Special Security Representative (SSR)

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

The Special Security Representative (SSR) primarily serves as the security representative for multiple Sensitive Compartmented Programs, providing expertise across security functions under 32 CFR 117 (NISPOM), Intelligence Community Directives, SEADs, and other applicable policies, regulations, and processes. The role collaborates with staff across APL, including Information Assurance, Security, Program Managers, Contracts Managers, and Cost Account Managers, and maintains relationships with government security counterparts. The SSR handles SCI personnel security actions, provides program security guidance, supports compliance and inspection activities, and works with information-system security personnel to ensure systems and networks meet contract requirements. The role also oversees facility security administration, advises leadership about security risks and tradeoffs, provides subject matter expertise on Security Classification Guides, addresses legal, regulatory, and compliance issues, performs physical security responsibilities for several facilities, and leads government security inspections.

Requirements

Associate degree in Business, Information Systems, or a security-related field; relevant professional business, IT, or security experience and/or education may be substituted.
At least 4 years of relevant security experience, such as CPSO, CSSO, SSR, PSR, or DoD intelligence experience.
Ability to apply security principles and government special security regulations, such as OPSEC, COMSEC, DCID, NISPOM, DoD Manual 5205.07 Volumes I–IV, ICD 704/705, JSIG, or RMF.
Ability to develop and execute security policy, plans, and procedures.
Experience using SIMS or other security management tools.
Experience using DISS, Scattered Castles, or other classified databases.
Excellent organizational and communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with staff at all levels while maintaining appropriate relationships between security leadership and supported-organization principals.
Experience with Compartmented Access Programs (CAP) and/or Special Access Programs (SAP).
Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph; must meet government requirements for access to classified information, including U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Business, Information Systems, or another relevant field.
Direct experience as a special security representative or officer.
Thorough understanding of DoD organizational structures.
Experience navigating challenges associated with special secure facilities governed by both U.S. Titles 10 and 50 authorities.
Experience in an organization with reporting responsibilities to multiple sponsors or authorities.
Some knowledge of information systems.

Responsibilities

Serve as the Special Security Representative for multiple Sensitive Compartmented Programs and provide expertise in applicable security functions, policies, regulations, and processes.
Collaborate with Information Assurance, Security, Program Managers, Contracts Managers, and Cost Account Managers across APL.
Build and maintain relationships with government security counterparts.
Perform SCI personnel security actions, including validating SCI access, processing eligibility and investigative requests, handling polygraph requests and nomination interviews, conducting security briefings, obtaining signed nondisclosure documents, and completing related actions.
Provide security guidance for program development and operations; ensure compliance with government and company regulations; develop, obtain approval for, and implement program-specific security policies and procedures, including SOPs.
Participate in self-inspections and government compliance inspections.
Work with the assigned ISSM/ISSO to ensure information systems and networks comply with contract requirements and have appropriate accreditations, including creating and tracking Co-Use Agreements, Joint-Use Agreements, and appropriate MOUs/MOAs.
Ensure facility security administration, documentation, and management comply with contractual guidance for multiple programs and facilities.
Advise leadership on security risks and tradeoffs that affect project, test, or evaluation objectives.
Advise Program Managers on interpretation, application, and compliance with Security Classification Guides.
Identify and resolve security challenges, including legal, regulatory, and compliance concerns.
Perform physical security responsibilities for several facilities.
Lead government security inspections and advise internal parties on preparation requirements and inspection outcomes.

Benefits

Robust education assistance program and education assistance.
Retirement plans and unparalleled retirement contributions.
Paid time off.
Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Short-term disability insurance.
Long-term disability insurance.
Flexible spending accounts.
Training and development.
Healthy work/life balance.
Potential sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance, subject to applicable policy and conditions.