CIO Cybersecurity Advisor (DoD SME)

Allegheny Science & Technology (AST) is seeking an accomplished CIO Cybersecurity Advisor (DoD SME) to provide strategic IT and Cybersecurity leadership support to the Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy (MC&FP) mission. This position is onsite in Alexandria, Virginia and requires an Active Top Secret clearance for consideration.

This role ensures full compliance with DoD CIO, DISA, and U.S. Cyber Command directives by leading enterprise-level certification and authorization (C&A/A&A) activities, overseeing implementation of the Risk Management Framework (RMF), and advising Authorizing Officials (AOs) and senior stakeholders on cyber posture, risk decisions, and IT governance.

The ideal candidate is a recognized DoD Cybersecurity leader with deep knowledge of risk management evolution (DITSCAP - DIACAP - RMF), hands-on ATO package development, and experience serving at the Service Headquarters or equivalent agency level.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Serve as the principal cybersecurity advisor and CIO-level strategist supporting MC&FP IT and mission systems.
• Lead enterprise-level Certification & Accreditation / Assessment & Authorization (C&A/A&A) activities and RMF implementation.
• Provide authoritative guidance to the Authorizing Official (AO) and executive leadership on system accreditation, risk posture, and mitigation strategies.
• Oversee ATO package development, continuous monitoring, and control implementation across multiple DoD enclaves.
• Ensure alignment with DoD CIO, DISA STIGs, U.S. Cyber Command directives, and emerging DoD Cyber Workforce Management policies.
• Lead modernization initiatives supporting cybersecurity architecture, identity management, and zero-trust implementation.
• Collaborate with Service Headquarters, Component CIOs, and senior leadership on policy, compliance, and technical integration.
• Mentor cybersecurity teams, program managers, and technical staff to sustain an adaptive, compliance-ready security posture.
• Serve as an expert liaison during audits, inspections, and independent verification and validation (IV&V) events.
• Develop and present strategic recommendations to senior DoD leadership to drive cyber maturity, performance metrics, and risk visibility.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 20 years of progressive experience in DoD Information Technology and Cybersecurity environments.
• Minimum 20 years of expertise supporting DoD C&A/A&A activities and risk management frameworks (DITSCAP, DIACAP, RMF).
• Minimum 10 years supporting DoD programs equivalent to MC&FP or Service Headquarters level.
• Minimum 7 years in a CIO, AO, or equivalent executive-level cybersecurity leadership role.
• Proven experience leading or advising on Authorization to Operate (ATO) processes, including control assessment, package development, and continuous monitoring.
• In-depth knowledge of DoDD 8140.01, DoDI 8510.01 (RMF for DoD IT), and NIST SP 800-37/53 frameworks.
• Experience advising on Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), Cloud Security, or DevSecOps policy implementation.
• Proven track record supporting DoD Cybersecurity Scorecard or Command Cyber Readiness Inspections (CCRIs).
• Experience developing cyber governance frameworks and enterprise compliance dashboards.
• Excellent communication and executive-level presentation skills
• Active DoD clearance (TS minimum; SCI preferred).

Other Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Active Top Secret Clearance Required, SCI preferred.
• Certifications (one or more required):
  • Global Security Leadership Certification (GSLC)
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
  • or another DoD 8140.01 Level III authorized IAT/IAM certification.

Multiple factors contribute to determining the final pay for a position. These include, but are not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications, and competencies that align with the specific role, geographic location, educational background, and contract provisions related to labor categories specific to the position. We are committed to offering a competitive compensation package that reflects the value and expertise that each candidate brings to our team.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is $180,000 - $220,000.