CISA posts CIO role to run agency technology, cybersecurity and communications operations

# What the job is

Agency (CISA) posted a CIO opening through USAJOBS. The position sits in the Office of the Chief Information Officer and carries Senior Cybersecurity Executive status within the Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Service.

The CIO will oversee internal technology operations that directly support CISA's missions: cybersecurity, infrastructure security and emergency communications. The post combines strategic roles (chief technology officer) with security oversight (chief information security officer) and routine operational management.

# What the CIO will be responsible for

• Lead CISA's internal IT delivery and day-to-day technology operations that keep agency offices connected across the country.
• Serve as the agency's CTO and CISO while advising CISA's deputy director and acting as CISA's primary technology contact with the DHS CIO office.
• Review IT investments and acquisitions in compliance with FITARA and related federal rules.
• Push a shift toward a product-based approach to IT delivery that organizes work around products rather than projects.
• Assemble and manage multi-disciplinary teams that combine product managers, engineers, designers, cybersecurity staff and acquisition professionals to deliver modern technology capabilities.
• Oversee responsible use of artificial intelligence in IT delivery.

# Why CISA framed the role this way

CISA's responsibilities include defending federal networks, protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining emergency communications. The CIO posting links operational continuity to strategic modernization: running reliable operations while moving delivery practices toward product teams and modern tooling. FITARA oversight and an explicit requirement for responsible AI use indicate the agency wants technical governance to match evolving technology and policy demands.

# Required qualifications and hiring conditions

CISA is seeking candidates with a long track record in cybersecurity — roughly 15 years of relevant experience — and at least five years in leadership positions, consistent with Executive Track expectations in the Cybersecurity Service. Basic federal eligibility rules apply: U.S. citizenship or national status, minimum age 18, Selective Service registration for male applicants where applicable, and the ability to obtain and hold a Top Secret/SCI clearance.

Candidates must clear a background investigation and a drug test. The agency says newly hired officials could spend up to three years on probationary status. Final salary and career level will depend on candidate background and agency needs at time of hire.

# Practical implications for applicants and stakeholders

Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate both operational experience running large, distributed IT environments and program-level experience modernizing delivery models. Expect evaluation on FITARA compliance experience, acquisition oversight, cross-functional team building, and practical AI governance measures. For other DHS and industry stakeholders, the CIO will be the agency's technology interlocutor with the DHS CIO office and a decision-maker on major IT investments and contracts.

# Bottom line

CISA's CIO posting combines broad operational responsibility with a clear modernization mandate. The agency wants an experienced cybersecurity leader who can keep essential missions running while reworking how those capabilities are delivered, governed and acquired.