(Remote) Executive Director of Research Security & Export Control Officer - WVU Research Office

The Research Office at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for an Executive Director of Research Security and Export Control Officer.

About the Opportunity

The Executive Director of Research Security & Export Control Officer leads the ongoing development and implementation of research security and export control policies and procedures across the University, administering expert advice and guidance to faculty, staff, and University leadership regarding all aspects of research security and export control. The Executive Director of Research Security & Export Control Officer reports directly to the Vice President of Research and is expected to collaborate with key individuals and offices across the University to establish and enforce University policies and practices related to research security and export control. The Executive Director utilizes external contractors and providers, and liaises with respective government agencies for compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) under the authority of the U.S. Department of State; the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) under the authority of the U.S. Department of Commerce; the Office of Foreign Assets Controls (OFAC) regulations under the authority of the U.S. Department of Treasury, and the current and evolving research security requirements and guidelines of all other applicable federal agencies.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Establish and oversee a comprehensive Research Security program, providing expert leadership and guidance to the University community on interpretation and application of research security requirements and guidelines from agencies such as the NSF, NIH, DoD, DOE, NASA, and NIST, including those related to NIST SP 800-171 CUI requirements, CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, and NSPM-33.
• Maintain proficiency specific to CUI policies, NSPM-33, CHIPS & Science Act of 2022, and existing and future federal contracting requirements.
• Research, analyze, and interpret the federal register, drafts of proposed legislation, regulations and laws, and applicable standards and practices. Develop, implement, and audit procedures, practices, and policies. Consult with federal and state regulating agencies, as appropriate.
• Develop processes and practices to identity, analyze, and appropriately respond to research security concerns, such as undue foreign influence, foreign talent recruitment programs, state-sponsored actors, insider threats, conflicts of interest and commitment, and research misconduct.
• Develop and cultivate close partnerships and collaborations with cross functional teams supporting research across the University, including but not limited to the Office of Sponsored Programs, Information Technology Services, Conflict of Interest Office, Office of Global Affairs, and Office of Innovation & Commercialization, to optimize the flow of relevant information, identify compliance requirements, and ensure compliance with implemented research security and export control processes and practices.
• Serve as the lead University resource for monitoring and communicating new regulatory developments in research security and export control, and ensuring that the University maintains updated policies, procedures, and training in response to these developments, across all relevant Offices and organizations.
• Provide informed guidance to WVU's leadership and other lead stakeholders concerning the impact of research security and export control on the University's future growth initiatives, with the ability to participate in and inform cross disciplinary teams and initiatives.
• Coordinate and support research security-related committees and working groups.
• Provide experienced oversight of the Export Control Office to continuously advance the mission of ensuring compliance with all federal export control regulations, including the Department of Commerce Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the Department of State International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and all other applicable U.S. export control regulations.
• Maintain proficiency related to NSDD-189, ITAR, EAR, and OFAC regulations.
• Review, analyze and streamline existing export control procedures, including Restricted Party Screenings (RPS), visa applications, sponsored research and international agreement reviews, jurisdiction, export classification and licensing determinations, deemed export reviews, international travel reviews, international visitor reviews, procurement reviews, Technology Control Plan (TCP) development, export recordkeeping, compliance monitoring and auditing, and interaction with government agencies as needed, to ensure international activity compliance.
• Develop and maintain research security and export control website content to provide important, effectual, and up-to-date guidance and information.
• Oversee outreach and assist in the creation and maintenance of informational resources and educational tools to help faculty and staff assess compliance risk and know when/how to escalate matters to the appropriate research security and/or export control contacts.
• Work with the University's Office of General Counsel to coordinate responses to potential compliance issues and assist with management of outcomes.

• A Bachelor's Degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant professional experience; Or
• A Master's Degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus a minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience.
• Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of rules and regulations governing research security requirements and export control compliance, especially as they apply in an academic setting.
  
• Extensive knowledge of research administration and compliance principles, procedures, and terminology applicable in academia.
  
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of research security requirements and guidelines from agencies such as the NSF, NIH, DoD, DoE, NASA, NIST, including those related to NIST SP 800-171 CUI requirements, CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, and NSPM-33.
  
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Export Control Regulations (Export Administration Regulations, International Traffic in Arms Regulations and Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulations).
  
• Ability to develop and apply a collaborative problem-solving approach to minimize burden on researchers without compromising regulatory or policy compliance.
  
• Experience communicating complex policies and regulations to non-experts.
  
• Proficient at managing competing demands and prioritizing responsibilities within a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
  
• Utilize critical thinking to problem-solve, make timely and effective decisions under pressure.
  
• Exercise professionalism and discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information.
  
• Excellent written and verbal skills, including ability to create effective presentation materials and deliver impactful presentations to diverse audiences, including senior executives.
  
• Ability to develop the trust of faculty and staff in a university environment.
  
• Strong leadership and team-building skills, including the ability to motivate others, set realistic goals, and ensure tasks are completed on time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Ph.D., JD, MA, MS) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  
• Professional certifications including but not limited to Export Compliance Professional (ECoP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) or willingness to acquire within one year.
  

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and engaging working environment and actively seek candidates who bring diverse ideas, approaches and experiences.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and received an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. We value diversity among our faculty, staff and students and invite applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.