Senior Assessment & Authorization (A&A) Support Lead

The Senior Assessment & Authorization (A&A) Support Lead supports DISA and reports to the Program Manager. This position is on-site. •This position is pending award•Position Overview We are seeking a highly experienced and mission-focused Senior A&A Support Lead to support Department of Defense (DoD) cybersecurity and Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities within a complex operational environment supporting the afloat community. The ideal candidate will serve as a senior cybersecurity advisor and lead Assessment & Authorization efforts, ensuring systems maintain compliance with DoD cybersecurity policies, standards, and authorization requirements. This position requires deep expertise in DoD RMF processes, cybersecurity compliance, eMASS administration, and interpretation of DoD cybersecurity policies and directives. The successful candidate must possess strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills with the ability to collaborate across technical, operational, and government stakeholder teams. Key Responsibilities Lead Assessment & Authorization (A&A) activities in accordance with the DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF) Manage and support cybersecurity authorization packages through the lifecycle within eMASS Provide cybersecurity guidance and recommendations to government stakeholders and technical teams Interpret and apply DoD cybersecurity policies, directives, instructions, and regulations including DoD 8500-series and 5200-series guidance Review, analyze, and provide feedback on cybersecurity documentation, orders, directives, and operational instructions Coordinate security control assessments, vulnerability remediation efforts, and compliance validation activities Develop and maintain RMF artifacts, security documentation, POA&Ms, SSPs, and related accreditation materials Support continuous monitoring and cybersecurity compliance initiatives Prepare executive-level briefings, reports, PowerPoint presentations, and technical documentation Lead and mentor junior cybersecurity personnel while fostering a collaborative team environment Interface with Authorizing Officials (AOs), ISSMs, ISSOs, system owners, and engineering teams to ensure accreditation milestones are achieved Required Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in a discipline relevant to Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical discipline Equivalent combination of education, military experience, and relevant cybersecurity experience may be considered in lieu of a degree Experience Minimum of 10 years of experience in Information Technology and Cybersecurity Minimum of 7 years of direct experience supporting DoD cybersecurity and RMF Assessment & Authorization activities Demonstrated experience managing and supporting cybersecurity authorization packages within eMASS Experience interpreting and applying DoD cybersecurity regulations and compliance requirements Experience reviewing cybersecurity policies, directives, instructions, and technical documentation Demonstrated leadership experience leading cybersecurity or RMF teams in a federal or defense environment Required Certifications Must comply with certification requirements identified in DoD 8570.01-M for IAM Level III or equivalent certification requirements under current DoD workforce qualification standards: CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) or Associate GSLC (GIAC Security Leadership Certification) CCISO (Certified Chief Information Security Officer) Preferred certifications include: Security+ Network+ A+ Required Skills & Competencies Strong knowledge of DoD RMF processes and cybersecurity compliance frameworks Advanced proficiency with eMASS Strong understanding of DoD cybersecurity policies including 8500-series and 5200-series guidance Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to lead cross-functional teams and interact effectively with senior government personnel Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including: Excel PowerPoint Word Security Clearance Requirement Active SECRET clearance required at time of hire Must be eligible to obtain and maintain higher-level clearances if required Must be designated as an Navy Qualified Validator ( NQV) Preferred Qualifications Prior experience supporting U.S. Navy or DoD afloat cybersecurity operations Experience supporting DoD afloat, maritime, or operational mission environments preferred Experience supporting cybersecurity inspections, audits, or continuous monitoring programs Familiarity with vulnerability management tools and cybersecurity compliance reporting Experience supporting enterprise or operational technology (OT) environments within DoD missions