Associate Director of Research Security (CSSO/SCI Security Manager)

About Us

Georgia Tech prides itself on its technological resources, collaborations, high-quality student body, and its commitment to building an outstanding and diverse community of learning, discovery, and creation. We strongly encourage applicants whose values align with our institutional values, as outlined in our Strategic Plan. These values include academic excellence, diversity of thought and experience, inquiry and innovation, collaboration and community, and ethical behavior and stewardship. Georgia Tech has policies to promote a healthy work‑life balance and is aware that attracting faculty may require meeting the needs of two careers.

About Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech is a top‑ranked public research university situated in the heart of Atlanta, a diverse and vibrant city with numerous economic and cultural strengths. The Institute serves more than 45,000 students through top‑ranked undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs in engineering, computing, science, business, design, and liberal arts. Georgia Tech's faculty attracted more than $1.4 billion in research awards this past year in fields ranging from biomedical technology to artificial intelligence, energy, sustainability, semiconductors, neuroscience, and national security. Georgia Tech ranks among the nation's top 20 universities for research and development spending and No. 1 among institutions without a medical school.

Georgia Tech’s Mission and Values

Georgia Tech’s mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do:

1. Students are our top priority.

2. We strive for excellence.

3. We thrive on diversity.

4. We celebrate collaboration.

5. We champion innovation.

6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.

7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community.

8. We act ethically.

9. We are responsible stewards.

Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.

Department Information

Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the non‑profit, applied research arm of Georgia Tech. This position is located in the Research Security department of GTRI.

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Research Security is responsible for developing and implementing security protocols to protect sensitive research data and intellectual property. This position also involves conducting risk assessments, training staff on security practices, and ensuring compliance with federal and institutional security regulations. Sets performance goals, contributes to evaluations, provides feedback, and supports compensation decisions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement security protocols to protect sensitive research data.
• Collaborate with external security agencies to enhance research security measures.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in research operations.
• Train staff on best practices for safeguarding research information.
• Coordinate with IT departments to ensure secure data storage and access.
• Monitor compliance with federal and institutional security regulations.
• Investigate security breaches and recommend corrective actions.
• Create awareness programs to promote a culture of security within the research community.
• Review and update security policies to address emerging threats.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements : Bachelor's degree in related discipline or equivalent, related experience.

Required Experience : 6+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years of supervisory knowledge.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Educational Qualifications : Master's degree in related discipline or equivalent, related experience.

Additional Preferred Qualifications :

• Must have active Top Secret/SCI clearance required with the ability to maintain Special Access Program (SAP) access.
• 7-10 years in demonstrated security management experience, with at least 5+ years in SAP and SCI programs.
• Experience overseeing both Physical and Personnel Security programs for classified environments, ensuring compliance with the NISPOM, DoDM   Vol 1-4, ICDs 704/705, and related governance.
• DoD-approved certifications, including Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC), Special Program Security Certification (SPSC), CISSP, or equivalent.
• Compliance and Inspection Leadership experience, including leading annual security audits such as SAPF's and SCIF's.
• Prior leadership in large‑scale multi‑program environments requiring complex oversight and direct government interaction.
• Experience leading and developing teams of 10+ people, including CSSOs, assistant CSSOs, and other security professionals supporting SAP/SCI programs.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on line at

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on line at

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Institute is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and Institute policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, and services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (“USG”) and Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of an individual's race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.

Other Information

• This is a supervisory position.
• This position does have any financial responsibilities.
• This position will be required to drive.
• This role is not considered a position of trust.
• This position does not require a purchasing card (P‑Card).
• This position will have some traveling.
• This position does not require security clearance.
• This position is located in Atlanta, GA.
• Salary Job Grade R11.
• Salary range is dependent on candidates experiences and skills that ranges from $122,327 - $268,000.
• You must be a US citizen to be considered for this role.

Background Check

Successful candidate must be able to pass a background check. Please visit

#J-18808-Ljbffr