Chief Innovation Officer (CIO)
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- McLean, VA
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- C level
- Employment
- Contract
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Category
- Not specified
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- 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 an
Nice to have
- 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.
Full description
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.