Research Security Compliance Specialist - 527899

Inside Higher Ed; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 68,500 - 89,100; Full time

Job summary

A leading education organization in Tuscaloosa seeks a Research Security Compliance Specialist to manage security clearances and safeguard classified data. The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree, have strong organizational skills, and can obtain a U.S. Secret-level security clearance. This full-time role offers a salary range of $68,500 - $89,100/year, contributing to the university's research ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and two years of experience; OR master's degree.
• Must have or be able to obtain a U.S. Secret-level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Process and manage security clearances for researchers.
• Submit required information to DCSA.
• Safeguard classified documents and data.
• Coordinate security processes with university personnel.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Security management software familiarity

Excellent communication skills

Commitment to ethical practices

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

National Industrial Security System (NISS)

Job description

Overview

Research Security Compliance Specialist – 527899

Location: Tuscaloosa, AL (as referenced in posting). This role involves processing and managing security clearances for researchers, including background investigations, fingerprinting, and submissions to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).

Pay

Base pay range: $68,500.00/yr - $89,100.00/yr

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $68,500; Midpoint: $89,100 (Salaried E11)

Job Summary

The Research Security Compliance Specialist safeguards classified documents, data, and equipment in secure facilities through access controls, secure storage, and transmission protocols. Ensures security processes integrate seamlessly into the university’s research ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Process and manage security clearances for researchers, including background investigations and fingerprinting.
• Submit required information to DCSA.
• Safeguard classified documents, data, and equipment in secure facilities through access controls, secure storage, and transmission protocols.
• Coordinate with researchers and university personnel to integrate security processes into existing workflows.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s degree and two (2) years of experience; OR master\'s degree.
• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret-level security clearance (as per department minimum qualifications).

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications

• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret-level security clearance.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong organizational skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and security management software (e.g., National Industrial Security System - NISS).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including government officials and university personnel.
• Commitment to ethical practices, attention to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active U.S. Secret-level security clearance.
• Five (5) years of experience in industrial security, compliance, or a related field, with direct involvement in NISPOM implementation and ICD 705 compliance or military equivalent.
• Experience in an academic or research environment, including supporting cleared programs or federal contracts.
• Certification as a Facility Security Officer (e.g., CDSE FSO Program Management for Possessing Facilities) or equivalent training.
• Familiarity with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) handling, marking, and dissemination per NIST SP 800-171 and Executive Order 13556.
• Knowledge of additional DoD guidance (DoD Manuals 5200.01 Volumes 1-4 and 5205.07) and Intelligence Community standards.

Background Investigation Statement

Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation. Information from social media and other internet sources may be reviewed. A prior conviction does not automatically disqualify a candidate; each case will receive individualized review before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to legally protected characteristics and will not be discriminated against because of protected status. Details are available in the EEOC Know Your Rights poster.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Information Technology

Industries

• Online Audio and Video Media

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