Penn State Job Catalog

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Federal Security

The Federal Security Manager provides leadership and operational management for federal government and industrial security programs within the Applied Research Laboratory; ensures compliance with U.S. government and University security policies, directives, and procedures while supporting the secure execution of sponsored research activities; collaborates with laboratory leadership to develop and implement security frameworks that protect classified and sensitive information; oversees personnel security processes; manages advanced collateral security programs; trains, supervises, and coordinates the activities of the team(s).

• Lead the execution of federal government agency and industrial security programs supporting classified and sensitive research activities
• Collaborate with laboratory leadership to develop and implement security frameworks ensuring compliance with government regulations and University policies
• Provide subject matter expertise on federal security requirements and ensure effective application of security directives, procedures, and standards
• Manage federal security personnel including hiring, training, development, and performance management
• Oversee personnel security activities including periodic reinvestigations, clearance maintenance, and related administrative processes
• Manage security clearance tracking and ensure timely processing of required actions
• Coordinate and oversee secure courier programs and related accountability procedures
• Handle intake and assessment of complex collateral security matters and determine appropriate processes and responses
• Review and manage classified document markings, movement of classified materials, and secure handling procedures
• Coordinate and support classified meetings, tests, conferences, and secure communications activities
• Provide collateral security support across all laboratory divisions engaged in classified or sensitive research programs
• Serve as a trusted adviser to program managers and researchers on security compliance and operational security considerations
• Manage advanced collateral security programs that support the laboratory and University, including Communications Security (COMSEC) and Operations Security (OPSEC)
• Ensure program documentation, procedures, and accountability standards meet federal regulatory requirements
• Develop and deliver security training, briefings, and awareness programs covering federal security regulations, classified handling procedures, and compliance requirements
• Provide guidance and mentoring to staff and researchers on security best practices
• Lead investigations and compliance audits; prepare for and represent the facility during collateral security inspections conducted by U.S. government agencies
• Coordinate documentation, corrective actions, and responses to inspection findings
• Maintain records and documentation demonstrating compliance with applicable federal and institutional security requirements

Level:

– Manager

Base Description:

– Manages direct reports where primary duty is the management of a working unit.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient ability in work design, project management, financial planning and development of goals for accomplishing unit assignments. Reviews and guides work to ensure conformity to policy and effective approaches. Evaluates employee performance and recommend development opportunities. Demonstrates ability to coach employees. Presents and communicates key university indicatives and connects it to unit contributions. Provides broad guidelines. Develops, evaluates, enhances, and/or implements quality improvement practices. Recommends innovative solutions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Oversees a team (typically 4 or more; no fewer than 2) full
– time direct reports of individual contributors and/or first level supervisors.

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Monitors and tracks department/area budget
– May plan, forecast, and/or assist in developing budgets
– May have final signature authority for specific area

Problem Solving:

– Encounters varied and complex problems
– Helps to develop creative and/or novel approaches to resolve problems that are difficult in nature but within limited scope
– Modifies, adapts, or refines guidelines if necessary to resolve issues or problems

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on complex or strategic assignments
– Uses existing practices and advanced working knowledge to determine appropriate work methods for the team
– Reviews completed work of others for conformity to policy, and effectiveness of approach
– Delegates advanced tasks to others

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates with both internal and external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members and various areas across the University
– Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and delivers to a broad variety of audiences
– Communicates key university initiatives and how unit’s work contributes to their achievement
– Presents ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and uses persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation
– Establishes and maintains networks to facilitate successful communication among units

• Comp Grade – 14
• Minimum – $97,100.00
• MidPoint – $121,400.00
• Maximum – $145,700.00

• Auditing
• Compliance regulation
• Consulting
• Operations management
• Procedure development
• Project Management
• Security management
• Security policy
• Strategic Planning
• Technology acumen
• Vendor management