Summary
Are you ready to lead cybersecurity at the highest level of national security? DHS is seeking visionary executives for the roles of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (DCISO). These are premier leadership positions in the DHS Cybersecurity Service (DHS-CS), responsible for shaping and executing the Department's cybersecurity strategy across one of the world's most complex and critical networks.
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Duties
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As CISO, you will be the principal cybersecurity advisor to the CIO, leading the statutory DHS Information Security Program. You'll architect and oversee DHS's information security strategy, ensuring compliance with FISMA, Clinger-Cohen, OMB directives, and other federal mandates. You will direct strategic planning, workforce development, and multi-year IT investments driving department-wide programs that safeguard national security.
As DCISO, you'll be the right hand to the CISO executing the Department's security strategy, leading Headquarters cybersecurity operations, and ensuring seamless day-to-day protection of DHS's information assets. You will apply your technical executive leadership expertise to:
- Advise senior DHS leadership and drive enterprise cybersecurity strategy, policy, risk management, and operations.
- Lead and enhance the DHS information security program, ensuring full compliance with federal requirements.
- Direct long-range planning and implementation of cybersecurity operations-including security engineering, risk management, and cyber defense.
- Integrate and align security programs across DHS components, fostering a unified, risk-driven approach.
- Champion adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, to stay ahead of evolving threats.
- Build, inspire, and lead large multidisciplinary teams, promoting innovation and operational excellence.
- Forge partnerships with government, industry, and international stakeholders to expand DHS's cyber capabilities.
- Ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of DHS information systems supporting national security.
- Communicate and implement strategic plans, priorities, and initiatives across the Department.
- Represent DHS as the principal liaison for information security with external organizations and in key forums.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen or national.
- You must be 18 years of age.
- Must be registered for the Selective Service (if you are a male).
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret/SCI security clearance
- Must be able to submit to a drug test and receive a negative result.
- Must be able to comply with ethics and standards of conduct requirements, including completing any applicable financial disclosure.
- May be required to serve a 3 year probationary period.
Qualifications
These positions are in the Executive Track. DHS Cybersecurity Service employees start at career levels and salaries matching their experience and expertise.
- Minimum 15+ years of cybersecurity experience and 5+ years in executive leadership.
- Proven ability to lead expansive, high-impact cybersecurity programs at enterprise-scale.
- Seasoned executive ready to oversee national cybersecurity initiatives and multi-level organizations, reporting directly to presidential appointees.
DHS Cybersecurity Service employees start at career levels and salaries matching their experience and expertise. To learn more about DHS Cybersecurity Service career tracks and levels, visit our application portal.
Education
Degrees are not required for jobs in the DHS Cybersecurity Service, but DHS is interested in your level of education and the topics you studied. As you submit initial application information, you will be asked questions about your education.
Additional information
Salary: Listed salary ranges reflects typical starting salaries available to employees in most of the United States across applicable career levels. Within the provided range, average salaries vary for each career level.
Senior Cybersecurity Executive: $190,300 - $239,500
In some geographic areas, average starting salaries will be higher because of a local cybersecurity labor market supplement (e.g., metro Washington, D.C. +10%).
Actual salaries of individual employees may be higher or lower than provided figures. For an overview of the salaries available in the DHS Cybersecurity Service, visit Resources.
Benefits: DHS Cybersecurity Service employees receive a range of federal employment benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. To learn more about benefits, visit our application portal.
More information about the specific benefits available to you will be provided as you progress through the application process.
Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for a security clearance as a condition of placement in this position. This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
Pursuant to Executive Order 12564 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.