National Security Collaboration Center (NSCC) Research Security Operations Director

Location: San Antonio, TX
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job ID: 13010
Full/Part Time: Full Time

Org Marketing Statement

The University of Texas at San Antonio is a Tier One research university and a Hispanic Serving Institution specializing in cybersecurity, health, fundamental futures, and social-economic transformation. With more than 35,000 students, it is the largest university in the San Antonio region. UTSA advances knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service, and with an intentional focus on career readiness the university produces more graduates for the workforce than any other institution in the region. It is a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world. UTSA has been recognized as a Top Employer in Texas by Forbes Magazine. Learn more online, on UTSA Today or on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn.

In 2024, the UT System Board of Regents authorized UT System to begin integrating UTSA and UT Health San Antonio into one unified institution, establishing a world-class university that integrates academic, research, and clinical excellence to build a profoundly impactful university of the future. Driven by a vision for growth and impact, this merger will expand capacity to offer robust undergraduate and graduate programs, attract top-tier faculty and staff, develop innovative initiatives, and elevate transdisciplinary research to address the evolving needs of the region.

Posting End Date: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM CDT on 2/7/2025. At the discretion of the hiring department, this position posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Salary Range: Commensurate with education, experience and qualifications.

Hours: 40 hours per week, exempt.

Required Application Materials:

• Resume is required.
• Cover letter is required.

Essential Functions

Job Summary

The Research Security Operations Director (RSOD) reports to the National Security Collaboration Center Executive Director and provides senior level direction, counsel, management, administrative and fiscal oversight for UTSA Research Security. Serves as the Facility Security Officer (FSO) and Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO) for the University. Serves as a critical leader on the NSCC leadership team and at the University. Collaborates with UTSA leadership across campus and external government sponsors to develop and execute research security.

Core Responsibilities

• Provides overall management and proactive direction for Research Security to include providing leadership, development, and implementation of strategic plans, establishment of priorities for research security initiatives and administration and fiscal oversight. Provides day-to-day guidance to staff and makes decisions that ensure the effective operation of the Research Security Department.
• Provides advice and counsel to the Vice President of Research, Provost, Executive Vice President for Business Affairs, and President on strategic and operational issues as well as regulatory requirements related to research security protection and administration.
• Manages the facility security program to ensure compliance with federal security regulations as well as contractual agreements regarding the protection of classified, proprietary, controlled unclassified information and all other aspects the university research portfolio. Ensures full compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Intelligence Community Directives (ICD), counterintelligence (CI), Cybersecurity laws, policies, and regulations, and all applicable federally funded government research activities.
• Conducts internal risk assessments of the UTSA classified, controlled unclassified information and research cybersecurity programs between scheduled government audits ensuring research information is being properly protected in accordance with government directives.
• Oversees the implementation and management of the University's research cybersecurity program to include strategic planning, conducting risk assessments, COMSEC management and compliance with numerous cybersecurity directives and regulations.
• Works with the Office of Research Integrity, Export Control Officer, and Insider Threat Program Senior Official on export control and insider threat programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Cyber, Information Security, Engineering, Legal, International Studies, or related field.
• At least twelve (12) years of direct relevant experience in intelligence, counterintelligence or information security.
• Ten (10) years of experience must be in management, training, compliance and protection of US Government-controlled information.
• Extensive knowledge of ITAR, EAR, OFAC regulations, NIST 800-171, NIST 800-53, NSDD-189, CUI policies, NSPM-33, CHIPS & Science Act of 2022, and federal contracting requirements.
• Experience must show progressively increasing levels of responsibility and accountability.
• Current U.S. government Top Secret security clearance (with polygraph) or have the ability to obtain a U.S. government Top Secret security clearance (with polygraph).
• Completion of Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agencies Facility Security Officers Course for Possessing Facilities.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge and advanced understanding of U.S. 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, leveraging data and resources.
• 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 an 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.

Additional Information

• UTSA is a tobacco free campus.
• This is a security sensitive position. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
• Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.
• Valid driver's license and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) as applicable.

Working Conditions

Working Environment:

• Office Environment.
• Ability to travel to and from meetings, training sessions or other business-related events.
• After hours and weekend work is required on an occasional basis.

Physical Demands:

• Sedentary work; sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary, if walking and standing are required, only occasionally.
• Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasional.

This position will be primarily located on campus. Travel and parking expenses are the employee's responsibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, it is the policy of The University of Texas at San Antonio to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, and veteran status. The University is committed to the Affirmative Action Program in compliance with all government requirements to ensure nondiscrimination. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. UTSA campuses are accessible to persons with disabilities.