Help wanted: A CIO at NSA

The National Security Agency is making no secret of its search for a chief information officer

NSA's ad for a CIO

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"Breaking the mold"

It's no secret: The National Security Agency is using newspaper advertisements, a first-ever job fair and notices on 10 Web sites to search for a chief information officer.

NSA began its search in earnest when former CIO Raymond Holter retired in late January after 34 years of federal service. Internal candidates can apply, but Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Hayden, NSA's director, has announced that he plans to hire someone outside the agency, according to the spokesperson.

A key part of the CIO's job will be interacting with the winning vendor under Project Groundbreaker, NSA's procurement to outsource its non-spy systems.

Ten years of intelligence or military experience is "highly desirable," given the interaction among NSA's four sister intelligence agencies and the Defense Department, according to the spokesperson. NSA's mission is to intercept and analyze foreign military and national security-related communications around the world.

In its search for good CIO candidates and applicants for 116 computer specialist positions, NSA held its first job fair, Feb. 24 near Fort Meade, Md.

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