University of Colorado Boulder
Director of Research IT Security
University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States, 80301
Join the
University of Colorado Boulder
as the
Director of Research IT Security , a strategic leadership role focused on securing and enabling the university’s high‑impact research portfolio across AI, quantum science, aerospace, energy, and climate research.
Job Summary The Director will serve as the strategic integrator between research, compliance, and technology teams, fostering a culture of secure, compliant research and ensuring the university’s cybersecurity risk management aligns with federal mandates and best‑practice frameworks.
Responsibilities
Serve as a strategic integrator between researchers, compliance offices, and technical implementers, ensuring alignment and cross‑unit decision‑making to guide future grant and research opportunities.
Lead efforts to adopt and extend the Trusted CI Framework, grounding CU Boulder’s practices in evidence‑based, researcher‑driven cybersecurity solutions.
Provide information security subject matter expertise to inform planning around classified environments.
Act as a trusted partner, problem‑solver, and proactive advisor to faculty and research teams, championing adoption and communication of secure research tools, frameworks, and expectations.
Promote a culture of compliance that values clarity, accountability, and leadership‑supported risk management.
Guide CU Boulder’s grant and contract review process, aligning systems and platforms with business needs and security requirements.
Work in partnership with OIT and Research Computing service owners to identify gaps, prioritize enhancements, and promote adoption of secure computing environments.
Translate compliance needs into actionable service roadmaps using system architecture knowledge and ITIL principles.
Collaborate with Export Control, Ethics & Compliance, Contracts & Grants, and OIT Security to sustain and enhance compliance with NIST 800‑171, CMMC, DFARS, and other federal mandates.
Qualifications Required
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in information technology, computer science, law, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in cybersecurity, research compliance, or risk management within higher education, government, or research settings.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate across technical, administrative, and academic communities.
Deep understanding of research data lifecycles, cybersecurity frameworks, and compliance standards.
Preferred
Ph.D. or equivalent experience in information technology or a related field.
Experience with federal research compliance regimes (e.g., Export Controls, FISMA, CMMC, IRB).
Familiarity with ITIL and enterprise system architecture.
Familiarity with the Trusted CI Framework.
Demonstrated national‑level presence within research communities.
Ability to acquire a U.S. Government security clearance.
What We Offer Annual salary: $110,000 – $130,000. Full‑time benefits include medical, dental, retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and dependents; ECO Pass for local transit. CU Boulder is committed to supporting holistic employee well‑being through a comprehensive benefits package.
Equal Opportunity Statement CU Boulder is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply.
Application Process Required materials: a current resume and a cover letter addressing how your background aligns with the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations of this position. Please apply through CU Boulder Jobs by December 14, 2025. Application materials will not be accepted via email. References may be requested at a later time. The position is not sponsorable for visas; only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or other protected individuals (asylees, refugees, or amnesty temporary residents) may apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
University of Colorado Boulder
as the
Director of Research IT Security , a strategic leadership role focused on securing and enabling the university’s high‑impact research portfolio across AI, quantum science, aerospace, energy, and climate research.
Job Summary The Director will serve as the strategic integrator between research, compliance, and technology teams, fostering a culture of secure, compliant research and ensuring the university’s cybersecurity risk management aligns with federal mandates and best‑practice frameworks.
Responsibilities
Serve as a strategic integrator between researchers, compliance offices, and technical implementers, ensuring alignment and cross‑unit decision‑making to guide future grant and research opportunities.
Lead efforts to adopt and extend the Trusted CI Framework, grounding CU Boulder’s practices in evidence‑based, researcher‑driven cybersecurity solutions.
Provide information security subject matter expertise to inform planning around classified environments.
Act as a trusted partner, problem‑solver, and proactive advisor to faculty and research teams, championing adoption and communication of secure research tools, frameworks, and expectations.
Promote a culture of compliance that values clarity, accountability, and leadership‑supported risk management.
Guide CU Boulder’s grant and contract review process, aligning systems and platforms with business needs and security requirements.
Work in partnership with OIT and Research Computing service owners to identify gaps, prioritize enhancements, and promote adoption of secure computing environments.
Translate compliance needs into actionable service roadmaps using system architecture knowledge and ITIL principles.
Collaborate with Export Control, Ethics & Compliance, Contracts & Grants, and OIT Security to sustain and enhance compliance with NIST 800‑171, CMMC, DFARS, and other federal mandates.
Qualifications Required
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in information technology, computer science, law, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in cybersecurity, research compliance, or risk management within higher education, government, or research settings.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate across technical, administrative, and academic communities.
Deep understanding of research data lifecycles, cybersecurity frameworks, and compliance standards.
Preferred
Ph.D. or equivalent experience in information technology or a related field.
Experience with federal research compliance regimes (e.g., Export Controls, FISMA, CMMC, IRB).
Familiarity with ITIL and enterprise system architecture.
Familiarity with the Trusted CI Framework.
Demonstrated national‑level presence within research communities.
Ability to acquire a U.S. Government security clearance.
What We Offer Annual salary: $110,000 – $130,000. Full‑time benefits include medical, dental, retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and dependents; ECO Pass for local transit. CU Boulder is committed to supporting holistic employee well‑being through a comprehensive benefits package.
Equal Opportunity Statement CU Boulder is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply.
Application Process Required materials: a current resume and a cover letter addressing how your background aligns with the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations of this position. Please apply through CU Boulder Jobs by December 14, 2025. Application materials will not be accepted via email. References may be requested at a later time. The position is not sponsorable for visas; only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or other protected individuals (asylees, refugees, or amnesty temporary residents) may apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr