Lead Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)

Excella is a transformative technology firm that helps organizations unlock new possibilities. We believe the key to helping clients challenge the status quo and reach new heights lies in our talented people. That’s why we’re committed to developing talent and providing opportunities for career growth at every stage. Join our collaborative team dedicated to solving complex problems with sustainable solutions while building your future as a leader. At Excella, you’re empowered to make lasting impact, turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s mission successes. Workplace locations look different for everyone. Excellians are a distributed workforce and whether you're working from your home office or a client site, we support a flexible work/life integration regardless of your location. We offer top of industry medical, dental, and vision benefits with multiple options to choose from such as an employer-contributed health savings account, infertility coverage, and orthodontia so you can select the plan that works best for you. Regardless of what stage of life you’re in, Excella wants to support you. We provide 8 weeks of Parental Leave, discounted pet insurance, and a Care.com membership with 3 back-up emergency child or elder care days annually – all available to you on your first day. Starting day one, every employee is bonus eligible and receives 15 days of paid vacation, 6 federal holidays, and 4 floating holidays. Doing your best work means having the best tools! Excella’s TechEleX program provides you with multiple options to suit your technology needs. Choose between a variety of Mac or PC devices, and to ensure your hardware remains current, at the end of a 3-year period Excella will replace your existing computer with a new model from the program. Plus, we’ll even give you the original device to keep for your personal use! With Excella’s Annual Internet Reimbursement benefit, all employees receive an additional $25 per month to help offset the cost of internet access. This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting you in staying connected and productive, no matter where you work. We'll invest in your career by providing 3 days of paid professional development every year, including an allowance for registration fees to attend classes, conferences, or obtain professional certifications. We encourage mindfulness and overall well-being through employee wellness events, a HeadSpace membership, as well as access to TalkSpace and mental health coverage through our medical plans.

Overview

Excella is seeking an Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) to support a federal government customer. In this role, you will lead efforts to gather and organize technical information about the program’s security posture and collaborate across teams to support ongoing security authorization activities. This position requires someone who can communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, exercise sound judgment with sensitive information, and proactively manage security documentation and compliance activities in a dynamic federal environment. The ability to hold and maintain a DHS Public Trust is required.

Responsibilities

Lead efforts to gather and organize technical information about the program’s security posture and collaborate across teams to support ongoing security authorization. Proactively create, monitor, and update the status of POA&Ms to ensure weaknesses are resolved in accordance with their scheduled completion dates. Create Waivers or Risk Acceptance Memos to support effective management of system risks. Conduct annual assessments in accordance with DHS Information Security Performance Plan guidance. Review and update security authorization documents as needed, at minimum annually. Coordinate with Privacy, Records, and Information Governance Divisions on compliance documentation and requirements. Conduct Contingency Plan tests at least annually and update the plan accordingly. Perform system self-assessments as part of the customer’s Ongoing Authorization program. Monitor and respond to Information Security Vulnerability Management (ISVM) and Patch Management requirements. Provide audit support (Financial, A-123, FISMA, internal, DHS, etc.) through all phases — Pre, During, and Post Audit. Maintain current knowledge of inventory within the accreditation boundary. Proactively ensure security requirements are incorporated into the development cycle (Waterfall, Agile, DevSecOps). Ensure configuration management processes are followed to prevent the introduction of new security risks. Respond to emerging requirements driven by legislation, regulation, or policy changes. Support annual independent assessments per DHS Information Security Performance Plan guidance. Qualifications 8+ years of experience in information security. Expertise in cybersecurity best practices, vulnerability management, and cybersecurity scanning tools. Expertise in Federal data privacy requirements and cloud-hosted cybersecurity management practices. One or more of the following certifications: CompTIA Security+ or equivalent Cloud Security certification (e.g., CCSP, AWS Security Specialty, Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer) Information Systems Security certification (e.g., CISSP, SSCP) Information Systems Security Management certification (e.g., CISM, CISSP-ISSMP) Ability to hold and maintain a DHS Public Trust. This range represents the minimum and maximum base salary that Excella reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this role. Actual compensation within the range will depend on factors such as skills, experience, training, certifications, and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top or bottom of the range. Your pay also includes the opportunity for an annual bonus in addition to the base salary. This variable pay opportunity is dependent upon the attainment of shared firmwide goals and objectives as determined by Excella’s Executive Team. Certain eligibility and pro-ration rules apply. Should your experience and knowledge qualify you for a different position or title within Excella, we may consider you for positions that better align with your qualifications. In that case, we will provide the range for those positions as well. Pay Range $127,944—$186,600 USD Excella is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Excella is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact [email protected] or 703-840-8600. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Apply To This Job