Director of Research Security Compliance

Overview

The Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and Economic Development seeks a highly qualified candidate to serve as the Director of Research Security Compliance. This position provides strategic leadership and oversight of Auburn University's research security and classified research programs, ensuring the protection of sensitive research activities and compliance with applicable federal laws, regulations, and sponsor requirements. Serving as the University's Facility Security Officer (FSO) and Insider Threat Program Senior Official (ITPSO), the Director is responsible for leading the security operations and compliance activities associated with the University's classified research portfolio. The position oversees institutional programs and processes designed to identify, assess, and mitigate research security risks. The Director works collaboratively with university leadership, faculty, researchers, compliance professionals, government agencies, and external partners to strengthen institutional research security practices, promote a culture of security awareness, and ensure the University's ability to responsibly conduct and expand its research activities.

Responsibilities

• Directs efforts to identify and mitigate foreign influence risks by working closely with faculty and staff to assess international travel, collaborations, and affiliations. Develops risk mitigation strategies, including training and compliance programs, to safeguard the integrity of the university's research initiatives.
• Manages the classified security program by developing processes for US government-funded research compliance, including reporting, auditing, record maintenance, and training, while ensuring adherence to the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs), and other federal regulations.
• Serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) by advising university leadership, faculty, staff, and students on classified operations, and educating them on safeguarding classified information through presentations, briefings, and internal assessments.
• Conducts internal audits and risk assessments of the university’s classified, export control, insider threat, and controlled unclassified information programs between scheduled government audits to ensure compliance with government directives and prepare for external reviews.
• Leads the development and implementation of university-wide foreign travel security and research security training programs, ensuring that all covered individuals receive mandatory training on international travel risks and research security protocols. Establishes and administers system for tracking and reporting high-risk international travel.
• Provides comprehensive oversight and leadership of Auburn University's Insider Threat Program, ensuring its effectiveness in identifying, managing, and mitigating insider threats. Leads the program development, foster cross-departmental collaboration, oversees risk management, ensures regulatory compliance, guides training efforts, coordinates incident responses, and maintains transparent reporting to university leadership and government agencies.

Qualifications

Scope of experience:

Experience in intelligence, counterintelligence, information security, or related areas involving management, training, compliance, and federal requirements.

• Master's degree - with no specific discipline
• 6 years of experience in

 Or

• Bachelor's degree - with no specific discipline
• 8 years of experience

Or

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 12 years of experience 

• Must be a U.S. citizen with a current U.S. government Top Secret security clearance or have a current U.S. government Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain a U.S. government Top Secret security clearance required upon hire 
• Completion of Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agencies Facility Security Officers Course for Possessing Facilities required upon hire.
• ECoP Certified Export Compliance Professional required upon hire. 

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge and advanced understanding of US government security regulations and intelligence/counterintelligence operations to include the implementation and management of compliance processes, procedures, and best practices.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large audience of varying experience and operational backgrounds.
• Strong relationship building and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify problems, analyze courses of action and implement solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to expertly handle sensitive discussions with discretion, strong personal ethics commitment and sound judgment.
• Consistently models high standards of honesty, openness, and respect for the individual.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and lead Research Security Compliance personnel.
• Experience working in an organization with integrated, cross-functional work teams is necessary.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in a operational environment with concurrent tasks and changing priorities and resources.
• Ability to conduct comprehensive risk assessments and identify security vulnerabilities related to information security, personnel security and physical security protocols.

Contract Type

Continuing
Application Instructions

Required Documents for Resume Upload Section

The file uploaded to the Resume Upload section is specific to the job application you are submitting.

The following required documents must be combined into a single file and uploaded under the Resume Upload section:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Important: Before submitting your application, please review the uploaded file carefully and make sure it includes all required documents for this position. Once your application is submitted, the file attached to that application cannot be edited or replaced.

Why Work at Auburn

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement


It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.
Posted Date

11/5/2026