Senior Security Compliance Specialist

Job Summary

UConn's Shipbuilding Initiatives seeks a Senior Security Compliance Specialist (P5) to enhance research security compliance for defense-related activities. This position supports applied research at the National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology (NIUVT) and 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.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Performs analysis of requirements associated with the research security program, including synthesis of requirements for CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) and NSPM-33 (National Security Presidential Memorandum).
• 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 directs their tasks, participating in NIUVT annual reviews 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.
• Serves 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.
• Supports 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

• 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.
• Experience with, and extensive knowledge of, compliance principles and regulatory requirements that impact research in the areas of science and technology.
• 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.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (PhD, JD, MA, MS) and more than five years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in a higher education institution.
• Experience with applied science, engineering, or technology.
• Experience with Security Classification Guides.
• Proven experience in conducting risk assessments and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Completion of relevant FSO training courses, such as those provided by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).
• 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.
• Experience working with faculty, researchers, and students to understand and address their specific security needs without hindering academic freedom and innovation.
• Experience managing a team of at least 3 people for a minimum of 2 years.