Positions
Volunteer and staff roles
Two roles are open now, both tied to the certification pathway. Everything below is what the role actually asks of you — we would rather post nothing than post a role we cannot support once someone signs up for it.
Mentor — Cybersecurity Mentorship Program
Volunteer · remote · roughly six months per candidate
You guide someone through earning their first cybersecurity certification. VTP funds the exam; you supply the part money cannot buy.
What you commit to
- Roughly 1–2 hours a week, for a six-month cycle.
- You state how many candidates you can take — up to three. You are never assigned more than you asked for.
- You reach out first. Mentors initiate the relationship and convene the kickoff meeting within 14 days of being paired.
- You complete the Mutual Commitment Agreement together with your candidate at that kickoff, setting goals, communication style and boundaries.
- Check in at least every two weeks. Weekly is encouraged, not required.
- Optional: Thursday office hours, 7:00–7:30 PM EST, open to all mentors and candidates.
What we ask for
- No minimum years and no minimum seniority. We select on right fit, not on a number. Program graduates are explicitly welcome to come back and mentor.
- Real experience in the domain you would coach — we ask what you have worked on and which certifications you hold, not for a self-rating.
- Acknowledgement of VTP's Code of Conduct.
Candidate — Cybersecurity Certification Program
No cost to apply · no cost to participate · roughly six months
VTP funds your certification and pairs you with a mentor. Applications are ranked on need, and there is no minimum score.
What you commit to
- Roughly 5–10 hours a week of study.
- A study plan submitted within 30 days of kickoff, and a six-month roadmap you build with your mentor.
- Staying in contact with your mentor at least every two weeks.
- Confirming your place within 10 business days of being offered one, or it goes to an alternate.
What to know before applying
- Selection does not entitle you to a specific certification. The Certification Program Manager interviews you and maps you to the route that fits.
- The exam voucher is conditional. It is issued once you score 80% or better on two separate official practice exams. This is verified by the Program Manager regardless of your mentor's recommendation, and you may appeal to the Executive Director.
- The application asks about your financial and personal circumstances, because that is what the ranking is based on. Your mentor is not shown that information.
- Not selected in one round? You roll forward to the next automatically. You do not need to reapply.
Want to help in some other way — running a session, lending a professional skill, sponsoring a cohort? We would still like to hear from you.