Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Summary

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.

Duties

As the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the Department of the Air Force, you will serve as a key executive leader directing the cybersecurity strategy and cyber defense programs across the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. In this high-impact role, you will advise senior leaders, shape enterprise-wide cybersecurity policies, and ensure the resilience of global operations and systems against emerging cyber threats. You will: Direct and manage a comprehensive, DAF-wide cybersecurity program to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of all supporting information systems. Establish and oversee policies and procedures based on the DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF) to consistently identify, assess and mitigate information security risks. Serve as the DAF Senior Agency Official for Privacy (SAOP) and the Senior Agency Official for Records Managemenbt (SAORM). Lead the development, validation and prioritization of Cyberspace Operational capability requirements and doctrine. Direct enterprise security awareness and training programs for all personnel and contractors, alongside periodic testing of security controls. Establish processes to detect, report and swiftly respond to cybersecurity incidents and rectify any identified policy or practice deficiencies. Engage in real-time cyber defense operations and cyber command and control (C2) to integrate global effects. Collaborate with executive-level experts, Defense Industrial Base representatives, and academia to identify strategic gaps and leverage emerging cybersecurity technologies. Advise senior leaders (including DoD, Joint Staff and Combatant Commands) on current cybersecurity trends, metrics and cyber defense planning. Provide executive supervision, guidance and leadership for four divisions comprising military, civilian and contractor personnel.

Qualifications

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.

Education

Education: A Bachelor's or Master's Degree in an Information Technology related field (e.g., Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Data Science or Information Systems) is desired. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and/or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is highly desired. In addition, DoW requires an Enterprise Perspective. The individual must possess a broad point of view and an awareness and understanding of individual or organizational responsibilities in relation to DoW or government-wide strategic priorities. Executives must demonstrate an ability to work with internal and external partners to support national security objectives. This perspective is typically gained through a variety of diverse work experiences. This information should be embedded within the resume.

How you will be evaluated

A Resume-based Senior Executive Service (SES) Hiring Method will be used for this recruitment. A well-written resume for this announcement should demonstrate to Senior Hiring Officials that you possess the essential ECQs with supporting accomplishments. Applicants should incorporate ECQs and technical competencies as they write their resumes and can refer to the following OPM Link for additional guidance on SES Executive Qualifications: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/reference-materials/guide-to-ses-qualifications.pdf. In addition, the Department of the Air Force highly encourages applicants to seek mentoring assistance from a current SES member in preparing and/or reviewing their package. PLEASE NOTE: This position will be filled under the FY2021 NDAA Section 1118, "Pilot Program for Initial Appointments to Senior Executive Service Positions in the Department of Defense (DoD)." This authority allows us to appoint qualified individuals to initial career appointments into the Senior Executive Service of the DoD without regard to 5 U.S.C. 3393(c). A career SES appointment made under this authority does not guarantee that you will be eligible to transfer to another career SES appointment outside of the DoD without the need for you to compete. Applications will be evaluated against the qualification's requirements. Failure to meet the Mandatory Technical Qualifications will eliminate a candidate from further consideration. Candidates will be evaluated for this position by a screening panel composed of senior executives and/or general officers selected for organizational and/or functional backgrounds relevant to this position. The panel discusses each application and reaches consensus on the resume packages demonstrating a high degree of the executive core qualifications and technical competencies. Only those applicants whose packages demonstrate a mastery of ECQs and technical competencies are selected for interviews. Post interview, the panel will then make a recommendation of those Best Qualified candidates who should be referred to the selecting official, in priority order. Final selection is contingent upon approval by the Air Force Executive Resources Board and the Under Secretary of the Air Force.

Required documents

To receive full consideration, each applicant must submit the MANDATORY documents in the format as designated. Packages that do not include all of the required documents or meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration. **************ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED IN PDF FORMAT******************* The Qualifications Documents must be formatted using Times New Roman, size 10-12 font, with 0.5-1-inch margins. Do not use borders, provide photos, or a Social Security Number on any of the Qualifications Documents. DO NOT COMBINE DOCUMENTS. A. (Mandatory) Resume in the preferred format (Limit 2 Pages Total). Upload in PDF format. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER. B. Most recent completed Performance Appraisal (current and/or former federal employees) or Officer or Enlisted Performance Report (OPR or EPR). For applicants in the private sector, please provide a copy of your equivalent Evaluation Report. C. Most recent Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50, noting your current position, grade level and salary level (applies only to current or former civilian government employee). D. College transcript(s) (copy is acceptable) which demonstrates the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM. E. Military: a) Recently Retired - a copy of your DD-214 and/or Retirement orders if you retired within 180 days of the closing date of this announcement. (Note: This includes Retiring Reservists and National Guardsmen); b) Separating from Active Duty - a statement of service showing that you expect to be honorably discharged or released from the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after submitting your application. PLEASE NOTE: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification. Documents are required. DO NOT SUBMIT ANY ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS: Extraneous material such as copies of position descriptions, award certificates and transmittal letters will not be forwarded for review.

How to apply

Please follow the below instructions to submit applications. Any applications received that do not include all of the required documents or do not meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration. The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/17/2026. To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (e.g., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant. PREFERRED RESUME FORMAT: (Limit 2 pages/Times New Roman 10-12-font) (Do Not Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder) - Please submit a typewritten resume (upload as a PDF), including the following information: Job Information: Announcement number (MRL2026-ES30341) and title of the position to which you are applying. Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), day and evening phone numbers (with area code) and complete e-mail address where you would like to receive correspondence regarding your application. **DO NOT INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER** Military: a) Retired: IAW 5 U.S.C. 3326, a 180-day waiver will be required for retired or retiring members of the armed forces during the period of 180 days immediately after retirement. b) Separating from Active Duty: You will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification. Education: Educational information, including the name, city and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html Work Experience: Give the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying: (Do not send job descriptions). - Starting and ending dates (month and year) - Job title (for government position, include civilian series and grade or military rank) - Employer's name and address - Supervisor's name and phone number, please indicate if we may contact your current supervisor - Salary (current) HELPFUL HINTS FOR YOUR RESUME: - Reflect on the ECQs and think about how your past experiences and education relate to each ECQ. - Read the vacancy announcement carefully. - Adhere to the 2-page limitation (in PDF format and 10-12 font) - Quantify your accomplishments. * Applicants should focus on recency of experience - Recruitment Panels, Executive Resources Boards, and Hiring Officials may consider experience over 10 years outdated. * Seek mentoring assistance from a current SES or equivalent to review your package before submission. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify this office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.

Other information

Tiering: The Department of the Air Force structures its SES positions into tiers to determine the pay range for each position. The categories are based on the position scope, breadth, functions, and placement within the structure of organizational levels across the Department. Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES. Relocation Authorized: Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: May be offered. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

What to expect next

Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent. If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration. To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position. If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.