Director of Research Security & Chief Research Security Officer

University of South Carolina, United States

Updated: 3 days ago
Location: Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 07 Jun 2024

Posting Summary


Logo
Posting Number STA00382PO24
Job Family Research
Job Function Research Program Management
USC Market Title Director, Research Security
Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/168323
Job Level E1 - Directors and Executives
Business Title (Internal Title) Director of Research Security & Chief Research Security Officer
Campus Columbia
Work County Richland
College/Division Office of Research
Department OOR Office of VP for Research
State Pay Band Unclassified
Approved Starting Salary $154,534
Advertised Salary Range $154,534 - $193,165
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time Full Time
Hours per Week 37.5
Work Schedule
Normal work hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm with one hour for lunch.
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule as needed in support of office function.
Basis 12 months
Job Search Category Other


About USC


About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Inclusive Excellence Statement
At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.


Benefits for FTE Positions


The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the About Benefits section on the Applicant Portal at uscjobs.sc.edu.




Position Description


Advertised Job Summary
Reporting to the Vice President for Research, the Director for Research Security and Chief Research Security Officer will oversee the design, development, implementation, and monitoring of an effective Research Security and Export Control program, coordinating institutional-wide initiatives to prevent, detect and respond appropriately to federal regulations. Working collaboratively with a broad group of institutional leaders, the Director will lead and coordinate efforts across the university to develop and update policies and procedures for compliance and manage ongoing compliance with those policies and procedures. The Director will also lead and coordinate education and training efforts across the institution’s research enterprise and the ongoing testing and improvement of institutional systems.
The Director will work closely with a multitude of internal stakeholders to ensure that an effective research security program is implemented and managed effectively. University partners include but are not limited to the Offices of the Provost, the Vice President for Research, the Vice President for Information Technology, the Chief Audit Executive, and the Vice President for Human Resources. Additionally, the Director will work closely with the university’s Associate Deans for Research and other research leaders across campus. The Director will integrate and align the research security effort into the existing oversight and support within multi-disciplinary Enterprise Risk Management systems.
The ideal candidate will have prior experience in research security and export control. Knowledge of the build-out process and accreditation of classified facilities is a plus. The Director will have the knowledge, experience, and communication skills to both explain ‘security’ to stakeholders with little experience in security and to represent USC’s research security to external funding and regulatory entities.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field – which includes but is not limited to Cyber or Information Security, Engineering, Legal/Policy in Research Security and 10 years of direct relevant experience in intelligence, counterintelligence or information security. Or master’s degree in a related field and 8 years of direct relevant experience in intelligence, counterintelligence or information security. Experience should include management, training, compliance, policy development, and protection of US Government-controlled information.
Clearance, background, and residence requirements:
  • Candidates must be a US Citizen.
  • Candidates must possess an active US Government Top Secret security clearance or have a current US Government Security Clearance with the ability to obtain a US Government TS/SCI security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
  • Advanced knowledge and advanced understanding of US government security regulations and intelligence/counterintelligence operations to include the implementation and management of compliance processes, procedures, and best practices.
  • Knowledge and Experience with ICD 705, NISPOM, and SAPs. Experience with building access control systems and remote monitoring. Experience with encryption systems and COMSEC systems (SIPR, JWICS, DSWAN)
  • Excellent computer skills and experience with security systems such as SIMS, DISS, NISS, etc.
  • Experience working with integrated, cross-functional work teams. Team management, recruiting, and staff development with strong relationship-building, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to expertly handle sensitive discussions with discretion, sound judgement and strong integrity.
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
  • Ability to work with little oversight.


Job Duties


Job Duty
Provides overall management and proactive direction for Research Security, including leadership, development, and implementation of strategic plans, establishment of priorities for research security initiatives, administration, and oversight. Provides day-to-day guidance to faculty and staff in making decisions that ensure the effective operation of the Research Security program.
Connects with existing internal collaborative teams and, where necessary, builds activities within those teams to achieve the research security mission.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 20
Job Duty
Develops and executes a plan to achieve compliance with government and funding agency regulations. Serves as the University’s single point of contact for research security to ensure that security operations support the needs of the research enterprise.
Provides advice and counsel to the Vice President for Research the CIO and other University leaders on strategic and operational issues as well as regulatory requirements related to research security and administration.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 25
Job Duty
Manages the facility security program to ensure compliance with federal security regulations as well as contractual agreements regarding the protection of classified, export control, proprietary, insider threat, controlled unclassified information and all other aspects the university research portfolio. Ensures the University maintains compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Intelligence Community Directives (ICD), counterintelligence (CI), Cybersecurity laws, policies, and regulations, and all applicable federally funded government research activities.
Partners with the USC CISO on the implementation and management of the University’s research cybersecurity program to include strategic planning, conducting risk assessments, COMSEC management and compliance with numerous cybersecurity directives and regulations.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 15
Job Duty
Responds to and manages investigations into program security infractions and violations. Reports security infractions and violations to the appropriate internal management and to the appropriate government agencies.
Conducts internal risk assessments of classified, export control, insider threat, controlled unclassified information and research cybersecurity programs to ensure that research information is being properly protected in accordance with government directives.
In concert with new and existing teams, develops, implements and tests policies and systems designed to protect university assets from undue foreign influence and foreign interference. Serves as primary point of contact with federal law enforcement and intelligence community agencies on research security related matters.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 15
Job Duty
Monitors and stay abreast of changes in National Security Policy and regulations, particularly as they apply to USC operations. Adjusts and adapts policies and procedures to stay compliant with policies and regulations.
Serves as the Export Control Empowered Official ensuring compliance with export control laws and national security initiatives.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Job Duty
Develop and enhance security awareness, training and education programs to ensure that appropriate training is maintained. The Director is expected to lead compliance assessment and serve as the primary point of contact with external inspectors and auditors. The Director will also meet with external national security agencies to develop intelligence regarding internal and external security threats.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Job Duty
Prepares and manages a budget for research security to ensure effective and efficient operations. Provides regular feedback to leadership on the operations and future needs of the research security function.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 5


Position Attributes


Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.


Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive No
Hazardous weather category Non-Essential


Posting Detail Information


Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date
Job Open Date 05/13/2024
Job Close Date 06/07/2024
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by June 7, 2024.



The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
  • Health and Life Insurance
  • Retirement Programs
  • Paid Tuition
  • Dependent Scholarships
  • Annual Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Professional Development Opportunities


Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/168339
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

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