Executive Director/Research Security Officer (0376U), Research Admin & Compliance - #77848

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Departmental Overview

The Office of Research Administration & Compliance (RAC) works with faculty, staff, and students across UC Berkeley to catalyze, support, and safeguard research and innovation. Ensuring research compliance, safety, and security across the university is a key priority because the overall success of the research enterprise depends on the highest standards of ethics, compliance, and integrity.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Administration & Compliance, RAC is seeking an Executive Director/Research Security Officer, to oversee several important compliance functions as well as serving as lead for supporting researchers with international research and other sponsored activities. The Executive Director will ensure compliance with federal regulations and university policies, safeguard research integrity, and enhance the university's reputation as a leader in responsible and secure research practices.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 05/22/2025.

Responsibilities

• Provides administrative oversight of the following RAC units/activities: Export Controls, Conflict of Interest, Research Security, Research Information Security, and Training Compliance.
• Provides effective supervision of direct reports within areas of administrative oversight.
• Together with the Vice Chancellor for Research, Assistant Vice Chancellor for RAC, and Executive Director for the Sponsored Projects Office, coordinates the university's efforts to promote international research collaborations in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and guidance.
• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the university's research security and compliance program.
• Review federal and state statutory and regulatory updates and other resource materials to remain abreast of national and state trends.
• Actively participate in national organizations and attend national conferences and educational seminars.
• Advise the Assistant Vice Chancellor for RAC and compliance administrators on national trends and enforcement activities affecting the research enterprise, including those involving foreign activities.
• Prepare appropriate communications for affected faculty and staff in consultation with the Office of the General Counsel.
• Prepare and ensure submission of required university reporting related to this portfolio.
• Collaborate with university colleagues, departments, research-related committees, and central administrative offices including: the Office of Legal Affairs, Global Engagement Office, Academic Personnel Office, Risk Services and Berkeley Information Security Office.
• Effectively participate on campus and UC-wide committees addressing compliance activities and work with appropriate academic and non-academic units to implement solutions.
• Draft policies and procedures to implement research integrity, security, and compliance requirements.
• Develop and provide educational outreach, including utilizing innovative efforts to communicate compliance initiatives and provide compliance resources.
• Conduct risk assessments and continuous monitoring processes with implementation of corrective actions/improvement plans for these areas as needed.
• Serve as point of contact with external regulators within the scope of activities designated here and as delegated by the Assistant Vice Chancellor for RAC.
• Have a particular emphasis on customer service, technology, and data collection improvements to support better service, implementation, management, performance of programs, monitoring, and self-correction.
• Prepare reports as necessary for the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (VCR) including outcomes of annual assessments. Immediately report any material compliance issues to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for RAC, other applicable compliance staff and leadership.

Required Qualifications

• At least 10 years of relevant experience, including progressively responsible supervisory and administrative experience. Extensive knowledge of federal research regulations, including conflict of interest, export controls, and responsible conduct of research requirements.
• Extensive knowledge of compliance principles, terminology, and regulatory requirements that impact the research endeavors of academic research institutions.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and leadership skills including expertise in building and managing complex relationships across organizational boundaries.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with faculty and staff in units that vary greatly in size and organizational structure.
• Strong communication, organizational skills, attention to detail, and dependability are essential.
• Ability to manage and lead a team of talented individuals.
• Significant experience managing research security or compliance programs within an R1 academic institution, program development and research-related administration.
• Demonstrate ability to coordinate and manage multiple programs.
• Advanced degree (e.g. JD, PhD, MA, MS) or the equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired.

Salary & Benefits

This is a 100% full-time (40 hrs a week) exempt career position, which is paid monthly at an annual rate and is eligible for UC Benefits.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $151,400.00 - $226,600.00.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

The University of California's Affirmative action policy.

The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy.