DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH SECURITY & EXPORT CONTROL

Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call?  

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others. 

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

So,... are you ready?

Clemson University is seeking a dynamic, experienced individual to serve as the Director of Research Security & Export Control. The Director will lead a team of professionals reporting to the Senior Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors to oversee compliance with federal research security and export control laws and regulations; federal sponsor requirements and guidelines; and the University's policies and procedures governing research security and export control across Clemson's research, academic and business activities.

One of the leading public research institutions in the southern U.S., Clemson offers more than 200 baccalaureate and graduate degree programs in the humanities and STEM sciences, with a significant and growing emphasis in Engineering, Computing, and Veterinary medicine. In the last five years, the university's multiple innovation campuses have earned national and international recognition as leaders in university-industry partnerships and for their contributions in advanced automotive research, human genetics, biomedical engineering and environmental restoration. Clemson's federally sponsored portfolio includes fundamental and secure research, as well as classified programs.

The Director position offers an extraordinary opportunity to grow and lead a multi-faceted compliance program integral to Clemson's research and academic growth strategy. Recognizing the critical importance of research security and export control to the university, Clemson's leadership will rely significantly on the Director to mitigate risks and forge supportive solutions. Hence, serving in this senior advisory capacity is foundational to the scope of this position, as well as nurturing the professional growth of the research security and export control professional team    

Research Security responsibilities: ensuring the effective implementation of best practice measures to meet NDAA, CHIPS + Science, and NSPM-33 requirements, South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA), as applicable, including but not limited to:

• Advancing the build-out of our foreign influence prevention and related conflict of interest and outside activity safeguards

• With CCIT, coordinating Clemson's information technology and data security CUI solutions applicable to our restricted research, including the interface between system security plans (SSPs) and technology control plans (TCPs)   

• Stewarding research security safeguards in relation to international employee and visiting scholars' visa programs

• Evaluating higher-risk global engagement across academic, research, and business transactions, including international collaborations, international travel, IP commercialization, international sabbatical-based research, and procurement programs

• Serving as the primary point of contact for addressing and resolving research security questions and concerns

• Advancing Clemson's research security training program, including helping faculty and staff recognize research security concerns and escalation scenarios

• Building out web-based guidance and procedural content

• Timely communication and implementation of new regulatory requirements

• Promoting staff growth and education in research security.    

The Director will continue to maintain and strengthen compliance-related relationships with academic, research, and business teams, placing high value on communication and advisory skills that support this work and on the ability to help the Clemson research community gauge and assess research security risks. The Director will also play a critical role in updating related policies as needed.

Export Control responsibilities: implement, manage and maintain all core export compliance procedures informing academic, research, and operational activities, including:

• Restricted party screening

• International shipping (export classification, preparation of license authorizations, use of license exceptions, and pursuit of methods to centralize export control review of international shipping)

• Deemed export reviews associated with visa sponsorship, access to lab and research facilities, industry and recharge service contracts, and identification of procurement-related risks

• Grant and contract reviews for export control requirements and coordination of data security requirements with Information Technology/Data Security teams

• Technology Control Plans (TCPs) to address publication and citizenship restrictions, as well as access restrictions to equipment or material

• Preparation of CCAT and CJ requests, and other U.S. Government submissions

• Visitor reviews vis-à-vis export-sensitive laboratories and facilities

• Technology transfer reviews for IP commercialization, MTAs and NDAs

• Analysis of international agreements and inter-institutional opportunities

• International travel reviews

• OFAC-governed transactions under the Specially Designated National List, Cuban Assets Control Regulations, Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, and other trade and economic sanctions regulations or legislation

• Transfer of controlled biologicals

• Online distance education and international students

• Interface with U.S. Government export control agencies as needed

• Serving as Clemson's Empowered Official on all ITAR-related matters, including but not limited to preparing and submitting export license applications; advising on ITAR regulations; and maintaining Clemson's ITAR registration.

National Industrial Security Program             

Clemson's classified programs will require that the incoming Director of Research Security & Export Control hold a security clearance and serve as the institutional Facility Security Officer (FSO) and Insider Threat Program Senior Official (ITPSO), when this responsibility is transitioned from the current FSO. While security clearance is not an immediate prerequisite for this position, preference is accorded to candidates who (among other professional qualifications) currently hold a clearance and can serve as the FSO/ITPSO, or who are committed to serving in this capacity and obtaining clearance as quickly as possible. In this context, Clemson would support the required clearance credentialization process upon hire and ensure a smooth transition from the current FSO to the newly credentialed FSO.

FSO/ITPSO responsibilities will include compliance with all NISPOM requirements, including facilitating all required staff clearances; partnering closely with the Office of Sponsored Programs to identify contractor security classification specifications in classified research; and coordinating restricted research parameters on classified contracts and the Insider Threat Protection program. 

Bachelors degree in a related field and 5-7 years of experience in export control and related areas. Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

Candidates should possess not only advanced regulatory knowledge in research security and export control, but also demonstrate proven management experience to oversee a team of professionals; strong communication and advisory skills; strong project organization, management, and document preparation skills; ability to effectively coordinate multiple projects simultaneously when required; a seasoned perspective pertaining to risk evaluation, assumption and solutions; significant training experience; and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and professional opportunities that a robust academic and research environment presents. 

Advanced degree in law, public policy, international affairs, or a related field. Demonstrated experience developing or managing a research security or export control compliance program. Active federal security clearance. 

JOB KNOWLEDGE
Comprehensive Job Knowledge - Comprehensive knowledge of theories and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Manages Work of Others - Manages work of others including hiring, terminating, training and developing, reviewing performance and administering corrective action for staff. Plans organizational structure and job content.
BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides Budget Input - Provides input into the budgeting process, and oversees fund allocation.

    Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period
    Walk or move about
    Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself
    Recognize or inspect visually

    No Work Conditions

Standard Hrs: 37.5

Salary commensurate with experience
 

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

Normal Operations
Required to follow emergency facility closure directives, and not normally expected work on-site during emergency situations.

Clemson, SC

Applications and nominations will be accepted until a new Director is selected. Interested parties must apply electronically via Interfolio and submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for five references by March 4, 2026, to assure full consideration.

For nominations or questions regarding this position, please email Brennan Ledford, Executive Talent Partner at bnhaski@clemson.edu.

MILITARY EQUIVALENCY:
Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.
VETERAN PREFERENCE:
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.      

State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.
To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email hrjob@clemson.edu upon submission of your application.         

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.