Associate Director, Research Security Program

The Associate Director, Research Security Program provides program management, operational, administrative, and strategic leadership for the Office of Research Security and Export Control. This program ensures university-wide compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations related to research security, foreign influence, and export controls.

The Associate Director monitors federal legislation/regulations in these areas, including National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM - 33), CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, research security, international collaborations due diligence, controlled unclassified information, and export-controlled information as appropriate. The Associate Director works in close coordination with the Associate Vice President of Research Security and Export Control, University leadership, and external partners to ensure that all research security initiatives align with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and institutional goals.

This position serves as a senior advisor on research security matters and acts as the AVP’s delegate when required, managing complex compliance initiatives and ensuring the secure and compliant conduct of research across the institution.

Minimum Qualifications

• Prior working knowledge of federal regulations governing research security (e.g., NIST SP 800-171, DFARS 252.204-7012, ITAR , EAR , and National Security Decision Directive 189).
• Prior working knowledge of institutional policies and programs governing regulated research, including their development and implementation.
• Prior working knowledge of operational and regulatory environments within universities and federally funded research institutions.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and operationalize federal laws, regulations, and policy guidance related to research security, foreign influence, and export controls.
• Ability to build consensus and influence stakeholders across organizational boundaries.
• Ability to handle sensitive information discreetly and communicate with professionalism and diplomacy.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands and manage high-visibility issues effectively.
• Must be eligible to obtain a SECRET level security clearance. Must be a U.S. citizen. Active or prior security clearance. Certification in export compliance, information security, or related area.
• Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., Security Studies, Information Assurance, Public Administration, or similar). Or bachelors degree in a related field (e.g., Security Studies, Information Assurance, Public Administration, or similar) with related professional experience to equate to a master’s degree. Some additional training in Export Control and ITAR .
• Considerable experience related to research or program/project management in a University or research center environment. Prior experience with classified material handling and storage. Considerable experience in research security, export control, or related compliance functions. Experience developing and implementing institutional policies and programs related to regulated research.
• This position is designated as sensitive. A fingerprint-based criminal history check will be required of the final candidate.
• This position is required to complete a Statement of Personal Economic Interest upon hire in accordance with the Code of Virginia.