Chief Security & Classified Operations Leader

RAND Corporation; Santa Monica (CA); Hybrid; USD 273,000 - 397,000; Full time

Job summary

RAND Corporation seeks an Executive Director for the S&CO organization to serve as Chief Security Officer. Lead a 55-person team delivering classified research capabilities across FFRDCs and RAND divisions, with emphasis on AI, security, and collaboration across global sponsors.

Requires Top Secret/SCI and 10+ years in security/IT leadership. Location options include RAND offices in Arlington, Santa Monica, or Pittsburgh.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in business, computer science, security or related field.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI access.
• 10+ years of security, classified support, and IT leadership experience; 5+ years in management.
• Experience with classified research environments and AI-enabled capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Establish department vision, strategy, goals, and execution priorities; lead execution with metrics.
• Oversee insider threat program, risk management, incidents, and government compliance.
• Coordinate with sponsors and security orgs; build executive relationships.
• Lead budgeting, staffing, and staff development for a high-performing team.

Skills

Security leadership

IT operations

Leadership & management

Security governance

Education

Advanced degree in business or security

ASIS CPP certification (plus)

Tools

Risk Management Framework

AI in classified environments

Job description

RAND Corporation seeks an Executive Director for the S&CO organization to serve as Chief Security Officer. Lead a 55-person team delivering classified research capabilities across FFRDCs and RAND divisions, with emphasis on AI, security, and collaboration across global sponsors.

Requires Top Secret/SCI and 10+ years in security/IT leadership. Location options include RAND offices in Arlington, Santa Monica, or Pittsburgh.