Director of the Research Security Office

Overview

The Director, Research Security Office (Director) will serve a critical role by ensuring UW research complies with legal and regulatory obligations related to research security as mandated by the CHIPS and Science Act, National Security Presidential Memorandum 33, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program, and all other applicable regulations.

Reporting to the Chief Research Security Officer in the Office of Research (OR), the Director will participate in the development of University-level policy and procedures in the area of research security requirements.

Work collaboratively with Office of Global Affairs, Finance & Facilities (e.g. B&A), UW HR, Purchasing, Chief Information Security Office (CISO) and other leadership at the University in the development of high-level policy and requirements for research and other business activities that require adherence to research security regulations.

The DIRECTOR will apply a thorough understanding of related laws and regulations and skills in risk-based analysis, decision-making, communications, and team leadership. In addition, the DIRECTOR will inform and enforce University-wide policy and will enable research involving activities, personnel, information, and technologies subject to research security and related regulations.

As a manager, the DIRECTOR will model and support a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and well-being. The DIRECTOR will foster an environment where their team can thrive and navigate work and life challenges because they feel like they belong and have the tools and support they need.

The Director, Research Security Office (DIRECTOR) will identify and implement measures to ensure compliance with research security regulations within the relatively open environment of a large, complex, research-intensive university. Highly technical subject matter expertise as well as experience-informed opinions regarding research security must be provided by the DIRECTOR at executive levels. The relevant regulatory framework is complex, at times internally inconsistent and/or less than fully defined, and frequently evolving. A risk-based approach to compliance will be required and must be well within the DIRECTOR’s skill set.

Position Dimensions and Impact to the University:

UW is a world leader in research, ranking among the world’s top 25 universities. Each year since 1974, UW receives more federal research funding than any other U S Public university, with research funding for FY 2024 exceeding $1.8 billion. It is critical that UW has strong, effective leadership in the research security domain if UW is to maintain its position as a premier research university.

Duties & Responsibilities

Executive Leadership 10%

Ultimate responsibility for developing and maintaining a service-oriented Research Security Office to ensure University-wide compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Directly supervises one Research Security Specialist in their role in the RSO.

Informs the CRSO in their representation of the UW Office of Research on committees and other University-wide bodies charged with making or enforcing policy involving or affecting research security, and may serve on such committees and bodies at the CRSO’s direction.

Participates in institutional responses to matters centering on research security that threaten the University’s reputation or status as an entity authorized to conduct research subject to research security regulations.

Executive Administration 25%

Promote and oversee the delivery of excellent customer service by the RSO within available resources.

Advocate for systems and procedures to support the effective and efficient daily operations of the RSO.

Participate in local, regional and national forums shaping Federal policy related to research security and in research security aspects of general research administration.

Participate in the development of strategic plans and initiatives to anticipate and respond to the rapidly changing federal regulatory climate with its increased emphasis on compliance and documentation. Develop and implement new processes and policies required by changes in government regulatory environments or to facilitate enhanced customer service.

Identify service areas and processes that will enhance service with specifications and expectations, monitor with appropriate metrics and evaluation techniques, assess performance over time, improve and redesign processes based on the evaluation, and reassess continuously.

Leading Change 15%

Contribute to a reputation for competence and collaboration with UW researchers for the RSO and the overall Research Security Program.

Communicate and model how the University’s research can continue to flourish and have impact, within the restrictions and additional administration required to be compliant with federal regulations.

Identify and implement best practices to ensure UW’s research community continues to embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging while addressing national security concerns.

Contribute to the development of a comprehensive research security training program for all research personnel that meets applicable federal requirements. To the extent feasible, integrate research security content and/or concepts into other existing UW research training programs.

Manage, mentor and develop RSO staff, including hiring and maintaining a well-trained, motivated and diverse staff to provide effective service to the UW research community.

Ensure job requirements and goals for each RSO position are clear to employees, that there is sufficient training to achieve the desired level of competency, and that there is documentation of evidence of competency on a continuing basis.

Represent the RSO’s human resources needs to the CRSO, the Office of Research and UW Human Resources offices, as appropriate

Building and Maintaining Strategic Relationships 10%

The DIRECTOR is expected to work closely with the Office of Sponsored Programs, the Office of Global Affairs, the Office for Information Security, CoMotion, and other Research Compliance offices and academic units at the Department and School or College levels to promote regulatory compliance, while providing service to researchers and supporting their research efforts.

Participate in UW’s communication network with key sponsors including federal, state, private, and not-for-profit organizations.

Contribute to the development of responses to queries from external organizations regarding UW research security resources and policies.

Ensuring Compliance with Regulations, Policies and Laws 40%

Work to minimize compliance risk related to research security by implementing sound business management practices related to all aspects of UW research and serve as a technical expert on research security matters.

Act as a resource to the campus research community on interpretation and administration of regulatory matters involving research security.

Contribute to initiatives internal and external to the Office of Research supporting the development and implementation of institutional policies and establishment of educational programs and compliance relationships involving research security.

Support UW’s research security and foreign influence compliance efforts, including drafting and administering mitigation plans, conducting restricted party screenings, reviewing international travel and work abroad requests, and assessing internal and external disclosures related to outside activities and conflicts of interest and/or commitment.

Advise the CRSO on policy development and implementation.

Participate as a member of the management team in audits, including follow-up on audit findings.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise 1.0 FTE Research Security Specialist

Minimum Qualifications:

Advanced Degree (Master’s) in Engineering, Management or Administration, Law or other relevant discipline. At least four years of relevant research administration and regulatory experience in one or more areas related to research security, with proven administrative, organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills, in a university environment.

Desired

• Minimum of six years of experience in a high-volume service setting

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Demonstrated experience working effectively with customers, managers and sponsors at multiple levels in the context of complex organizations

• Ability to manage, motivate and coach a team under tight deadlines and amidst multiple and sometimes conflicting priorities; supervisory and management experience to include demonstrated skill in problem solving, staff motivation, and establishing and managing to operational metrics

• Experience with electronic management and workflow tools

• Knowledge of major federal sponsor policies, including NSF, DoE and DoD, and an understanding of federal, state and other relevant regulations, as well as knowledge of contracting and subcontracting

In addition, the DIRECTOR should demonstrate the ability to lead and model with:

• High standards for personal and professional excellence, achievement, and integrity

• An open and collaborative leadership style that promotes partnerships, team building and the ability to build strong relationships across constituents

• A proven capability to handle multiple priorities, with the ability to delegate responsibility and to ensure timely follow-through with implementation

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to see the big picture, while remaining attentive to detail

• A commitment to supporting equity

• Experience in dealing with various aspects of proposal development/preparation, grant management, contract negotiation, compliance, and related areas as applicable to research security

• Experience in a large research university with a health science unit

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$132,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$150,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer ( . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at or .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law ( .

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.