Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information. The primary purpose of this position is to manage and direct all aspects of the Department of the Air Force cybersecurity staff functions, serving as the lead cybersecurity advisor and establishing DAF-wide cyber security strategies and policies.

Eligibility will be based upon a clear showing the applicant has training, education and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry-out the duties of the position. Candidates must exemplify the corporate perspective, leadership vision, broad experience and character needed in the SES corps not only to satisfy the immediate vacancy, but future vacancies which will occur in a variety of organizations, functions and locations. In accordance with the new OPM requirements to streamline Senior Executive Service (SES) hiring, applicants are no longer required to submit lengthy narrative essays, including those for Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs) when applying. Instead, the initial application will be resume-only, capped at two pages. This change streamlines the application process and more closely aligns with private industry practice. Applicants identified for potential selection will have their ECQs assessed by undergoing a structured interview with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board. To meet minimum qualifications requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the education, Technical Qualifications (TQ) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) related to this position within your resume (not to exceed 2 pages). Resumes over the 2-page limit will be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for this position. CERTIFICATIONS: The incumbent must possess or be willing to obtain Cybersecurity Workforce Management certification (8570.01 IAM level III) or equivalent within one year of gaining the position. TQ1: Enterprise Cybersecurity Strategy, Governance, and Risk Management Demonstrated senior executive experience leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, governance, and risk management within a large, complex organization. This includes establishing cybersecurity policies, standards, and accountability frameworks; aligning security investments and priorities with organizational mission objectives; and advising senior executives on enterprise cyber risk, risk acceptance, and resource allocation. Proven ability to influence enterprise decisions, drive organizational change, and establish measurable improvements in cybersecurity posture and resilience. TQ2: Cybersecurity Operations, Enterprise Risk Reduction, and Mission Resilience Demonstrated senior executive experience overseeing complex cybersecurity programs and operations to protect mission-critical systems, networks, data, and services. This includes directing enterprise cyber defense, vulnerability and exposure management, incident response, and security modernization initiatives; integrating cybersecurity into enterprise technology architectures and operations; and translating threat intelligence and operational risk into prioritized action. Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary organizations, establish clear accountability, and deliver measurable risk reduction and operational resilience across a distributed enterprise. TQ3: Executive Leadership and Enterprise Transformation Demonstrated senior executive experience leading large, multidisciplinary organizations through complex cybersecurity transformation. This includes aligning organizational structures, authorities, resources, and performance measures to enterprise priorities; influencing senior stakeholders across organizational boundaries; and overcoming institutional barriers to deliver measurable outcomes. Proven ability to establish accountability, develop executive talent, and lead sustained organizational change. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): All new appointees to the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the five mandatory ECQs: ECQ 1. Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding:Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. ECQ 2. Driving Efficiency:Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. ECQ 3. Merit and Competence: Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. ECQ 4. Leading People:Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. ECQ 5. Achieving Results:Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Please note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program, or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you must attach proof (e.g., SF-50 or Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.