to building a workplace culture of trust and belonging, so everyone feels invited to bring their whole selves to work. We provide a forum for employees to celebrate, support and advocate for one another. Learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion here: https://zetaglobal.com/blog/a-look-into-zetas-ergs/