DoD CIO Cybersecurity Project Lead

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The DoDIN Enterprise Foundations Department is looking for an experienced cyber focused Project Lead (PL) to lead and contribute to MITRE's support to the DoD CIO Cybersecurity Project.

This DoD CIO Cybersecurity project delivers comprehensive MITRE expertise to the Department of Defense (DoD) Deputy Chief Information Officer (DCIO) for Cybersecurity and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), driving institutionalization of the Secretary of Defense's cybersecurity priorities to effect transformative change across all cybersecurity activities within the Department.

Through Mission, Enterprise, and Systems Engineering; Technology Evaluation and Implementation; Data Analytics and Knowledge Management; and End-to-End Capability Integration, this project is shaping the future of DoD cybersecurity. MITRE's pioneering efforts are revolutionizing the Department's approach to Zero Trust (ZT), Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), cryptographic modernization, and the enhancement of Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSSP), positioning the DoD to address emerging threats and secure its critical systems for the future.

Roles & Responsibilities:

The DCIO Cybersecurity Project Lead will oversee and drive critical MITRE cybersecurity initiatives supporting the DCIO for Cybersecurity and CISO. This role requires a dynamic leader with expertise in cybersecurity, acquisition, project management, and strategic alignment to ensure successful execution of mission-critical priorities. Key responsibilities include:

Leadership and Strategy

• Program Oversight: Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex cybersecurity projects aligned with DoD priorities, including Zero Trust (ZT), Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), cryptographic modernization, and Cybersecurity Service Provider (CSSP) advancements.
• Strategic Alignment: Collaborate with senior DoD leadership to ensure cybersecurity initiatives align with the Secretary of Defense's strategic goals and institutional priorities.
• Change Management: Drive cultural and operational change across the Department to institutionalize cybersecurity best practices and standards.

Technical Expertise and Execution

• Capability Integration: Oversee end-to-end planning and architecture definition of cybersecurity capabilities, ensuring seamless implementation across mission, enterprise, and systems engineering domains.
• Technology Evaluation: Assess emerging technologies and solutions for applicability to DoD cybersecurity challenges, including advanced cryptographic methods and zero trust architectures.
• Risk Management: Identify, analyze, and mitigate cybersecurity risks, ensuring compliance with DoD policies and frameworks.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Facilitate collaboration across DoD components, industry partners, and other stakeholders to ensure cohesive project execution and alignment with broader defense initiatives.
• Sponsor Communication: Provide regular updates, briefings, and reports to senior leadership, ensuring transparency and alignment on project progress and outcomes.
• Partnership Development: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including federal agencies, contractors, and technology providers.

Operational Excellence

• Resource Management: Manage project resources, including personnel, budgets, and timelines, to optimize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Knowledge Management: Develop and maintain documentation, processes, and tools to institutionalize lessons learned and best practices for future initiatives.

Basic Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of technical expertise, leadership acumen, and strategic vision to drive the successful execution of DoD cybersecurity priorities and initiatives.

• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, information assurance, or related fields; or 8 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 5 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience
• At least 5 years in a leadership or project management role.
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale, complex cybersecurity projects within the Department of Defense (DoD), federal government, or similarly regulated environments.
• Understanding of emerging technologies and their application to DoD cybersecurity challenges, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and advanced encryption methods.
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams across diverse geographic locations and organizational levels
• Strong project management skills, including planning, execution, resource allocation, and performance monitoring.
• Experience in sponsor and stakeholder engagement and communication, including briefing senior leadership and coordinating across diverse teams.
• Relevant cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), or CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required.
• This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site presence.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher or equivalent and 10 years of related experience in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Advanced coursework or certifications in emerging cybersecurity technologies, such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), or machine learning (ML).
• Direct experience supporting DoD CIO or Deputy CIO initiatives, including policy development, capability integration, and enterprise-wide cybersecurity transformation.
• Experience leading projects focused on Zero Trust (ZT) architecture implementation, Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), cryptographic modernization, or Cybersecurity Service Provider (CSSP) advancements.
• Demonstrated success in driving organizational change and institutionalizing cybersecurity priorities across large, complex organizations.
• Advanced knowledge of DoD cybersecurity policies, directives, and frameworks, including DoD Instruction 8500.01, NIST SP 800-207 (Zero Trust Architecture), and the Risk Management Framework (RMF).
• Project management certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or Agile certifications are highly desirable.
• Expertise in emerging cybersecurity technologies, such as quantum-resistant cryptography, AI-driven threat detection, and advanced encryption methods.
• Familiarity with cloud security, DevSecOps practices, and cybersecurity solutions for hybrid environments.
• Experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and ensuring efficient allocation of resources to meet project objectives.
• Strong ability to mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Advanced cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP-ISSAP (Information Systems Security Architecture Professional), CISSP-ISSEP (Information Systems Security Engineering Professional), or CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional).
• Advanced project management certifications such as PgMP (Program Management Professional) or SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) certifications.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Top Secret/SCI

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret/SCI

Work Location Type:
Hybrid

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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