Do You Have What It Takes to be the Federal Government’s Chief Information Security Officer?

As part of a National Cybersecurity Action Plan unveiled today, the Obama administration announced plans to hire the first-ever federal chief information security officer.

The new federal CISO, which will be “the recognized federal expert and authority” on the government’s cybersecurity policies, according to the USAJobs announcement, which went live this morning. The CISO will report to U.S. Chief Information Officer Tony Scott.

In a conference call with reporters yesterday, officials said they hope to hire and onboard the new infosec chief in the next 60 to 90 days. Prospective candidates have until Feb. 26 to apply via USAJobs.gov.

The position is part of the Senior Executive Service, and the potential salary ranges from $123,175 to $185,100. The position requires a “top secret” security clearance and is only open to U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals.

The CISO will serve “as the federal government's lead cybersecurity strategist in the ongoing assessment of cybersecurity risks to the federal IT environment,” according to the job posting.

Applicants should have demonstrated technical expertise in “understanding complex, interconnected, modern Web and other current” platforms and senior-level experience successfully implementing cybersecurity policies, among other requirements.

An education in information management or computer science is “highly desirable,” according to the job posting.

For more than a decade, the feds have had a governmentwide chief information officer. President Barack Obama notably appointed the first U.S. chief technology officer, a position now held by former Google executive Megan Smith.

(Image via Orhan Cam/Shutterstock.com)