FCC wants a chief data officer

The Federal Communications Commission is looking for a chief data officer, the agency announced with a May 18 job posting.

The CDO will be charged with managing the quality, governance and security of the FCC's data, as well as charting strategies for applications of existing FCC datasets, including those dealing with spectrum use.

The CDO will also drive the development of new programs and policies and the procurement of new data sets and IT systems.

Applicants will need to be able to obtain a top secret security clearance. The position will pay between $123,175 and $170,400.

A source close to the issue said that while FCC components have CDOs, the FCC does not currently have an agency-wide CDO. The FCC did not return an official request for comment by press time.

The FCC was among the first federal agencies to appoint a CDO back in 2010, though the debate over what exactly a CDO should do, and whether they're needed in the first place, have taken place.

Applications will be accepted through June 10, according to the job posting.