Senior Security Compliance Specialist

University of Connecticut; Storrs (CT); On-site; USD 76,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Connecticut in Storrs is seeking a Senior Security Compliance Specialist (P5) to advance research security compliance for defense-related activities, including NIUVT initiatives and related collaborations. The role will guide compliance with federal contract requirements, CMMC, NSPM-33, and information security controls across labs and offices.

The successful candidate will mentor project coordinators, develop SOPs, provide training, and liaise with Export Control, Facility

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with at least five years of related experience in research administration, export control, or personnel/physical security.
• Knowledge of compliance principles and regulatory requirements governing research in science/technology.
• Experience with research security and federal security compliance requirements, including export control regulations, CUI, and related policies.

Responsibilities

• Analyze requirements for the research security program including CMMC and NSPM-33.
• Outreach to investigators and labs to promote compliance around FCI, CUI, and proprietary research.
• Manage NIUVT project coordinators, develop SOPs, and coordinate annual reviews and outreach.
• Oversee Technology Control and Security Plans and related tasks.
• Liaise with Export Control, Facility Security Officer, and Research Security Office to ensure sponsor and security compliance.

Skills

Compliance principles

Regulatory requirements

Research security

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

UConn's Shipbuilding Initiatives seeks a Senior Security Compliance Specialist (P5) to enhance research security compliance for defense-related activities. This position will support applied research conducted through the National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology (NIUVT), as well as initiatives related to supply chain, workforce development, and AUKUS collaborations.

Reporting to the Associate Director, the Senior Research Security Specialist will independently provide support, guidance, and direction in multiple areas of research security, including compliance with federal contract requirements, controlled information safeguarding requirements, personnel security, physical security of lab and office spaces, operational security (OPSEC), industrial security compliance, sponsor requirements, report preparation, policy development, and secure research operations. The position will support institutional efforts to ensure compliance while fostering a culture of security awareness and responsible stewardship for sensitive research activities. The Senior Research Security Compliance Specialist will be a resource to faculty and students, providing training, subject matter expertise and mentorship. The position will have managerial responsibilities for the project coordinators for research at NIUVT. This position has a dotted line report to the University’s Chief Research Security Officer.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs analysis of requirements associated with the research security program including the synthesis of requirements associated with meeting the audit requirements for CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) and NSPM-33 (National Security Presidential Memorandum) as well as physical and information technology requirements associated with research and contractual agreements.
• Conducts outreach to investigators and labs to proactively work with researchers to ensure a culture of compliance with safeguards around FCI, CUI, and proprietary research.
• Manages the NIUVT project coordinators for research and, in collaboration with associate director or director, directs their tasks and participates in the timely completion of and adherence to documentation; development or enhancement of standard operating procedures; planning and participation in NIUVT annual review and research group meetings and faculty and student outreach and training.
• Responsible for the management of Technology Control and Security Plans and associated task lists.
• Assists in identifying potential classification or sensitivity considerations within research activities, facilitating coordination with the Research Security Office as appropriate. Provides guidance to researchers and administrative units on compliance-related implications.
• Serves as a liaison between researchers and UConn’s Export Control Officer, Facility Security Officer, Research Security Office, and other institutional stakeholders to facilitate compliance with sponsor and security requirements to explain and safeguard research project needs and objectives.
• Serve as OPSEC Coordinator for UConn’s Shipbuilding Initiatives to relay unit-specific concerns and provide unit-specific orientation and awareness along with operational monitoring.
• Contributes to the creation and provides oversight and management of Standard Operating Procedures and processes related to the support of secure research.
• Provides oversight and implementation support for other areas of research security including physical and data security regulations that might apply.
• Develops educational and training requirements around research security.
• Maintains working familiarity with program Security Classification Guides (SCGs) and applies this knowledge to support institutional research compliance.
• Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of related experience such as working in research administration, export control, or personnel/physical security; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Experience with, and extensive knowledge of, compliance principles and regulatory requirements that impact research in the areas of science and technology.
3. Experience with and extensive knowledge of research security, and federal security compliance requirements.Experience managing and implementing research compliance requirements, including export control regulations, CUI, and other relevant policies.
4. Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Advanced degree (PhD, JD, MA, MS) and more than five years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Experience in a higher education institution.
3. Experience with applied science, engineering, or technology.
4. Experience with Security Classification Guides.
5. Demonstrated experience with government and industry security programs and regulations, such as NISPOM (National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual), DCSA requirements, classified contract administration, personnel security, OPSEC, CUI and related federal security requirements to include NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC.
6. Proven experience in conducting risk assessments and implementing mitigation strategies.
7. Completion of relevant FSO training courses, such as those provided by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).
8. Experience serving in at least one of the following roles: Facility Security Officer (FSO), Assistant Facility Security Officer (AFSO), Security Manager, Special Security Representative (SSR), Industrial Security Specialist, Personnel Security Specialist, or similar security role supporting government or defense related programs.
9. Experience working with faculty, researchers, and students to understand and address their specific security needs without hindering academic freedom and innovation.
10. Experience managing a team of at least 3 people for a minimum of 2 years.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, end-dated position with the possibility of renewal subject to performance and funding. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. The salary range for this position is $75,786 to $98,522.

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

The successful incumbent must have the ability to travel throughout the New England region and hold a secret security clearance upon hire. The incumbent must be willing and able to work in person, on campus, full-time with occasional travel to UConn Avery Point and other partner locations in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Options for occasional remote work may be available after six months of employment, in compliance with the University policies, including the Policy for Alternate Work Arrangements.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre- employment criminal background check.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on September 25, 2026.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community. The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.

Advertised: Aug 27 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Sep 25 2026 Eastern Daylight Time