Program Security Officer

Position Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all functions within the unclassified fundamental research environment throughout the AI Forge Forum, ensuring it is strictly used for fundamental research and prevents the introduction or spillage of CUI and/or classified information.
• 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 and maintain FRRBS approval notices in the award file.
• Establish and enforce acquisition-level compliance protocols for Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
• Develop Operations Security (OPSEC) Plans for the AI Forge program, including AI Forge OPSEC Plan, Project Venture Pitch Day & Demonstration OPSEC Plan, Individual Project Venture OPSEC Plan(s), and Intelligence Oversight (IO) Implementation Plan.
• Develop FRRBS Reports and Technology Control Plans (TCP) for each Project Venture selected for funding.
• 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.

Qualifications

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 equivalent 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.