Security Operations Manager

Applied Research Associates, Inc.•Raleigh, NC

51d•Onsite

About The Position

The Security Operations Manager reports directly to the Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) Assistant Sector Manager (ASM) to provide direction and operational oversight to IMS Raleigh's industrial and information security programs across Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) and Intelligence Community (IC) environments that require agile cross-domain solutions to meet customer needs. The Security Operations Manager serves as the lead security authority for IMS Raleigh's cleared operations, responsible for ensuring full compliance with the 32 CFR Part 117 National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs), and associated contractual security requirements. The Security Operations Manager serves as a decisive leader who applies strong technical expertise and sound judgment to guide leadership decisions, mitigate risk, and foster effective partnerships with stakeholders across the organization. The successful candidate will provide a vision for the team and support stakeholders, leading to the implementation of ever-changing customer and compliance needs. The position requires a seasoned professional capable of balancing compliance, enabling missions, and facilitating operational efficiency while overseeing personnel, processes, and systems supporting both collateral and SCI security programs. Experience in a restricted environment with complex projects is essential. This position is required to work on-site full-time

Requirements

Active in-scope TS/SCI clearance preferred; current TS required.
Minimum of fifteen (15) years or more successful relevant experience.
Have held one or more security positions: Facility Security Officer (FSO), Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM), Contractor Program Security Officer (CPSO), Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO), or a similar role.
Proven ability to lead teams, make independent decisions, and advise leadership under complex operational and regulatory conditions.
Strong technical understanding of access control systems, intrusion detection, secure communications, and classified information systems.
Work independently and exercise good judgment while maintaining a high level of confidentiality.
Proficiency with DISS, NISS, NBIS, and other government security management tools.
Experience in preparation for Security Vulnerability Assessments (SVA), Cyber Operations Readiness Assessment (CORA) and Other Government Agency (OGA) inspections.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated experience preparing senior-level briefings and interfacing with government customers.
Possess the ability to learn new systems and procedures quickly.
Bachelor's degree or 15+ years security field experience without a degree.

Responsibilities

Provide strong leadership and day-to-day management of IMS-Raleigh's Security program in accordance with NISPOM and ICD requirements.
Serve as the appointed Facility Security Officer (FSO) and lead the overall security support functions, including Collateral Program Security, SCI Program Security, and Information System Security.
Establish vision, strategy, and operational procedures to ensure compliance, efficiency, and alignment with corporate, contract and government requirements.
Advise Senior Management Official (SMO) and Assistant Sector Manager (ASM) on security risk, posture, and resource requirements, providing clear, data-informed recommendations and decisions.
Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and mission focus across all levels of the security team.
Prepare leadership briefings, reports, and metrics on security posture, audit outcomes, and program performance.
Manage all aspects of IMS-Raleigh's participation in the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) under DCSA oversight
Responsible for maintaining facility clearance (FCL) compliance and eligibility: managing NISS facility profile, submitting changed condition packages and ensuring system has current information.
Oversee the personnel security program to include clearance processing, reporting requirements, education and awareness training, maintaining the DoD personnel system of record and all other actions as required by government regulations and internal policy.
Prepare for and lead DCSA vulnerability assessments, implementing corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
Oversee DCSA compliance requirements for classified information systems, physical security, classified information safeguarding, and insider threat programs.
Oversee the establishment, accreditation, and management of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs), including physical, technical, and operational controls.
Oversee the CSSO's implementation of SCI nomination and indoctrination processes, access control, document accountability, and secure communication procedures.
Support IC audits, inspections, and re-accreditation activities, ensuring documentation and readiness meet applicable standards.