Job Vacancy Announcement - Chief Information Officer, Branch Chief, Information Technology Branch

Program Overview

This position is located in the Information Technology Branch (ITB), Office of Management (OM), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The ITB is responsible for information technology planning and management, information systems and technology development and implementation, and ITB policy development, implementation, and training.

The incumbent serves as the Branch Chief of the Information Technology Branch and as the NIMH Chief Information Officer, responsible for managing the hardware and software infrastructure to meet information management requirements; assuring the availability and reliability of local areas networks; developing Institute-wide applications; assessing and implementing new computer technology; providing end-user support; and planning for and maintaining a state-of-the-art IT infrastructure for the Institute.

Position Duties

The incumbent is a senior IT leader and manager in a cutting-edge scientific research environment and is responsible for providing leadership, oversight, and direction for the entire NIMH IT infrastructure, security, and reliability including long-range planning for state-of-the-art systems to support cutting-edge research environment.

Major Position duties include:

• Responsible for executing the approved budget for enterprise IT services including network and help desk support, software, information security, application development, and specialized scientific IT requirements; acquisition of equipment, devices, and IT infrastructure; commercial software acquisition; employee training, travel, supplies, and all other required expenses.
• Serve as the Chief of the Information Technology Branch including direct supervisory responsibilities for the five sections chiefs of the Information Technology Branch who oversee various service contractors and federal staff.
• Serve as the principal advisor and technical consultant to the IC Director and senior staff on the Institute’s IT infrastructure and functions.
• Oversee the design and implementation of IT strategic plans and services essential to the direction and operation of the IC.
• Serve as a principal advisor on the IC’s IT needs for extramural and intramural users, including Internet access, utilization, licensing, security, and website development.
• Oversee research, design, plan, and implementation of information systems architecture to meet emerging requirements.
• Oversee and manage hardware and software selection, design, development, testing, implementation, installation, maintenance, and evaluation.
• Serve as the principal advisor on advanced networking technologies
• Serves as the principal advisor on using various cybersecurity mechanisms to safeguard user data.
• Serve as principal advisor on new IT regulations and policies.
• Serve as the principal advisor on ITB contractors, oversee the development of contract proposals, and project plans for new or enhanced IT systems and applications, and evaluate contract performance.
• Oversee projects that significantly impact the delivery of customer support services. 

Qualifications

Applicants must be U.S. citizens. The incumbent should have demonstrated background and experience leading major IT projects from inception to completion with proven experience managing all IT resources and capabilities. Key Knowledge areas include - IT cutting-edge advancements, computational biology, Artificial intelligence (AI), large-scale data processing, research computing and infrastructure, High-performance computing (HPC), data storage and large-scale networking (petabytes, petaflops), cloud computing, and mobile platforms.

The incumbent oversees operations, infrastructure, and security, and must possess extensive experience in managing medium to large IT teams (20+ personnel), including supervising diverse groups and managing subordinate managers. Applicant must demonstrate expertise in driving organizational change and collaboration across IC. The incumbent must possess hands-on experience with federal clients, contract management, and compliance with federal policies.

The incumbent must be highly skilled in operating and managing $20M+ budgets and interacting with private sector, legal, and compliance teams. An ability to handle complex compliance issues while ensuring operational efficiency and strategic alignment is a must.

Successful candidates are subject to a background check and public financial disclosure requirements.

A complete federal civil service benefits package includes retirement, health and life insurance, leave, and a Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent). https://hr.nih.gov/benefits   Salaries are competitive and commensurate with experience.

How to Apply

Candidates must apply through USAJOBS: USAJOBS - The Federal Government's official employment site 

A Supervisory Information Technology Specialist (IT) GS-2210-15 announcement will be available opening Wednesday, January 22, 2025, and closing Friday, January 31, 2025.

Please see NIMH CIO vacancy announcements, DE (Open to the Public) , and MP (Status Candidates)  to apply. Applications must be submitted through USAJobs.gov by the closing date of the announcement.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to also send a letter of interest and curriculum vitae to NIMHsearch@mail.nih.gov.

Please set up notifications via USAJOBS for future announcements that fit your criteria. Visit the NIH Federal Resume Tips website for guidance on creating a federal resume .

HHS and NIH are equal opportunity employers.

The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs and encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.