Deputy Chief Information/Security Officer

At Areté, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation’s most complex security challenges.

We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence.

As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.

Discover your future with us.

The DCIO / DCISO will be a key leader within the organization. Reporting to the President and CEO, the position will lead the company's IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, security and facilities functions, ensuring compliance with defense-related security requirements.

The ideal candidate must have a robust technical background, strong leadership skills, and experience managing IT and security within highly regulated environments, such as the defense sector.

This position requires a strategic leader with the ability to manage a multidisciplinary team who has a hands- on approach in the development, implementation, and oversight of critical IT, cybersecurity, security, facilities, and safety programs.

Key Responsibilities :

Information Technology and Systems Management

• Leads the overall IT strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals and government requirements / regulations. Drives innovation and efficiency through flexible, responsive solutions.
• Ensures reliable, secure, and scalable IT systems that meet the needs of the organization.
• overall responsibility for the development, implementation, and maintenance of IT systems and services that support company programs and business operations.
• Ensures IT systems and services are compliant with Department of Defense (DoD) standards and regulations, including NIST, DFARS, and other applicable requirements.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure IT solutions meet business, security, and compliance requirements.
• Responsible for IT budgets, including procurement, and vendor management, ensuring cost-effective solutions.
• Oversees enterprise-wide IT projects, ensuring that they are on time, within scope, and within budget.

Information Security and Compliance

• Leads the development and implementation of the company’s cybersecurity strategy.
• Leads the company’s cybersecurity program, including identifying, analyzing, and mitigating cybersecurity risks to protect classified and sensitive data, in compliance with DoD and other federal regulations.

Oversees risk management and security controls.

• Responsible for incident response planning and execution, ensuring swift and effective mitigation of cyber threats. Coordinates with federal, state, and local agencies, as required.
• Ensures compliance with defense-related cybersecurity standards, such as NIST SP 800-171, CMMC, and DFARS 252.204-7012.
• Ensures adherence to security protocols such as NIST SP 800-53, CMMC, and other relevant frameworks.
• Ensures integration of IT, Cyber-Security, Security and Facilities functions to maximize operational efficiency and ensure best practices concerning both information and physical security.

Industrial Security

• Ensures compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) and other DoD guidelines related to industrial security, safeguarding classified and sensitive defense information.
• Ensures proper management of personnel security clearances (e.g., JPAS, DISS).
• Oversees risk management and security controls to continuously improve the organization’s industrial security posture.
• Liaises with Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) representatives and other federal entities to ensure adherence to security standards and regulations.

Facilities and Safety Management

Oversees the security and operational readiness and response of physical facilities, including access control, surveillance, and incident response.

Maintains a high standard of safety, security, and environmental controls.

• Ensures compliance with DoD requirements for secure areas, SCIFs (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities), and other restricted spaces.
• Coordinates with executive leadership to align facilities management with operational and security goals, ensuring the physical infrastructure supports the organization’s classified and unclassified missions.
• Oversees the management of company facilities, ensuring efficient, safe, and secure environments for employees and assets.
• implementation and management of safety programs that comply with OSHA, DoD, state regulations, and other relevant safety standards, ensuring a safe working environment for all personnel.
• Ensures emergency preparedness, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans.
• Leads facility-related capital projects and maintenance activities, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and sustainably.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer :

Generous PTO and Leave Times

• Flextime Scheduling
• Bereavement
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental Leave

Financial Benefits

• 401K Retirement Plan Contribution
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Continuing Education Funds

Health, Medical, and Wellness Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement

Qualities We Look For

• Creativity
• Integrity
• Passion
• Responsiveness
• Collaboration

Experiences and Background We Look For :

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, cybersecurity, industrial security, or a related field.
• 10+ years of senior-level experience in IT, cybersecurity, or industrial security, with a strong focus on defense-sector requirements.
• Extensive experience with DoD compliance, NISPOM, DFARS, CMMC, and other regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams, including IT professionals, cybersecurity experts, and industrial security officers.
• Familiarity with facilities management in a classified environment, including SCIF standards and DoD regulations for secure spaces.
• knowledge of network architecture, systems administration, risk management, and cybersecurity technologies.
• Leadership and decision-making in high-stakes, regulated environments.
• Strategic thinking with an emphasis on aligning IT, security, and facilities management with defense- sector priorities.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across technical, operational, and executive leadership levels.
• Skilled in managing incidents, crises, and emergency situations effectively.
• Remains current with regard to emerging technologies, threats, and regulations in the cybersecurity and industrial security landscapes.

Nice to Have :

• Master’s degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Industrial Security, or a related field.
• Relevant certifications in the IT, Cybersecurity and Industrial Security domains.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS / SCI security clearance.

The salary range for this role is $216,000 to $250,000 ; however, Areté considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to : the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education / training, and key skills .

Other Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility.

Areté will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.

Other Considerations

Areté is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability.

To request an accommodation, please contact Areté Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.