Chief Innovation Officer (CIO)

Mission Bridge Partners•McLean, VA

9h•Hybrid

About The Position

Mission Bridge Partners is supporting a growing federal technology solutions provider in its search for a Chief Innovation Officer 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 on the executive leadership team, the CIO will establish and execute the technology innovation roadmap, oversee Internal Research & Development (IRAD) investments, and develop differentiated solutions that strengthen competitive positioning, accelerate contract wins, and deliver modernization outcomes. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on work across emerging technologies, federal contracting, business development, and mission delivery. The company is seeking a leader with experience supporting federal civilian agencies such as DHS, USDA, HHS, and VA, and translating technology innovation into sustainable business growth. The position is based at the company’s headquarters in McLean, Virginia, with regular onsite collaboration with the CEO and executive leadership team. Occasional remote work is available. Travel to federal customer locations, industry conferences, strategic partner meetings, and technology forums is required. The opportunity offers direct access to the CEO and influence over corporate technology investments, along with the opportunity to develop innovative capabilities that contribute to business growth and federal mission outcomes.

Requirements

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: AI/ML and data analytics; cloud architecture, infrastructure modernization, and DevSecOps; cybersecurity and Zero Trust architecture; or 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 ability to influence cross-functional leadership teams.
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline.
U.S. citizenship.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Define and execute the enterprise innovation roadmap in alignment 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.
Establish, manage, and optimize the company's 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 to move concepts and pilots into production.
Establish measurable performance indicators for innovation initiatives and report outcomes to executive leadership and the board.
Partner 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 enter new federal markets through innovative technology offerings.
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.
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.