ISSO Program Manager

Role Description

Nava is seeking a Senior Program Manager (ISSO) to lead system security, risk management, and infrastructure oversight in support of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

• Lead Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities.
• Maintain the system's Authorization to Operate (ATO).
• Oversee security controls and risk assessments.
• Support continuous monitoring and incident response.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to CMS stakeholders on the program's overall security and privacy posture.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree and at least seven years of relevant experience, with a strong background in:

• Risk Management Framework (RMF).
• Authorization to Operate (ATO) management.
• Cybersecurity and federal compliance.

Experience leading security assessments, managing POA&Ms, and implementing federal security controls in an operational environment is essential.

While Nava and CMS provide onboarding through the ISSO Handbook and ISSO Boot Camp, candidates should bring established experience managing RMF activities and supporting federal information security programs.

Although no specific certification is required under the contract, credentials such as CISSP, CISM, or CompTIA Security+ are highly desirable.

This is an opportunity to take on a highly visible leadership role supporting one of CMS's mission-critical systems. You'll work closely with engineering teams, program leadership, and federal stakeholders to strengthen the program's security posture while helping deliver secure, reliable digital services that support millions of Americans.

Qualifications

• 7+ years cybersecurity experience with a focus on federal contracts.
• Experience with Custom Software or Cloud infrastructure programs/projects.
• Federal security officer experience required.
• Experience working with or for government agencies, with solid understanding of government contracting, compliance, and importance of audit trails.
• Experience with leading and growing agile development teams.
• Ability to demonstrate experience leading large-scale projects with significant complexity.
• Experience using agile frameworks like scrum, kanban, or SAFe.
• Empathetic communicator and relationship builder.
• Adaptable problem solving and ability to deal with multi-dimensional challenges.
• Highly organized and care deeply about building and growing a sustainable, culture-conscious business.
• Strategic approach to delivery planning and contract management.
• Iterative approach to execution that emphasizes rapid team progress.
• Ability to maintain broader situational awareness beyond the immediate team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Requirements

• Previous experience in managing Paid Family Leave Benefits Programs.
• Experience working closely with or inside state government.
• Proven track record of building and leading high-performing, agile technology teams of 50+ staff.
• Experience launching new production systems with high public visibility.
• Experience with long term, complex, and ambiguous IT modernization efforts.
• Experience with using common project management tools like Jira and Confluence.
• Track record of introducing and expanding agile transformation.
• Experience managing projects that provide production operations and support alongside ongoing product/feature development.

Compensation

$157,500 — $177,300 USD

Other requirements

• Legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Ability to meet any other requirements for government contracts.
• Work authorization that doesn’t require visa sponsorship.
• May be subject to a government background check or security clearance.

Benefits

• Health coverage — comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Insurance coverage — disability, life, and accidental death insurance at no cost.
• Time off — vacation, holidays (including Juneteenth), and floating holidays.
• Company holidays — enjoy 12 paid federal holidays each year.
• Annual bonus — eligible employees receive a performance-based annual bonus.
• Parental leave — paid time off for new parents, plus weekly meals delivered to your home.
• Wellness program — offering physical, mental, & emotional health resources.
• Virtual care — see doctors online with no copay through a virtual visit program.
• Sabbatical leave — earn extended unpaid leave after continuous service.
• 401(k) match — Nava matches 4% of your salary.
• Flexible work — remote-first environment with flexibility built around your schedule.
• Home office setup — company laptop & setup assistance provided.
• Utility support — monthly reimbursement for eligible home office utility expenses.
• Learning opportunities — internal training programs and resources.
• Development opportunities — LinkedIn Learning access & an annual allowance for courses.
• Referral bonus — get rewarded when you refer great people.
• Commuter benefits — pre-tax commuter programs.
• Supportive culture — collaborative and remote-friendly team environment.