Associate Director, Research Security and Export Control Officer

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL) – Full-Time Staff position in the Department of Research Integrity.

About the Role

The Associate Director is a leadership position within UF Research and will serve as the University's Empowered Official for export controls. This role oversees the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of UF's research security and export control compliance programs. Reporting to the Senior Director, Research Integrity, Security & Compliance, the Associate Director will guide a forward-thinking, comprehensive research security and export control program that safeguards UF's research enterprise while enabling international collaboration and innovation.

This position ensures compliance with federal regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions, while promoting a culture of integrity, innovation, and global collaboration across UF's research community. The role requires deep regulatory expertise, strong judgment, and a proactive approach to managing complex compliance matters that intersect with research security, academic research, and international engagement.

Responsibilities

• Research Security Leadership
  • Lead UF's research security program in alignment with federal guidance, including NSPM-33 requirements.
  • Conduct research security risk assessments for international engagements, data sharing, and visiting scholars.
  • Coordinate with campus partners on matters involving undue foreign influence, international travel, and controlled research.
  • Develop and deliver targeted training and awareness initiatives for faculty, researchers, and students.
• Export Control Oversight
  • Serve as the University's Empowered Official, with institutional authority for export control licensing, classification, and compliance.
  • Manage export control determinations, license applications, and Technology Control Plans (TCPs).
  • Oversee restricted party screening, technology transfers, and reviews of international collaborations.
  • Interpret complex export regulations and advise leadership on compliance obligations and risk mitigation.
• Program Development and Collaboration
  • Develop, implement, and maintain university-wide policies and procedures related to export control and research security.
  • Partner with key offices including Sponsored Programs, General Counsel, International Center, and Information Security.
  • Build and lead a small team of compliance professionals focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
  • Monitor evolving federal policies and update institutional practices accordingly.

Requirements

• Master's degree in an appropriate area and at least four years of experience in an appropriate area; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Comprehensive understanding of U.S. export control regulations (ITAR, EAR, OFAC).
• Demonstrated experience developing or managing a research security or export control compliance program.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across diverse units.

Preferred Qualifications

• ECoP® - EAR/ITAR certified or ability to become certified within one year.
• 6-8 years of export control experience in a higher education or research-intensive environment.
• Advanced degree in law, science, engineering, or related field to include Master's degree or JD.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to translate complex regulations into practical guidance.
• Familiarity with technology control plans, restricted party screening, and compliance automation tools.
• Experience supervising professional staff and managing compliance operations.
• Working knowledge of research security policies best practices related to federally funded research.

Pay

$130,000 - $150,000, commensurate with education and experience.