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Executive Director, Chief Information Security Officer (XD, CISO)

DHS Headquarters · Department of Homeland Security · Springfield, Virginia

💵 $151,661–$228,000 per year⏳ Closes Nov 4, 2026
Federal agencyES-00
At a glance

A job with DHS Headquarters in Springfield, Virginia. It pays $151,661–$228,000 per year at grade ES-00. Applications close on Nov 4, 2026 — 4 days left.

Working pattern
Telework eligible
Who can apply
Competitive service, Excepted service, Senior executives, Open to the public
Clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information

Main duties

  • The Executive Director, Chief Information Security Officer (XD, CISO) serves as the principal advisor to the CIO for the DHS enterprise information security program.
  • The XD, CISO is responsible for performing and supervising work associated with risk management, policy, compliance, and oversight in alignment with DHS strategic direction.
  • Through planning, analysis, development, implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of information security programs, policies, procedures, and tools, the XD, CISO provides the cyber security oversight for enterprise Information Technology (IT) services across DHS.
  • Specific responsibilities include: Serves as the senior advisor to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) regarding development, publication, and implementation of Departmental information security policies, standards, and guidance, as well as coordination, integration, training, and enforcement of all aspects of the Department's information security program.
The original posting

Full details

About the role

This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Management Directorate, Office of the Chief Information Office (OCIO). The DHS OCIO is responsible for all matters relating to information and DHS information environment including customer experience, network operations, information systems, information assurance, defensive cybersecurity, and communications.

What you will do

  • The Executive Director, Chief Information Security Officer (XD, CISO) serves as the principal advisor to the CIO for the DHS enterprise information security program.
  • The XD, CISO is responsible for performing and supervising work associated with risk management, policy, compliance, and oversight in alignment with DHS strategic direction.
  • Through planning, analysis, development, implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of information security programs, policies, procedures, and tools, the XD, CISO provides the cyber security oversight for enterprise Information Technology (IT) services across DHS.
  • Specific responsibilities include: Serves as the senior advisor to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) regarding development, publication, and implementation of Departmental information security policies, standards, and guidance, as well as coordination, integration, training, and enforcement of all aspects of the Department's information security program.
  • Responsible for leading the statutory mandated Information Security Program under the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014.
  • Oversees the DHS Information Security Program to support the Department's implementation of all applicable regulatory requirements including the Computer Security Act, Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), the Clinger-Cohen Act, relevant Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars, Executive Orders, Homeland Security Presidential Directives and Congressional inquiries.
  • Responsible for planning and implementing the Department-wide security enhancement initiatives; following all applicable laws, directives, policies, and directed actions and providing methodologies, tools, guidance, and subject matter expertise to help ensure Component's information security programs can meet federal compliance and reporting requirements.
  • Effectively communicates the information security strategic plan to every Component and drives the implementation for the department's strategic information security management plan, including coordination between all component information security organizations throughout DHS.
  • Exercises broad and deep IT knowledge coupled with equivalent knowledge of the activities of those businesses and other organizations that use and exploit IT.
  • Communicates the potential impact of emerging security technologies on organizations as well as individuals and analyzes the risks of using or not using such technologies.
  • Assesses the impact of legislation and actively promotes compliance.
  • Takes the initiative to keep both their own and subordinates' skills current and maintains an awareness of developments in IT.
  • Ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information stored on and processed by the operational information technology systems supporting the various mission elements of the Department to avoid it from being adversely impacted.
  • Provides executive level direction in planning, implementing and evaluating long range IT activities to support DHS strategic business plans and cross-functional business solutions.
  • Responsible for aligning resources (money, people, time and technology) appropriately for IT support for achievement of the DHS mission and tasks.
  • Follows current IT government and industry organizational innovations (process redesign or reengineering models and methods) and regularly reassesses current operations based upon descriptions of best practices.

Education

There is no educational requirement for this position.

How you will be evaluated

A multi-step process is used to evaluate and refer applicants: 1. Minimum requirements: Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. Your application must show that you meet all requirements including the education and/or experience required for this position.

You may be rated "not qualified" if you do not possess the qualification requirements for the position. If your application is incomplete, you may be found "ineligible". 2.

Rating and Ranking: If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (MTQ) listed above. ECQs and TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed.

A panel of subject matter experts will review your application and evaluate your qualifications for this position based on the information in your application. Your application will be rated, based on the extent and quality of your experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of this position.

Highly/Top Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. 3. Referral: If you are among the highly/top qualified candidates, your application will be referred to a selecting official for consideration and a possible interview.

The DHS Executive Resources Board (ERB) will review the results and make recommendations on final selections to the ERB Chair and appointing authority, where final interviews and reference checks may occur.

Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) before appointment to this position.

The selected individual's application will be forwarded to the OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, OPM QRB certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible). Upon QRB certification, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period.

For more information regarding the SES, go to *** Your supporting documents are an integral part of the process for determining your qualifications for the position. If your responses are not supported by your resume, you will be eliminated from consideration.

After reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, if a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Incomplete or late applications will not receive further consideration.

Documents you must provide

  • A complete application includes items described below.
  • Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
  • Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit.
  • Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
  • RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience.
  • Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs.
  • PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
  • ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable: CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: I am applying as someone that currently holds or has held a position in the federal civil service--the federal civil service is defined as positions in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches; it does not include positions in the uniformed services.
  • I must submit: SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
  • Proof of holding of federal civil service position If you work(ed) for an agency that does not provide an SF-50--for example, the United States Postal Service--provide documentation that confirms you currently hold or have held a position in the federal civil service.
  • Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
  • CURRENT SES MEBERS: I am applying as a current career Senior Executive Service (SES) member.
  • I must submit: SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action Block 5-B (Nature of Action) must identify SES career appointment.
  • Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
  • FORMER SES MEBERS:I am applying as a former career Senior Executive Service (SES) member that is reinstatement eligible.
  • I am eligible for reinstatement to the SES because (1) I successfully completed the 1-year SES probationary period or am exempt because I was converted to the SES as a career appointee when the SES was first established, and (2) left the SES for reasons other than misconduct, neglect of duty, malfeasance, or less than fully successful performance, or resignation after receipt of a notice proposing or directing removal under any of the aforementioned conditions.
  • I must submit: SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action Block 5-B (Nature of Action) must identify SES career appointment.
  • Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
  • SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: I am applying as an SESCDP graduate.
  • I must submit: Certificate of Executive Qualifications Upload under "Certificate of Executive Qualifications" document type in the agency application system.
  • STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation

What to expect next

To verify the status of your application, sign in to your USAJOBS account (***), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: ***

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the DHS Headquarters Executive Services team to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays.

Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities.

For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Employee Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

(***). Thank you for your employment interest in the Department of Homeland Security!

Additional information

Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses will not be paid. Recruitment/Relocation/Retention Incentive may be authorized at Management's discretion. Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders.

Individuals selected for SES positions members may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: *** Employment Information Resources - Resource Center: *** Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see ***) If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please contact Valerie Hopkins via email at *** .

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 Top Secret/ Sensitive Compartment Information clearance as a condition of placement in this Special Sensitive 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. Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U. S.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring.

These authorities are subject to change. Pursuant to Executive Order 12654 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.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty.

False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment. DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

How to apply

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Details on this page reflect the source posting as of Nov 1, 2026. Closing dates and salary ranges can change without notice — the official listing is always authoritative. How our coverage works.

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