Chief Innovation Officer (CIO)

Position Overview

Mission Bridge Partners is supporting a growing federal technology solutions provider in its search for a Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) to lead enterprise innovation strategy, emerging technology investments, and technology-driven business growth across the federal civilian market.

Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the executive leadership team, the CIO will establish and execute the company's technology innovation roadmap, oversee Internal Research & Development (IRAD) investments, and develop differentiated solutions that strengthen competitive positioning, accelerate contract wins, and deliver measurable modernization outcomes.

This is a highly strategic and hands‑on executive opportunity for a proven technology leader who understands the intersection of emerging technologies, federal contracting, business development, and mission delivery.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience supporting federal civilian agencies such as DHS, USDA, HHS, and VA, with a demonstrated ability to translate technology innovation into sustainable business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Innovation & Technology Strategy

• Define and execute the enterprise innovation roadmap, aligning technology investments with federal civilian modernization priorities and corporate growth objectives.
• Lead strategic initiatives involving AI/ML, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, DevSecOps, and digital transformation.
• Identify emerging technologies and develop scalable, mission‑focused solutions that differentiate the company in the federal marketplace.
• Advise the CEO and executive leadership team on technology trends, strategic investments, and competitive positioning.

IRAD & Technology Investment Leadership

• Establish, manage, and optimize the company's Internal Research & Development (IRAD) program.
• Prioritize innovation investments, oversee budgets, and measure ROI through capability development, contract growth, and customer adoption.
• Develop rapid prototyping and innovation lab capabilities that accelerate the transition from concept and pilot to production.
• Establish measurable performance indicators for innovation initiatives and report outcomes to executive leadership and the board.

Business Development, Capture & Growth

• Partner closely with Business Development, Capture, and Proposal teams to develop differentiated technical solutions and competitive win strategies.
• Translate emerging technologies and existing capabilities into compelling solutions for federal civilian customers.
• Support strategic pursuits, customer presentations, solution architecture, and proposal development.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing customer relationships and penetrate new federal markets through innovative technology offerings.

Federal Customer Engagement & Strategic Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with federal agency technology executives, innovation offices, industry partners, and emerging technology providers.
• Serve as a senior technology advisor to federal civilian customers, helping shape modernization strategies and technology adoption.
• Represent the organization at industry conferences, agency technology forums, and executive-level engagements.
• Establish partnerships with technology companies, research organizations, and startups to accelerate innovation and strengthen market differentiation.

Innovation Execution & Organizational Leadership

• Collaborate with delivery and engineering leadership to transition innovative solutions into operational federal programs.
• Promote a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Establish innovation programs, technical training initiatives, and knowledge‑sharing opportunities across the organization.
• Ensure innovation initiatives incorporate federal cybersecurity, accessibility, privacy, and regulatory requirements from inception.

Required Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive technology, engineering, or innovation leadership experience, including at least 5 years in an executive leadership capacity supporting federal civilian agencies.
• Demonstrated success building, leading, or scaling IRAD, R&D, or enterprise innovation programs with measurable commercial or mission impact.
• Strong understanding of the federal civilian contracting environment, including acquisition strategies, modernization priorities, and technology investment mechanisms.
• Proven ability to connect technology strategy with business development, capture execution, contract wins, and revenue growth.
• Deep technical expertise in one or more of the following:
  • Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning and Data Analytics
  • Cloud Architecture, Infrastructure Modernization, and DevSecOps
  • Cybersecurity and Zero Trust Architecture
  • Digital Transformation and Citizen-Facing Technology Solutions

• Experience developing and communicating technology strategies to C-suite executives, federal agency leadership, and technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage innovation budgets, evaluate investments, and measure business outcomes.
• Strong executive presence, strategic communication skills, and the ability to influence cross-functional leadership teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS, MBA, or PhD) in a relevant discipline.
• Prior experience serving as a Chief Innovation Officer, Chief Technology Officer, SVP of Technology, or comparable senior technology executive within a federal government contractor.
• Established relationships across federal civilian agencies, particularly DHS, HHS, VA, or USDA.
• Experience supporting large‑scale federal modernization initiatives and transitioning emerging technologies into production environments.
• Familiarity with GSA acquisition vehicles, GWACs, and federal modernization funding mechanisms.
• Prior P&L responsibility or significant business‑unit budget ownership.

Security & Compliance Requirements

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required Public Trust clearance and agency suitability determinations.
• Working knowledge of federal cybersecurity and compliance frameworks, including FISMA, FedRAMP, and NIST SP 800‑53.
• Familiarity with FAR requirements related to R&D investments, intellectual property, and technology transfer.
• Understanding of Section 508 accessibility requirements and federal privacy regulations.

Work Environment & Location

• This executive position is based at the company's headquarters in McLean, Virginia, with an expectation of regular onsite collaboration with the CEO and executive leadership team. Flexibility for occasional remote work is available.
• Travel to federal customer locations, industry conferences, strategic partner meetings, and technology forums will be required.

Why This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to join a growing federal technology organization at a pivotal stage of its evolution and play a defining role in shaping its future.

The Chief Innovation Officer will have direct access to the CEO, significant influence over corporate technology investments, and the opportunity to build innovative capabilities that directly contribute to business growth and federal mission outcomes.

For an entrepreneurial technology executive who wants to combine innovation leadership, meaningful equity ownership, and measurable business impact, this position offers a compelling opportunity.