Operational Security Manager

Job Summary

Make an impact where science meets national security!

At the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), we tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our planet—from climate science to deep-sea exploration. As our Operational Security Manager (OSM), you will play a vital leadership role at the intersection of groundbreaking research and institutional security, ensuring that innovative scientific work is conducted safely, securely, and in full compliance with federal guidelines. This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the world’s premier oceanographic research institutions while shaping the next generation of security strategy in support of sensitive and classified research. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for full benefits.

Job Description

As our Operational Security Manager (OSM), you will play a vital leadership role at the intersection of groundbreaking research and institutional security, ensuring that innovative scientific work is conducted safely, securely, and in full compliance with federal guidelines. This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the world’s premier oceanographic research institutions while shaping the next generation of security strategy in support of sensitive and classified research. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Reporting to the Senior Director of Institutional Security, the Operational Security Manager (OSM) is responsible for leading, coordinating, and overseeing the fulfillment of WHOI operational security, with a particular focus on classified and sensitive research. To accomplish this, the OSM will exercise both supervision and collaboration with key members of the security team across the Institution. The OSM is charged with designing, implementing, and making recommendations to maintain the Institution’s security posture and adherence to appropriate regulations – balancing research needs with security requirements. The selectee will oversee the operation and application of facility security, insider threat, and equipment security, both directly and through engagement with associates. They are responsible for engaging with scientific and engineering researchers and research activities – especially those involving sensitive and classified work – to ensure effective alignment with regulations on proscribed technologies, proscribed countries, data dissemination, and institutional security strategies, plans, and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises or jointly supervises the roles of: Facility Security Officer (FSO), Insider Threat Program Senior Officer (ITPSO), Port-Facility Security Officer (PFSO), and Security Guard Supervisor, to ensure effective, appropriate, timely and balanced implementation of institutional security. Works with supervisees to keep expertise up-to-date, facilitate outreach and engagement with researchers and institution leaders.

• Partners with Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM), Global Research-Security Officer (GRSO), Institutional Compliance Officer (ICO), and (Associate) Director of People Operations to maintain awareness on broader threats, risks, and opportunities to enhance institutional security for research objectives.

• Functions as an operational partner for Office of General Counsel (OGC), supporting leadership requirements, making recommendations, and implementing new procedures to strengthen, simplify, enhance, or otherwise improve WHOI’s day-to-day security regimes – particularly to seize or position institution to take advantage of new research opportunities.

• Discusses security requirements with Principal Investigators working on sensitive or classified projects; including working with individuals and agencies to resolve disagreements regarding classification guidance which occur between Principal Investigators and Program Managers.

• Supports institution-wide efforts to take lead in research community on new security frameworks, including CUI/CMMC and NSPM-33.

• Coordinates with the Director of Facilities the construction, maintenance and modification of all secure research facilities and vaults used for classified research or data storage and manipulation. Supports approval of such facilities once modifications have been made.

• Leads insider threat and legal investigations, including overseeing or reviewing security logs, running queries, or supporting sensitive internal security information, and analyzing close-hold data or metadata.

• Oversees, directs, and makes recommendations regarding modernization of campus-wide security technologies, including networked digital locks, cameras, and related monitoring systems.

• Form, uphold, and advance relationships with relevant federal overseers, to include (but not limited to) FBI, DHS, NCIS, DCSA, USCG. Cements and strengthens WHOI’s institutional relationships with federal and research security partners.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supports occasional special conferences, visits, or community-relation events

• Provides briefings to senior administration when requested on security topics

• Coordinates occasional disposal of classified or sensitive material

• Supports safety and security drills

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, International Affairs, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in security operations, research security, or a related field, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.

• US Citizen and ability to obtain a security clearance

• Demonstrated experience managing or coordinating security programs involving classified information, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), CMMC compliance, or insider threat programs.

• Strong working knowledge of federal security regulations, including NISPOM, NSPM-33, ITAR, and other relevant DoD and DHS guidelines.

• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with federal security partners (e.g., FBI, DHS, DCSA, NCIS, USCG) and serve as an institutional liaison.

• Experience supporting or working closely with Principal Investigators or technical staff engaged in classified or sensitive research environments.

• Familiarity with the design, maintenance, or approval processes for secure research facilities or SCIFs, including compliance with federal standards.

• Excellent judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information, including during investigations or institutional audits.

• Strong analytical, decision-making, and project management skills with the ability to develop and implement effective, streamlined security procedures.

• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact effectively across all levels of the institution, including leadership and legal counsel.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in Security Studies, Intelligence, Public Administration, International Relations, or a related field.

• Active or previously held U.S. Government security clearance (e.g., Secret or Top Secret)

• Formal certifications such as: Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Industrial Security Professional (ISP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Facility Security Officer Program Certification (FSO/ISOC)

• Direct experience supporting security requirements in an academic or research institution, or within a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC).

• Deep familiarity with emerging research security frameworks, such as: CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification), NSPM-33 (National Security Presidential Memorandum 33)

• CUI implementation strategies in scientific environments

• Experience managing or advising on physical security infrastructure, including networked access control systems, surveillance platforms, and secure communications tools.

• Demonstrated success leading interdisciplinary teams or cross-functional initiatives involving legal, technical, and operational stakeholders.

• Experience resolving classification conflicts and navigating communication between Principal Investigators and government Program Managers.

• A proactive, strategic mindset with the ability to anticipate threats and align security posture with institutional research goals.

Additional Job Requirements

Additional eligibility requirements

• Some experience or close exposure working in the federal government or defense contractors

• Supervisory experience

Work authorization/security clearance requirements

• US Citizen

• Ability to obtain & maintain a security clearance

WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.

EEO Statement

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.