Chief Research Security Officer

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Research Security Officer steers the Texas A&M University System-wide strategy and program for managing and protecting classified, controlled unclassified, export-controlled research, and information. The role oversees security infrastructure for the System’s U.S. Government-accredited secure space and is accountable for maintaining NIST SP 800-171 compliance for the Secure Computing Enclave (SCE), which houses sensitive federally funded research separately from the main university network. The officer serves as the primary security contact with Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and Intelligence Community stakeholders and leads a team of approximately 20 personnel.

The position manages security functions spanning physical and information security, COMSEC, Special Access Programs, training, classification management, operations, and personnel security. It also supports contract and facility compliance, security program development, government security requirements, and security training across the Texas A&M University System. The position is based in College Station, Texas, and is restricted to U.S. citizens. It may require participation in response activities at U.S. government-accredited secure facilities outside normal office hours.

Requirements

• Ten years of experience supporting a Cleared Defense Contractor in academic and/or government environments as an FSO, CSSO, or Security Officer.
• Experience managing employees across local and offsite facility locations.
• Experience with Special Access Program management and managing construction of SAPFs and SCIFs.
• Management experience interpreting DD 254s, Security Classification Guides, and other security-related contract management requirements, including passing security guidance to subcontractors.
• Experience implementing security for existing programs and new program starts.
• Management experience leading and conducting internal audits, participating in Government vulnerability assessments, investigating and mitigating risk or non-compliance, conducting pre-employment employee vetting, and reviewing security-relevant RFPs and writing proposals.
• Experience as an ISSM or ISSO, or in management of an ISSM.
• Familiarity with 32 CFR Part 117, NISPOM, and other DoD compliance regulations and security certifications such as Network+, Security+, and/or CISSP.
• Ability to secure DoD Top Secret and DOE Q security clearances with SCI access.
• Extensive knowledge of industrial security administration, contracts, and government databases, including DISS, e-QIP, and NISS.
• Extensive knowledge of Department of Energy Security Programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively and present compelling verbal and written communications to internal and external customers, and provide experienced guidance to executive staff and subcontractors.
• Ability to participate in response activities at U.S. government-accredited secure facilities outside normal office hours.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree with research security-related experience at the programmatic level.

Responsibilities

• Lead The Texas A&M University System Security Management Team.
• Advise System members on export control, controlled unclassified information, and other security requirements.
• Develop and maintain the System’s Counter-Intelligence Program.
• Develop and maintain the System’s Insider Threat Program in accordance with federal guidelines.
• Serve as the System’s primary point of contact with the Intelligence Community.
• Plan, initiate, manage, and be accountable for physical, information, COMSEC, Special Access Programs, training, classification management, operations, and personnel security functions in support of internal and external needs.
• Ensure compliance with 32 CFR Part 117, NISPOM, Intelligence Community and other government requirements, and System security policies and procedures.
• Perform administrative security support for the receipt, transmission, inventory, reproduction, disposition, and management of classified material.
• Maintain System Secure Computing Enclaves in accordance with NIST 800-171 and other federal guidelines.
• Work with Sponsored Research Services and Systems Contracts Offices to ensure compliance with contract and subcontract security requirements.
• Manage implementation and development of System U.S. Government IT security requirements.
• Comply with government COMSEC requirements for receipt, custody, issuance, safeguarding, accounting, and destruction of COMSEC material.
• Work with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency and other government agencies on contract and site/facility compliance.
• Develop and implement initial, refresher, and continuing security training, including OPSEC, Insider Threat, and Foreign Travel programs, using the System’s Standard Practice Procedures and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Defined benefit retirement plan with an employer contribution through the Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• If applicable, defined contribution retirement plan with an employer contribution through an approved ORP vendor
• Additional voluntary tax-deferred annuity options
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness programs to promote work/life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed