Chief Research Security and Export Control Officer, Academic Affairs, Research and Student Success & Audit and Compliance - UT System Administration

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Research (AVPR) and the Executive Director of Institutional compliance (EDIC), the Chief Research Security and Export Control Officer (RSECO) is responsible for implementing and overseeing the University of Tennessee's Research Security and Export Control programs to ensure the integrity and security of the University's research by implementing and enforcing regulations related to export controls, foreign influence, research compliance, Financial Conflicts of Interest/Conflicts of Commitment, visiting scholars’ access to research and/or clinical facilities and resources, Responsible Stewardship of Research Data, and Responsible Conduct in Research, among others. The RSECO will work closely with campus and institute counterparts to promote and facilitate compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, federal sponsor requirements and guidelines, and the University’s policies and procedures governing research security and export control across research, academic and business activities. Additional, the RSECO will serve as the Export Control Officer for select campuses and institutes within the UT System.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, information technology, computer science, engineering, or related fields
5 years of relevant, progressively responsible experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Experience managing significant projects
Strong understanding of research security and export control principles and regulations
Familiarity with relevant federal regulations, including the CHIPS and Science Act and NSPM-33
Familiarity with NISPOM requirements
Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
Ability to assess and mitigate risks related to foreign influence and national security

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (master’s or higher) and/or advanced certification in relevant field
Experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership, or public-sector community engagement
Background in teaching or facilitating learning experiences related to social innovation, community engagement, or strategic communications
Supervisory experience
CISSP certification
CISM certification
Certified fraud examiner
CMMS assessor or similar credential
Proficiency with security assessment tools, DevSecOps pipelines, and other security management technologies
Current security clearance
ECoP certification
Insider threat program experience
Research experience

Responsibilities

Implement policies and procedures to protect UT research from threats like foreign influence, intellectual property theft, and non-compliance with federal regulations, focusing on areas such as export control, cybersecurity, and personnel security
Ensure the UT system campuses and institutes and their research adhere to federal and state policies, including those related to foreign influence, export controls (ITAR, EAR, OFAC), controlled unclassified information (CUI), and cybersecurity standards (e.g., NIST SP 800-171)
Perform comprehensive risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and develop mitigation strategies for security threats
Review requests for international visiting scholars, international travel, international agreements, and the shipment of controlled items to ensure compliance with export control regulations and address foreign influence risks according to policy
Identify and deliver system-wide training programs for faculty and staff on security procedures and compliance requirements
Implement policies and procedures for protecting sensitive research data, including CUI, and collaborating with IT on security for data environments
Assist campuses, institutes, and researchers in developing and implementing Technology Control Plans (TCPs) to manage export-controlled information and technologies
Work with various university departments, including Human Resources, IT, Legal Counsel, and academic departments, as well as external federal and state agencies
Coordinate with the campuses to ensure workspaces, infrastructure, protocols for conducing classified and controlled unclassified information (CUI) research meets all relevant regulations and requirements
Develop, implement, and maintain export control programs, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and international laws and regulations
Determine the appropriate export classifications for products, technologies, and technical data
Prepare and manage export license applications and other required documentation for government agencies
Conduct regular internal and external compliance reviews and risk assessments of export activities to identify non-compliance and implement corrective actions
Provide guidance and training to employees and researchers on export control requirements and best practices
Perform screening of foreign partners and other parties against sanctioned lists to prevent unauthorized transactions
Stay up-to-date with changes in export control laws and regulations and update internal procedures as necessary
Serve as a point of contact for regulatory bodies, government agencies, and other stakeholders on export control matters
Coordinate with campuses and other units in the development and review of reports required pertaining to foreign engagements and gifts
Provide individual campuses and/or institute support for those without sufficient resources and expertise to sufficiently and effectively staff these functions as they relate to research security and compliance
Serve as the Export Control Officer and other roles as needed
Conduct risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and develop strategies to mitigate threats to institutional security and research integrity
Monitor developed mitigation strategies
Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, guidelines, and laws concerning research security, export controls, and foreign government talent recruitment programs
Provide guidance, outreach, and training to faculty, staff and researchers on best practices for research security, including proper disclosure of foreign relationships and intellectual property
Other duties as assigned