Associate Director of Research Security and International Compliance

James Madison University•Harrisonburg, VA

About The Position

The Associate Director of Research Security and International Compliance provides strategic leadership for the university’s research security program and oversees compliance initiatives within the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance (ORIC). This senior role ensures institutional alignment with federal mandates, mitigates risks related to foreign influence and cybersecurity, and promotes ethical research practices through comprehensive training and oversight. The Associate Director collaborates extensively with International Research and Engagement Services (IRES), Office of Sponsored Programs Administrative Services (OSPAS), Sponsored Programs Financial Administration (SPFA), University Legal Counsel, the University Compliance Officer and Risk Management to safeguard the research enterprise and maintain compliance with evolving federal requirements. The role also supports export control infrastructure and international compliance initiatives to strengthen JMU’s global research engagement while mitigating risk.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., cybersecurity, research administration, ethics, public policy, or related discipline).
Candidates must demonstrate substantial experience in research compliance, research administration, cybersecurity, or a related area.
Demonstrated knowledge of federal research security and RCR requirements and emerging regulatory trends.
Strong leadership, analytical, communication, and project management skills.
Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction for the design, implementation, and maintenance of a university-wide research security program in alignment with federal mandates (e.g., NSPM-33, CHIPS and Science Act).
Develop and enforce institutional policies, procedures, and training related to research security, including cybersecurity, foreign influence, and insider threat mitigation.
Ensure integration of research security efforts with international research engagement and export control compliance through collaboration with IRES leadership.
Oversee the expanded development, implementation, and evaluation of the university’s RCR program to ensure compliance with federal agency requirements (e.g., NSF, NIH).
Direct the delivery of RCR training for faculty, staff, students, and postdoctoral researchers engaged in research.
Update RCR content to reflect evolving standards in research ethics, security, and compliance.
Ensure accurate tracking and documentation for internal and external reporting.
Lead risk assessments of research projects, personnel, and international collaborations in coordination with IRES, Sponsored Programs, and IT Security.
Monitor and evaluate potential threats to research integrity and recommend mitigation strategies.
Advise faculty and staff on managing research security risks, particularly in federally funded or sensitive research areas.
Develop and deliver advanced training programs on research security, international research compliance, and culturally responsive partnerships for faculty, staff, and students.
Partner with IRES and other ORIC units to provide joint outreach and education on research security, export control awareness, and responsible research practices.
Serve as the campus subject matter expert on research security and research ethics.
Ensure institutional compliance with federal research security and RCR requirements from agencies such as NSF, DOE, NIH, NASA, and USDA.
Maintain documentation and prepare reports for internal leadership and external agencies as needed.
Act as the institutional point of contact for federal agencies on research security and RCR matters.
Oversee secure maintenance of supporting documentation for current and pending support, foreign affiliations, and collaborations to ensure audit readiness.
Coordinate integration of compliance materials into secure systems for proposal submissions and institutional recordkeeping.
Support development and dissemination of export control policies, procedures, and toolkits related to international research (e.g., EAR, ITAR compliance).
Collaborate with IRES to interpret federal regulations and ensure faculty and staff are trained on export control requirements.
Assist in identifying compliance gaps and recommend corrective actions for international research activities.
Work closely with the Head of IRES, Export Control Officer, IT Security, Sponsored Programs, and University Legal Counsel to ensure a coordinated approach to research protection and compliance.
Work closely with the University Compliance Officer and Risk Management.
Provide support to the university community in ensuring compliance and accurate reporting for intellectual property and technology transfer projects funded by federal agencies.
Contribute to ORIC’s strategic planning and lead cross-functional initiatives that support research integrity and compliance.
Collect and analyze data and metrics on research security and international compliance activities to inform institutional strategy.
Support development of the IRES website and resource hub to enhance campus-wide access to compliance tools and guidance.
Stay informed of evolving federal guidance and emerging threats to proactively adapt institutional practices.
Support the Office of Research Development (ORD) with research security needs.
Support the Office of Sponsored Programs Administrative Services (OSPA) with research security needs.
Support the Office of Risk Management with research security needs.
Assist Authorized Organizational Representatives (AORs) with new mandates from NIH, USDA, NSF, DOE, and NASA regarding detailed review, documentation, and attestation of foreign support disclosures.
Support Sponsored Programs Financial Administration (SPFA) with research security needs.
Work with University Legal Counsel regarding research security needs.