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Virginia Tech Master of Information Technology (VT-MIT)

Associate Director, Research Security Program

Virginia Tech Master of Information Technology (VT-MIT), Blacksburg, Virginia, us, 24062

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Associate Director, Research Security Program The Associate Director provides program management, operational, and administrative services for the Office of Export and Secure Research Compliance’s Research Security Program. This program ensures university-wide compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations related to research security, foreign influence, and export controls, in close collaboration with the Export Controls and Sanctions Program. The position monitors federal legislation and regulations in these areas, including NSPM-33, CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, research security, international collaborations due diligence, controlled unclassified information, and export-controlled information as appropriate. OESRC serves as the primary unit at the university responsible for risk management of the overall research security program.

Primary duties

Create and maintain university policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable policies, procedures and regulations for research security.

Initiate and manage new projects from inception to completion, exercising discretion and best judgment, and maintaining these initiatives. Projects range from moderately complex to multiple, complex projects simultaneously and independently.

Conduct research security reviews and risk assessments of international collaborations, including travel, proposed foreign person employees and visitors, and funded and non-funded proposals/agreements. Develop and monitor research security risk mitigation plans as needed.

Provide education/training for university faculty, staff, and students, as well as guidance or risk mitigation plans resulting from specific research security reviews.

Oversee management and compliance of Technology Control Plans (TCPs) with assistance from other OESRC team members, academic departments/institutes, and individual faculty, staff, and students.

The role is hybrid with weekly onsite presence in Blacksburg, VA, and provides essential services to university senior management, department management, faculty, staff, and students involved in international collaborations or research that intersects with export controls. The Associate Director is expected to work with a high degree of independence and is accountable for maintaining the program, including training programs and reporting both internally and to appropriate government agencies. The role will collaborate with multiple University departments (e.g., Division of IT, Office of International Affairs, Office of Audit Risk and Compliance, University Legal Counsel, University Libraries) and units within the Office of Research and Innovation to develop comprehensive policy guidelines and procedures to coordinate and manage a comprehensive research security program.

Organization and supervision The Associate Director reports to the Assistant Vice President for Research Security and Chief Research Security Officer and supervises a team of professional faculty and administrative staff. A working understanding of technical security requirements, such as NIST 800-series and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program requirements, is required.

Qualifications Required

Advanced degree in business, political science, international affairs, or related field; or Bachelor’s degree with significant training and/or progressive professional experience in lieu of an advanced degree

Must be eligible for, and able to obtain and maintain at least Secret level security clearance as required to perform assigned duties

Ability to work autonomously but also within a team environment

Excellent customer service and communication skills

Highly motivated, self-starter with ability to multi-task

Professional experience in export controls and/or research security with knowledge of relevant rules and regulations

Preferred

Knowledge of NIST 800-series security requirements and CMMC program requirements

Experience at an accredited institution of higher education

Experience developing policies and procedures, including documentation and training resources for customers

Program or project management experience and/or certification (e.g., PMP, PMI)

Prior supervisory experience

Current or previous Department of Defense security clearance

Additional information

Overtime status: Exempt (not eligible for overtime)

Appointment type: Regular

Salary: Starting at $140,000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week: 40

Review date: November 3, 2025

Due to access to sensitive information, position is restricted to US citizens.

The successful candidate must be eligible for, and able to obtain and maintain, at least Secret level security clearance as required to perform assigned duties.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech: Virginia Tech is a comprehensive land-grant institution that promotes diversity and inclusion. The university's mission includes advancing knowledge, discovery, and creativity across campuses in Virginia and beyond. Virginia Tech does not discriminate based on age, color, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status. Applicants with disabilities may request accommodations by contacting Kaitlin Winfree at kaitnw@vt.edu.

Advertised: October 3, 2025

Applications close: Open until filled

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industries: Higher Education

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