Lead Information System Security Officer (ISSO)

Overview

Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain Tier 4 High-Risk Public Trust

Location: Washington, D.C.

(Due to the nature of the work and contract requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.)

About the role

C3EL is seeking a Lead Information System Security Officer (ISSO) to provide on-site cybersecurity and Risk Management Framework (RMF) sustainment support in Washington, D.C., for a new contract. This role will serve as the single point of accountability for technical performance and remain a hands-on cybersecurity practitioner as the technical leader, Government interface, and quality authority for the entire ISSO program.

Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to

• Provide on-site cybersecurity and RMF sustainment support.
• Chair internal quality reviews and ensure deliverables are complete, current, consistent, timely, and audit ready.
• Manage technical risks, issues, escalations, SLA/KPI/AQL performance, action items, and corrective actions.
• Support weekly reports, monthly status reports, and quarterly executive reviews, including authorization, vulnerability, POA&M, audit, and staffing status.
• Lead a team of two Senior ISSOs and maintain coverage during absence, vacancy, surge, or suitability delay.
• Produce accurate, concise, and audit-ready Government cybersecurity documentation.
• Support team coverage from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET (M-F) and participate in after-hours incident coverage as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship.
• Eligibility to obtain a Tier 4 High-Risk Public Trust.
• Minimum ten (10) years in cybersecurity.
• Minimum seven (7) years in federal RMF/ISSO work.
• Minimum three (3) years leading ISSO or authorization teams.
• Hands-on CSAM experience supporting system profiles, controls, evidence, POA&Ms, and authorization workflows.
• Working knowledge of NIST SP 800-37, 800-53, 800-53B, FIPS 199, FISMA, and applicable CISA/OMB guidance.
• Familiarity with GRC, ITSM, SIEM, scanner, identity, endpoint, and cloud-security platforms.
• Direct experience briefing and coordinating with ISSMs, CISOs, AOs, AODRs, System Owners, assessors, and senior Government officials.
• Direct experience overseeing SSPs, SAPs, SARs, POA&Ms, risk assessments, control statements, and evidence packages.
• Expert knowledge of all seven RMF steps, ATO, reauthorization, ongoing authorization, control baselines, and inheritance.
• Working proficiency with ServiceNow, Splunk, and vulnerability-scanning platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one current cybersecurity certification such as CISSP, CGRC, CISM, CRISC, Security+, SecurityX, CCSP, or GIAC.

Education

• Associate's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or related field. (Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.)