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# Head of Cybersecurity with a Government Contractor – San Antonio, TX



Role Overview for Head of Cybersecurity with a Government Contractor – San Antonio, TX
JRG Partners is seeking an experienced and visionary Head of Cybersecurity on behalf of our client, a distinguished and rapidly growing government contractor based in San Antonio, TX. This is a paramount executive leadership role responsible for establishing and maintaining a comprehensive, enterprise-wide information security and risk management program. You will be the principal authority on cybersecurity, tasked with protecting the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of our client’s critical data, systems, and infrastructure against an ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
As the Head of Cybersecurity, you will report directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and work closely with other C-level executives, program managers, and government stakeholders. You will lead a talented team of security professionals, fostering a culture of security awareness and continuous improvement. Your strategic vision will be instrumental in ensuring compliance with stringent government regulations, including DoD and federal civilian agency requirements.
This role demands a unique blend of deep technical expertise, strategic business acumen, and exceptional leadership skills. You will be responsible for not only defending the organization’s current assets but also for architecting a resilient security posture that can support future growth and the successful execution of sensitive government contracts. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader who can anticipate future threats, effectively communicate complex security concepts to non-technical audiences, and drive the organization’s security strategy to new heights of excellence.
Key Responsibilities of Head of Cybersecurity with a Government Contractor – San Antonio, TX
Strategic Leadership & Program Development
Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive enterprise cybersecurity strategy, roadmap, and governance framework. This includes creating and enforcing security policies, standards, and procedures that align with business objectives and government compliance mandates. You will be expected to present your strategy to the executive board and provide regular updates on program maturity and risk posture.
Team Leadership and Mentorship
Lead, manage, and mentor a multi-disciplinary team of cybersecurity professionals, including security engineers, analysts, and compliance specialists. You will be responsible for talent acquisition, professional development, performance management, and building a high-performing, collaborative security organization.
Risk Management and Compliance
Oversee the enterprise-wide security risk management program. This involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating security risks across the organization. A core responsibility will be ensuring and demonstrating compliance with relevant government frameworks and regulations such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, RMF, FISMA, and CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification). You will lead efforts for internal and external audits and serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies.
Security Operations & Incident Response
Direct the Security Operations Center (SOC) and oversee all security monitoring, threat intelligence, vulnerability management, and penetration testing activities. You will be responsible for developing and maturing the organization’s incident response plan, leading responses to security incidents, and conducting post-mortem analyses to prevent future occurrences.
Technology & Architecture Oversight
Provide expert guidance on the selection, implementation, and management of security technologies and tools. This includes firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM, endpoint protection, data loss prevention (DLP), and cloud security solutions. You will ensure that the security architecture is robust, scalable, and effectively integrated into the IT infrastructure, including on-premise, cloud (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government), and hybrid environments.
Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication
Serve as the lead cybersecurity advisor to executive leadership, business units, and program managers. Effectively articulate security risks in business terms and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure security controls are integrated into all business processes and systems. You will also interface directly with government clients and contracting officers on all matters related to cybersecurity.
Budget and Vendor Management
Develop and manage the annual cybersecurity budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to address key risks and strategic priorities. You will also oversee relationships with third-party security vendors and service providers, managing contracts and ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are met.
Security Awareness and Training
Champion a culture of security throughout the organization by developing and overseeing a comprehensive security awareness and training program for all employees and contractors. This program will be tailored to address the specific threats and compliance requirements of the government contracting environment.
Requirements for the Head of Cybersecurity with a Government Contractor – San Antonio, TX
Security Clearance
Must be a U.S. Citizen and possess an active Secret security clearance, with the ability to obtain a Top Secret/SCI clearance.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree is highly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in cybersecurity, with at least 7 years in a leadership or management role. Verifiable experience working within the U.S. government contracting sector (DoD, IC, or Federal Civilian) is mandatory.
Certifications
One or more of the following professional certifications is required: CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), or GIAC Security Leadership (GSLC).
Technical Expertise
Deep, hands-on knowledge of security frameworks and standards (NIST SP 800-53, 800-171, CMMC, ISO 27001). Proven experience with security architecture, threat modeling, cloud security (FedRAMP, AWS GovCloud, Azure Government), network security, and application security.
Leadership Skills
Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop a team of technical experts. Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
Communication Skills
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Must be able to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, including executive leadership and government clients.
Regulatory Knowledge
In-depth understanding of federal cybersecurity regulations and policies impacting government contractors. Experience leading an organization through CMMC assessment and authorization (A&A) processes is a significant plus.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a competitive and comprehensive benefits package. As a key member of the executive team, you will be eligible for:

Competitive base salary and a significant performance-based executive bonus plan.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
Substantial Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Funding for professional development, including certifications, training, and conference attendance.
Life insurance and disability coverage.
Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
A collaborative, mission-driven work environment where your contributions have a direct impact on national security.

How to Apply
JRG Partners is proud to partner with this premier government contractor for this critical executive search. If you are a visionary cybersecurity leader with a passion for protecting our nation’s interests and meet the qualifications outlined above, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. For more information on our expertise in this sector, please visit our Technology & Cybersecurity practice area page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can make a significant impact in this vital role.