Executive Director, Security & Classified Operations and Chief Security Officer

RAND • Washington, DC

15d • $273,000 - $396,825 • Onsite

About The Position

RAND is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization that provides leaders with information for evidence-based decisions. Its Security & Classified Operations (S&CO) organization partners with research divisions, Information Services, and Workplace Services to provide secure classified research capabilities and processes.

As a member of RAND’s senior leadership team, the executive director leads the 55-person S&CO organization and serves as RAND’s Chief Security Officer. Reporting to the senior vice president, chief financial and operating officer, this leader develops classified research capabilities for RAND’s FFRDCs and other research divisions, including high-performance computing and emerging AI capabilities at all levels of classification. The role builds on recent improvements by advancing technology, strengthening partnerships with researchers, and developing S&CO into a high-performing, service-oriented team while protecting classified information and people.

The position oversees RAND’s classified capabilities, including government systems, facilities, and computing; security policies and programs; and hiring and development of classified IT and security staff in Santa Monica, Pittsburgh, and Arlington. The executive director partners closely with the CIO and Information Services on classified IT acquisition, maintenance, and staffing, and provides security advisory support to RAND’s non-U.S. offices. The position is office-based in Arlington, Virginia; Santa Monica, California; or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and requires approximately 25% travel within the United States.

Requirements

• Active, transferable Top Secret clearance with SCI access and eligibility for SAP access.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible security, classified support, and/or IT experience, including at least 5 years in management and direct experience in both classified security and IT-related leadership roles.
• In-depth knowledge of special security regulations for U.S. government sponsors.
• In-depth knowledge of 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM), Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs), the Joint SAP Implementation Guide (JSIG), and Security Executive Agent Directives (SEADs).
• Significant experience managing special security facilities and providing associated computing and communications capabilities.
• Established relationships with government security counterparts.
• Experience preparing for and managing security and safety incident response.
• Experience designing and conducting security education and training programs.
• Broad knowledge of IT operations, information assurance, and classified system authorization, such as the Risk Management Framework; familiarity with cloud and AI computing capabilities; and sufficient IT knowledge to lead an IT workforce.
• Experience integrating large language models and AI-based applications into classified computing environments.
• Proven ability to attract, develop, and retain talent and build high-performing teams and organizations.
• Ability to create a respectful, results-focused environment that empowers and motivates staff while holding them accountable, being accessible, and leading by example.
• Experience establishing organizational strategies, goals, and implementation priorities with stakeholders, prioritizing the mission and the institution.
• Track record of leading change and continuous improvement, including transforming processes and organizational culture.
• Experience leading an organization known for exceptional customer service while balancing rigorous compliance with agile mission support.
• Experience managing a budget, using data to inform decisions, and adjusting priorities and resources as circumstances change.
• Excellent judgment, managerial courage, analytical ability, decisiveness, and ability to lead calmly under pressure or in a crisis.
• Strong written and verbal communication and influence skills, including ability to build trusted relationships with researchers, senior leaders, and government officials.
• Ability to travel approximately 25% within the United States.

Nice To Haves

• At least 15 years of experience.
• Experience working with a highly analytical knowledge-based workforce.
• Familiarity with U.S. export control regulations.
• Advanced degree in business, computer science, security, or a related field.
• American Society for Industrial Security Certified Protection Professional (ASIS CPP) certification.
• Membership in the Industrial Security Working Group (ISWG) and Contractor SAP Security Working Group (CSSWG).
• Significant management experience and deep familiarity with classified research and analysis and its supporting capabilities and requirements may be considered in lieu of the stated experience profile.

Responsibilities

• Establish the department’s vision, strategy, goals, and execution priorities with RAND leadership and research divisions; communicate them to staff and track progress using metrics.
• Ensure effective policies, procedures, and processes for department management, classified computing, and security for RAND associates, while streamlining processes to improve speed and service.
• As RAND’s Insider Threat Program Senior Official and CSO, assess and mitigate risks, including insider threat and counterintelligence risks; manage incidents and safeguard the organization.
• Ensure compliance with NISP, intelligence community, contractual, executive order, and other federal requirements for classified operations.
• Serve as the principal security liaison with sponsor security organizations in the Departments of War and Homeland Security and the Intelligence Community, and build executive-level relationships with DCSA, law enforcement, and other organizations.
• Monitor regulatory changes and emerging security and computing technologies, including AI and classified cloud offerings, and drive adoption.
• Lead and manage security and classified computing resources, staff, and facilities, including staffing, hiring, retention, staff development, performance management, and succession readiness.
• Develop and manage the department budget, aligning resources with strategic priorities and adjusting as circumstances change.
• Serve as the primary security contact for RAND research division directors, understand research plans, and proactively provide capabilities and security and classified computing expertise.
• Maintain facility accreditations and authorization of classified information and secure communication systems; oversee government agency interactions and maintain readiness for inspections.
• Administer SCI and SAP programs for all government sponsors.
• Manage travel security, including international travel security and safety briefings and threat analysis.
• Maintain a security education and awareness program for RAND staff.
• Maintain emergency response, business continuity, and disaster recovery programs, including plans, exercises, incident response, and training.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Paid time off
• Sabbatic pay, which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken

What This Job Offers

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