Job Summary

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is seeking an International Research Security Officer (IRSO). This position is responsible for day-to-day handling, implementation, and oversight of security procedures pertaining to global partnerships or engagements. The IRSO will facilitate WHOI’s worldwide research by upholding the high standards of security, in adherence with appropriate regulations and policies regarding international data-sharing, research security partnerships, physical and cyber exports, and international acquisitions. The IRSO will work as part of the institutional security team, and will be the workforce’s entry point for questions involving international security across the Institution. This is a full-time, exempt position and is eligible for benefits.

Essential Functions

Data and Equipment Exports

• Monitors activities involving regulated technologies, systems, data, and equipment that fall under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations, or the Defense Federal Acquisitions Regulation.
• Review trade-related requests, oversees dissemination, and will be empowered to enforce the Institution’s Technology Control Plan (TCP).
• Assess and adjudicate requests and submissions for sensitive equipment export or import, vessel visits to foreign ports of call, or acquisitions of sensitive materiel.
• Create and maintain procedures to fulfill requirements of the ITAR, EAR, OFAC, or DFARS regulations under the supervision of, and in coordination with, the Operational Security Manager.
• Maintain trade clearance, licensing, and export approval system.
• Assist in the training & maintaining of an Institution-wide network of authorized trade control & export license drafters.
• Monitor continuing sensitive or classified projects to remain steadily abreast of new ITAR, EAR, OFA, or DFARS requirements as the projects evolve.

Personnel International Security

• Assist in the educating of personnel on changes in procedures, requirements and impacts on trade or export efforts.
• Provide guidance to Operational Security Lead regarding approvals or restrictions for personnel and visitors regarding trade or export-relevant activities.
• Handle day-to-day foreign travel security, under the guidance of the Senior Director of Institutional Security, and in coordination with the Operational Security Lead.
• Handle day-to-day processing of foreign visitors and researchers, including visitors for conferences or specific guest appointments.
• Under guidance from Senior Director of Institutional Security and in collaboration with Operational Security Lead, coordinate foreign visits to WHOI facilities.
• Maintain records of international travel by faculty and staff.

Research Regulation Implementation

• Handle disclosure and authorization requirements in advance of staff international travel; contribute to recordkeeping and reporting requirements of implemented NSPM-33.
• Oversee training to relevant personnel on international travel security & security awareness.
• Work with People Operations to maintain and update (when necessary) the monthly Foreign Nationals spreadsheet.
• In coordination with Operational Security Lead, support foreign visitor procedure development, reporting, and implementation.
• Prepares for and participates in periodic inspections to evaluate all security procedures applicable to the Institution’s operations.
• Supports institutional security initiatives and efforts, including (but not limited to) foreign visitor badging and access control.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Performs other related duties as required, including (but not limited to), supporting critical duties of the Operational Security Lead or the Facility Security Office.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Security Studies, Criminal Justice, Political Science or a related field required.

Masters degree in International Relations, Security Studies, Criminal Justice, Political Science or a related field desired.

2-3 years experience in security oversight positions required.

4 years experience in security oversight positions desired.

Demonstrated experience with ITAR, EAR, OFAC, and DFARS; familiar with application of those regulations to research, science, and engineering and activities.

Special Requirements

U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency required.

Must be eligible for or have been granted SECRET level clearance.

Physical Requirements

Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to, ability to lift less than 25 lbs independently and carry 0-10 lbs independently. Other physical tasks are mostly sedentary; use of hands for basic/fine grasping and manipulation, and repetitive motion. Other occupational requirements include talking, working around others, with others, and independently. Physical duties are subject to change.