Demo

ISSO Lead

Cherokee Federal
Washington, DC Full Time
POSTED ON 9/2/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/2/2026
Job Description

ISSO Lead

The ISSO Lead is a senior cybersecurity governance and risk-management professional responsible for supporting federal information systems throughout the complete Risk Management Framework (RMF) lifecycle. This position leads ISSO activities across a large portfolio of systems, maintains authorization status, oversees security documentation, and advises system owners, ISSMs, and Authorizing Officials on cybersecurity risk.
Compensation & Benefits

Pay commensurate with experience.

Full-time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.
ISSO Lead Responsibilities Include:
  • Lead ISSO, FISMA, RMF, and Assessment and Authorization activities for federal systems.
  • Apply NIST SP 800-37, NIST SP 800-53, FIPS 199, and NIST SP 800-60 requirements.
  • Support obtaining and maintaining Authorities to Operate (ATOs).
  • Develop and maintain SSPs, POA&Ms, PIAs, DIRAs, ISAs, SARs, Security Assessment Plans, Incident Response Plans, Contingency Plans, and Security Impact Assessments.
  • Track system lifecycles, authorization status, control implementation, vulnerabilities, and enterprise risks.
  • Manage continuous-monitoring and annual FISMA reporting activities.
  • Coordinate vulnerability remediation with system owners, engineering teams, assessors, SOC teams, and security operations contractors.
  • Support federal audits, inspections, data calls, and security assessments.
  • Prepare executive-level risk briefings, compliance reports, metrics, and recommendations.
  • Lead or mentor ISSOs and maintain consistent security documentation across multiple systems.
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
ISSO Lead Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities Requested:
  • Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, information technology, computer science, engineering, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 8 years of relevant cybersecurity experience.
  • CISSP, CISM, or equivalent senior-level cybersecurity certification.
  • Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance is required. Candidates must possess the required clearance to be considered for this position.
  • U.S. citizenship required.
  • Experience leading ISSO, FISMA, RMF, or Assessment and Authorization activities for federal systems.
  • Experience supporting large federal system portfolios preferred.
  • Department of State or Bureau of Consular Affairs experience preferred.
  • Familiarity with ArchAngel or another federal GRC platform preferred.
  • Experience with Tenable Nessus, Wiz, iPost, vulnerability reporting, and POA&M tracking preferred.
  • Understanding of DevSecOps, CI/CD security controls, cloud security, zero-trust requirements, and High Value Assets preferred.
  • Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Company Information

Criterion is part of Cherokee Federal - the division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner supporting federal customers, Cherokee Federal companies are focused on solving complex challenges and serving the government's mission

#CherokeeFederal #LI-SM2 #AppC

Similar searchable job titles:
  • Lead Information System Security Officer
  • Senior ISSO
  • ISSO Manager
  • Cybersecurity Governance Lead
  • RMF Lead
  • Senior A&A Lead
  • Information System Security Manager
  • Cybersecurity Risk and Compliance Lead.

Keywords:
  • ISSO
  • FISMA
  • RMF
  • ATO
  • NIST 800-37
  • NIST 800-53
  • FIPS 199
  • A&A
  • SSP
  • ArchAngel
  • Tenable

Pipeline Position Notice:
This is a pipeline position intended to identify qualified candidates for anticipated future opportunities. This posting does not represent a current vacancy. Candidates who meet the qualifications may be contacted as positions become available and program requirements are finalized.

Salary.com Estimation for ISSO Lead in Washington, DC
$181,883 to $216,068
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