Riverside Research is seeking an experienced Program Security Specialist to provide comprehensive security management and compliance oversight for the AI Forge Forum, ensuring the protection of sensitive information, the secure execution of all Project Venture research activities, Pitch Days, and seamless integration of security protocols throughout the program lifecycle. The Security Specialist will report to AI Forge Forum Senior Program Manager.
This is a part-time role in Fairfax, VA.
ResponsibilitiesKey Responsibilities
- Manage and oversee all functions within the unclassified fundamental research environment throughout the AI Forge Forum. The primary responsibility is to ensure this environment is strictly used for fundamental research and prevents the introduction or spillage of CUI and/or classified information into this environment.
- Identify and flow down appropriate security requirements from the AI Forge award and DD Form 254 to each Project Venture performer, as required.
- Monitor compliance and execution of security deliverables, and coordinate government approvals of security plans or documents as required.
- Assess the research categorization, critical technology, and Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) of Project Ventures to inform security requirements.
- Attend all key program events, including Kick-off meetings, Project Venture Pitch Days, and Project Venture Demonstrations to provide real-time security guidance and oversight.
- Maintain regular and consistent communication with the DARPA Program Security Representative (PSR), providing updates on security posture, risks, and compliance status.
- Establish and maintain a comprehensive Intelligence Oversight (IO) program to ensure all intelligence and intelligence-related activities are conducted in strict compliance with U.S. law and policy.
- Ensure all personnel receive mandatory IO training.
- Establish a formal process for the timely reporting of any questionable intelligence activities to the appropriate government authorities.
- Establish and execute a Fundamental Research Risk-Based Security Review Program (FRRBS) risk-based security review of each Project Venture’s covered individuals (i.e., Senior/Key Personnel) prior to award.
- Collect two Common Forms from all key personnel identified in the Project Venture proposal. Forum Manager must receive FRRBS approval from DARPA prior to making a Project Venture award. The Forum Manager must maintain the approval notice in the Project Venture award file.
- Establish and enforce acquisition-level compliance protocols for Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
- Develop the following Operations Security (OPSEC) Plans for the AI Forge program: AI Forge Operations Security (OPSEC) Plan, Project Venture Pitch Day & Demonstration OPSEC Plan, Individual Project Venture OPSEC Plan(s), and Intelligence Oversight (IO) Implementation Plan.
- Develop the following reports for each Project Venture selected for funding: FRRBS Report and a Technology Control Plan (TCP).
- Provide a semiannual consolidated security status report for the DARPA PSR, providing a strategic overview of the AI Forge Forum's security posture.
- Develop, maintain, and distribute security related program data and information in alignment with approvals from the Governing Council.
- Communicate cross-functionally with other Riverside Research groups to align and leverage best practices in support of program communication, information technology, and reporting requirements.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements:
- 8 years of relevant experience and a B.A./B.S. degree in criminal justice, psychology, computer science, program management, or related field, 6 and a Masters or 3 and a PhD or quivalent experience.
- 5+ years of experience security management, project management, or business operations.
- 3+ years of experience tracking fundamental research efforts in support of the USG defense and intelligence communities.
- Proven expertise in implementing DoW Science and Technology Protection requirements and expertise in DoWM 5000.83.
- Working knowledge of security controls specified in NIST SP 800-171, DoW Instruction 5200.48, DFARS 252.204-7012, and applicable Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs) if required.
- Current TS/SCI clearance
Preferred Requirements:
• M.S. or M.B.A. degree in criminal justice, psychology, computer science, program management, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience security management, project management, or business operations.
• 5+ years of experience tracking fundamental research efforts in support of the USG defense and intelligence communities.
• Prior experience managing the security posture of fundamental research or R&D efforts with DARPA, IARPA, NSF, and university teams.
Global Comp$120,000 - $180,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors. Closing Statement Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology, computer science, program management, or a related field, with 8 years of relevant experience; alternatively, 6 years with a master’s degree, 3 years with a PhD, or equivalent experience.
- At least 5 years of experience in security management, project management, or business operations.
- At least 3 years of experience tracking fundamental research efforts supporting U.S. government defense and intelligence communities.
- Expertise implementing Department of War Science and Technology Protection requirements and knowledge of DoW Manual 5000.83.
- Working knowledge of NIST SP 800-171, DoD Instruction 5200.48, DFARS 252.204-7012, and applicable Intelligence Community Directives.
- Current TS/SCI security clearance.
- U.S. citizenship.
- Master’s or MBA degree in criminal justice, psychology, computer science, program management, or a related field.
- At least 8 years of experience in security management, project management, or business operations.
- At least 5 years of experience tracking fundamental research efforts supporting U.S. government defense and intelligence communities.
- Prior experience managing security for fundamental research or R&D efforts involving DARPA, IARPA, NSF, or university teams.
What We Do
Founded in 1967, Riverside Research is a not-for-profit organization chartered to advance scientific research for the benefit of the US government and in the public interest. Through our open innovation concept, we invest in multi-disciplinary research and development and encourage collaboration to accelerate innovation and advance science. Riverside Research conducts independent research in machine learning, trusted systems, optics and photonics, electromagnetics, plasma physics, radio frequency systems, and biomedical engineering. We move science from the laboratory to the field by building teams of recognized experts who deliver effective, high-value solutions and services to our customers. From public service to national security, we aspire to be a valued partner through our unwavering commitment to innovative and mission-focused solutions.
