Senior Security Compliance Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

UConn's Shipbuilding Initiatives seeks a Senior Security Compliance Specialist (P5) to enhance research security compliance for defense-related activities. This position will support applied research conducted through the National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology (NIUVT), as well as initiatives related to supply chain, workforce development, and AUKUS collaborations. 

Reporting to the Associate Director, the Senior Research Security Compliance Specialist in the UConn Shipbuilding Initiatives will independently provide support, guidance, and direction in multiple areas of research security including compliance with federal control information (FCI) and controlled unclassified information (CUI) regulations and sponsor contracting requirements, insider and external threat awareness, analysis and education, report preparation internally at UConn and to external agencies, and policy creation and documentation alongside other research program activities. This position has a dotted line report to the University’s Chief Research Security Officer.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs analysis of requirements associated with the research security program including the synthesis of requirements associated with meeting the audit requirements for CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) and NSPM-33 (National Security Presidential Memorandum) as well as physical and cybersecurity requirements associated with Data Use Agreements.
• Responsible for the management of Technology Control and Security Plans and associated task lists.
• Assists in identifying potential classification or sensitivity considerations within research activities, facilitating coordination with the Research Security Office as appropriate. Provides guidance to researchers and administrative units on compliance-related implications.
• Serves as a liaison between researchers and UConn’s Export Control Officer, Facility Security Officer, and Director of Cybersecurity Research to explain and safeguard research project needs and objectives.
• Serve as OPSEC Coordinator for UConn’s Shipbuilding Initiatives to relay unit-specific concerns and provide unit-specific orientation and awareness along with operational monitoring.   
• Contributes to the creation and provides oversight and management of Standard Operating Procedures and processes related to the support of secure research.
• Provides oversight and implementation support for other areas of research security including physical and data security regulations that might apply. 
• Conducts outreach to investigators and labs to proactively work with labs to ensure a culture of compliance with safeguards around FCI, CUI, and proprietary research.
• Coordinates educational and training requirements around research security. 
• Maintains working familiarity with program Security Classification Guides (SCGs) and applies this knowledge to support institutional research compliance.
• Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of related experience such as working in research administration, export control, or personnel/physical security; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Experience with and extensive knowledge of compliance principles and regulatory requirements that impact research in the areas of science and technology.
3. Experience with and extensive knowledge of NSPM-33 requirements and NIST standards.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Advanced degree (PhD, JD, MA, MS) and more than five years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Experience in a higher education institution.
3. Experience with applied science, engineering, or technology.
4. Experience with Security Classification Guides.
5. Demonstrated experience with cyber, government, and industry security regulations, such as NISPOM (National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual), NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC, and other relevant standards.
6. Proven experience in conducting risk assessments and implementing mitigation strategies.
7. Completion of relevant FSO training courses, such as those provided by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).
8. Experience with research compliance issues, including export control regulations, CUI, and other relevant policies.
9. Experience working with faculty, researchers, and students to understand and address their specific security needs without hindering academic freedom and innovation.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, end-dated position with the possibility of renewal subject to performance and funding. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment.  For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/health-benefits/.

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

The successful incumbent must have the ability to travel throughout the New England region and hold a secret security clearance upon hire. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499474 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on April 10, 2026. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.