Research Security Officer, Assistant Director

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS, is seeking a Research Security Officer Assistant Director to develop security policies, procedures, and technology to ensure compliance with federal guidelines for handling all levels of U.S. government information.

The role also serves as Facility Security Officer, lead security analyst, and oversees export control. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or Security, 4 years security experience, and clearance eligibility;

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Security, or related field.
• 4 years professional experience in security.
• Facility Security Officer Certification within 90 days of hire.
• Knowledge of federal regulations for NISP, EAR, ITAR.
• U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain security clearance.
• Experience developing security policies and training programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Facility Security Officer duties for NISP compliance.
• Provide security briefings, investigations, and incident reporting.
• Create, implement, and update security plans and procedures.
• Supervise ITPSO and export control oversight.
• Coordinate with law enforcement and international operations teams.
• Advise decision-makers on international operations and high-risk activities.
• Develop security education programs for faculty, staff, and students.
• Perform duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Skills

Strong leadership

Government security

Information assurance

Policy development

Communication skills

Independent work

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or Security

Job description

Position Function:

The Research Security Officer Assistant Director develops research security policies, procedures, and technology to enable Mississippi State University to comply with federal guidelines for handling all levels of U.S. government information. The Research Security Officer Assistant Director also serves as the primary Facility Security Officer, lead security analyst, and oversees the export control program.

Salary Grade: 17

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Act as or oversee the Facility Security Officer responsible for the management and oversight that is required of the university as part of the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) which is administered on behalf of the U.S Government by the Department of Defense.
2. Provide and document new cleared employee security briefings, exit interviews and debriefing, investigate and report security violations and incidents.
3. Create, implement, and update security plans, procedures, and instructions.
4. Oversee the Insider Threat Program Senior Official (ITPSO) having the authority to provide management, accountability, and oversight to effectively implement and manage the requirements of the Insider Threat Program for the university.
5. Serve as the Empowered Official for license agreements, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls registration.
6. Serve as the point of contact for Federal law enforcement and intelligence community liaison including requests for information, providing investigative support as appropriate, and coordination of Federal Law Enforcement and National Security activities associated with MSU facilities and persons. This does not include local criminal matters.
7. Coordinate with and support departments and personnel on issues related to security and international operations including but not limited to international agreements, international travel, international students, international visitors, and international purchasing and shipping.
8. Identify pertinent issues, provide strategic planning, and advise and assist decision-makers on international operations and high-risk activities.
9. Serve as direct supervisor and backup to the Export Control Officer.
10. Serve as direct supervisor to the Research Security Analyst and the Compliance and Security Administrator.
11. Develop and provide security education programs for all faculty, staff, and students.
12. Perform related duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Research Compliance & Security.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position will serve as the direct supervisor and backup to the Export Control Officer and will also supervise both the Research Security Analyst and the Compliance and Security Administrator.

The above essential duties are representative of major duties in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job. Not all of the duties may be assigned to a position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree with focus in Criminal Justice, Security, or related Field.

Experience (yrs.) 4 years professional experience in Security Field.

Additional Minimum Qualifications Include:

• Facility Security Officer Certification - within 90 days of hire date
• Knowledge of federal regulations and agency requirements for NISP, Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must be able to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance equal to the facility security clearance of the University.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Export control and security management, classified and unclassified, in a major research university setting.
• Industrial Security Professional (ISP), Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or related security certification are desired but not required.
• JD or Masters’ Degree in national security programs, international trade compliance, US military or USG agency experience in intelligence or classified programs

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Strong leadership skills.
2. Demonstrated experience in the area of government security and information assurance processes.
3. Knowledge of Federal regulations, including those pursuant to NISP, EAR, ITAR and OFAC.
4. Demonstrated experience developing policies, programs, training, and managing compliance programs.
5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
6. Demonstrated ability to work effectively at all levels in an organization and as a team member.
7. Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal oversight or direction.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No unusual physical requirements. Requires limited lifting of files and records and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
• Frequent externally imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one’s control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; irregular hours may be required; meeting of deadlines and coordination of related activities are key to position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
• Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.
• Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail].

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail]. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.