ATO Security Documentation Specialist

Position Summary 

Effectual ATO Security Documentation Specialist are members of the Public Sector Program Management team responsible for ensuring that customer-facing projects are delivered with exceptional customer satisfaction and technical excellence. Effectual Information ATO Documentation Specialists are “Brand Ambassadors” and are expected to stay current on leading practices to deliver high-quality, well-conceived solutions to customers.  

A Glimpse into the Daily Routine of an ATO Security Documentation Specialist 

The ATO (Authority to Operate) Security Documentation Specialist supports the government’s cybersecurity and compliance initiatives by preparing and maintaining documentation required for system authorization, obtain and maintain ATO, and continuous monitoring. Collaborates with INFOSEC, CISO, ISSO, and Security Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to ensure compliance with NIST, FISMA, and FedRAMP regulations for both on-premises and cloud environments. The ATO Documentation Specialist uses tools like CSAM, eMASS, and other security platforms to track, document, and manage the ATO lifecycle. Stay updated on public sector regulations, security and compliance requirements, and industry trends as an ongoing practice. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• ATO Documentation Preparation & Maintenance: 

• Develop, update, and manage ATO documentation, including but not limited to, System Security Plans (SSP), Risk Assessment Reports (RAR), Security Assessment Reports (SAR), and Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) 

• Ensure compliance with NIST SP 800-53, FISMA, FedRAMP, and other applicable federal security standards 

• Maintain Authority to Operate (ATO) for information systems through the RMF (Risk Management Framework) process 

• Use tools like Cyber Security Assessment and Management (CSAM), eMASS, Xacta, or similar platforms to manage the security authorization process and maintain documentation 

• Collaboration with ISSO & Security Teams: 

• Support the ISSO by managing and documenting security controls, risk assessments, and remediation efforts 

• Work with cloud service providers and technical teams to gather system configurations, control evidence, and audit data for ATO documentation 

• Respond to control assessments, audits, and reviews by providing accurate and up-to-date documentation 

• Use of Security Tools & Platforms: 

• Use tools such as CSAM, eMASS, Xacta, and others to create and track security packages, manage compliance documentation, and monitor security controls 

• Ensure all documentation is kept current within these systems to reflect accurate status on security controls and system authorizations 

• Compliance & Continuous Monitoring: 

• Align ATO documentation with federal requirements, such as NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-37, FISMA, and FedRAMP 

• Work with security teams to incorporate continuous monitoring and security control updates into ATO documentation and ensure compliance over time 

• Update and track security control changes in systems like CSAM and eMASS to maintain ongoing authorization status 

• Risk Management & POA&M: 

• Assist in documenting and managing security risks, vulnerabilities, and remediation efforts through the POA&M 

• Track risk mitigation efforts and ensure that documentation accurately reflects the status of risk management activities 

• Support for On-Premises & Cloud Environments: 

• Prepare and maintain ATO documentation for both on-premises systems and cloud environments (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) in accordance with FedRAMP standards for cloud services 

• Collaborate with cloud vendors to verify that cloud-based systems meet federal security control requirements and assist in maintaining FedRAMP compliance 

• Audit & Assessment Support: 

• Support internal and external audits by maintaining ATO documentation in platforms such as CSAM and eMASS 

• Support the certification and accreditation process (C&A), preparing documentation for internal and external audits 

• Interface with internal and external auditors during security assessments to provide evidence of compliance 

• Assist the ISSO and security teams in addressing audit findings and documenting corrective actions 

Qualifications 

• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in related discipline AND 

• Minimum Experience: 10 years’ experience including a security or cloud certification OR 

• Substitution/Alternative to Minimum Education and Experience: Must have at least 10 years of on-the-job experience  

• Be able to work remotely but, be able to go on-site as requested and/or occasionally on-site in Washington DC 

• Must be a US Citizen 

• Experience in IT security, compliance, or risk management, with a focus on ATO documentation in federal civilian government environments 

• Relevant cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CAP, or Security+ 

• Experience with NIST SP 800-53, FISMA, and FedRAMP compliance standards, including knowledge of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) 

• Hands-on experience with security tools such as CSAM, eMASS, Xacta, or similar ATO management systems 

• Experience supporting on-premises and cloud, including knowledge of cloud security controls 

• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with diverse stakeholders 

• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills, especially when managing security documentation 

• Ability to assess and articulate complex security requirements in simple terms 

• Continuous learning mindset, keeping up to date with industry trends and best practices in security  

• Ability to work with multiple clients, in parallel 

• Ability to work Eastern Standard Time Zone schedule 

Nice-to-Have Skills and Experience 

• Active Clearance or Public Trust (DOJ Preferred) 

• Prior ISSO experience supporting both on-premises and cloud systems security 

• Cloud security certifications (AWS Certified Security – Specialty, Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate) 

• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government) and cloud security concepts 

• Experience with security tools such as CSAM, SIEM, vulnerability scanners (Nessus, Qualys), and endpoint protection platforms 

• Familiarity with security automation and DevSecOps practices in cloud environments 

• Experience with conducting security impact analysis for cloud migration projects 

• Understanding of Security SA&A ATO, Zero Trust Framework 

• Data Governance and Privacy Regulations 
• Business Process Reengineering  

Physical Demands and Work Environment  

The work is generally performed in an office environment.  Physical demands include sitting, keyboarding, verbal communication, written communication.  Employees are occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 

This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended anytime at the sole discretion of the Employer. Duties and responsibilities are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship. Effectual Inc. is an EEO employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected classification in its hiring, promoting, or any other job-related opportunity.