Information System Security Manager (ISSM)

Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 104,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohio State University seeks an Information System Security Manager (ISSM) to lead cybersecurity compliance across national security and classified research initiatives. You will oversee SSP lifecycle, vulnerability remediation, and COMSEC material management, coordinating with key leaders to maintain accredited operations.

The role requires DoD RMF expertise, NIST framework familiarity, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Engineering, IT, Software Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 6 years of relevant experience.
• U.S. Citizenship with active DoD clearance eligibility or higher.
• Experience developing RMF packages including SSPs, SCTMs, and POA&Ms.
• Familiarity with NIST SP 800-53/171 and RMF frameworks.
• Experience with eMASS, Nessus, Splunk, SCAP Checker, DISA STIGs, KMI/EKMS.
• Strong technical background in networking, OS, and privileged user management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to author SOPs and security policies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of System Security Plans (SSPs) and security control validation.
• Manage vulnerability remediation and continuous monitoring across information systems.
• Coordinate COMSEC materials, cryptographic equipment, and keying material.
• Serve as primary contact for external security inspections and audits.
• Collaborate with system owners and stakeholders to enforce RMF compliance.

Skills

RMF experience

NIST SP 800-53/171

Information security

DoD/COMSEC knowledge

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science

Bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/IT/Software Engineering or equivalent

Tools

eMASS

Nessus

Splunk

SCAP Compliance Checker

DISA STIGs

KMI/EKMS

Job description

The Information System Security Manager (ISSM) plays a key role in the execution and oversight of Ohio State University’s National Security Program cybersecurity compliance, ensuring system integrity, classified data protection, and cryptographic security across national security and classified research initiatives. The position provides security program management and is responsible for supporting the development, implementation, accreditation, and continuous monitoring of information systems, as well as the management, control, accountability, and operational oversight of Communications Security (COMSEC) materials, cryptographic equipment, Controlled Cryptographic Items (CCI), and keying material. Compliance must be maintained under federal cybersecurity standards and national security directives, including the DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF), NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-171, DoD CMMC, DAAPM, NISPOM, NSA COMSEC policies, and CNSSI directives. This position reports to the Sr. Facility Security Officer (Sr. FSO) within ERIK Research Integrity and collaborates with the Sr. FSO, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and institutional research leadership to maintain accredited operations. Utilizing highly complex technical knowledge, this position oversees the end-to-end lifecycle of System Security Plans (SSPs), security control validation, vulnerability remediation, and the lifecycle management of cryptographic hardware such as TACLANE, KG-series, KIV devices, and secure phones. The ISSM performs system audits and vulnerability assessments using technical security tools, including Nessus/Tenable, Splunk, Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP) Compliance Checker, and DISA STIGs, while maintaining accurate accounting records in government tracking databases such as eMASS and electronic key management systems (KMI/EKMS). The ISSM serves as the primary contact for external security inspections, tests, command audits, and reviews conducted by oversight authorities (e.g., DCSA, Command Cyber Readiness Inspections). The position works closely with system owners, control assessors, Authorizing Officials, privileged users, and technical teams to enforce compliance policies, evaluate third-party RMF packages, investigate technical anomalies or COMSEC compromises, and maintain a robust security posture across operational systems.

Required qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Engineering, Information Technology, Software Engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 6 years of relevant experience. U.S. Citizenship with an active national security clearance eligibility at the final Secret level or higher, or eligible to receive a clearance. Minimum of 2 years of direct experience in information security roles managing DoD RMF, DAAPM, or NISPOM compliance frameworks. Experience developing and maintaining RMF packages, including System Security Plans (SSPs), Security Control Traceability Matrices (SCTMs), and Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms). Familiarity with the NIST frameworks including NIST SP 800-53 and NIST SP 800-171. Experience with security tools and enterprise tracking databases, including eMASS, Nessus, Splunk, SCAP Compliance Checker, DISA STIGs, KMI, or EKMS. Strong technical background across networking components, operating systems, and privileged user management. Superior verbal and written communication skills to articulate technical risks, author SOPs and security policies, and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Attention to detail.

Desired qualifications: 8 or more years of relevant experience. 2 years of experience in COMSEC specialty programs, procedures, key management policies, and asset control. Technical familiarity with cryptographic equipment (TACLANE, KG/KY/KIV devices, fill devices) and secure telephony systems. Experience preparing systems to meet requirements for a NIST SP 800-171 or NIST SP 800-53 assessment. Experience defining and documenting system boundaries and data flows. DoD 8570 / 8140 IAM Level II or III Certification (e.g., CISSP, CISM, GSLC, CASP+ CE). Completion of DAAPM Section 3.6 ISSM Required Training through the Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE). 5 or more years of cybersecurity experience within classified DoD or Intelligence Community (IC) environments. Formal completion of the NSA / DoD COMSEC Custodian Course and KMI / EKMS Training.

The job profile's pay range is $104,000-$135,000. The salary that will be offered for this position will likely fall within this range and based on internal equity, the candidate's relevant work experience and qualifications, and the unit's available budget, which is the primary determining factor. Work Location We are open to considering candidates interested in hybrid work arrangements, although most of the job duties will require presence on campus. Additional Information Due to U.S. export control regulation regulations governing information, technology, and facilities accessed during the performance of this work, the successful applicant must be a: 1) U.S. citizen or national; 2) permanent resident; 3) asylee or refugee; 4) individuals otherwise described protected individuals pursuant to Title 8 U.S. Code Section 1324b(a)(3)(b).

A resume and cover letter are required at the time of application. This position is in the Office of Secure Research within the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK), located at Mount Hall on the Columbus campus.