Assistant Director of Research Security and Conflicts Manager

Assistant Director of Research Security and Conflicts Manager

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Director of Research Security and Conflicts Manager.

Position Details Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States Division VP Research Position Type Staff Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded No Pay Grade

E14

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Office of Research Security oversees the Research Security, Export Control, Conflicts Management, Controlled Unclassified Information, and Facility Security programs for the University of Southern Mississippi. The University has implemented an expanded and comprehensive Conflicts Management program, which oversees financial Conflicts of Interest, Conflicts of Commitment, and Organizational Conflicts for both research and non-research activities. The University of Southern Mississippi Office of Research Security seeks an exceptional individual to fill the newly developed position of Conflicts Manager. This role will oversee the university's Conflicts Program, serve as a subject matter expert on federal, state, and institutional Conflicts requirements, provide training to the University community, ensure the efficient management of Conflicts disclosures, and provide guidance and reporting to institutional leadership. As an Assistant Director in the Office of Research Security, the Conflicts Manager will work with the Office of Research Administration, the Office of the Provost, the Office of General Counsel, and other key stakeholders to implement and grow a robust Conflicts program. The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude, an active, energetic mind, and a leadership style that is characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to diversity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Conflicts Manager directs the university's comprehensive Conflicts program, serving as the subject matter expert on regulatory requirements related to conflicts of interest (COI), conflicts of commitment (COC), organizational conflicts (OC), and foreign influence prevention. In this capacity, the Manager provides guidance to faculty, staff, and administrators on evaluating outside research activities and other potential conflicts to ensure compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and institutional regulations and policies.
• The position oversees the development, review, and processing of annual and ad-hoc Conflicts disclosures (Outside Activity Reports) and works closely with individuals, the Conflicts Committee, and institutional leadership to mitigate conflicts as appropriate. This includes developing, implementing, and auditing Conflicts Management plans, as well as managing the Conflicts Committee, its meetings, member training, and related administrative functions.
• The Conflicts Manager develops, coordinates, and delivers workshops, seminars, and other training programs on COI, COC, OC, and foreign influence to support awareness and compliance across the university. The role also advises institutional leadership on Conflicts policies, procedures, disclosure forms, system updates, and guidance, and provides annual and ad-hoc compliance reports and data.
• In addition, the Manager assists the Director with foreign influence prevention initiatives and other Research Security activities as needed, while building and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with investigators, oversight committees, and other key stakeholders to ensure a robust, transparent, and compliant Conflicts program.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the Office of Research Security and the university's broader research compliance objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in computer or information technology, business administration, law, project management, or related area and ten (10) years' experience in university, nonprofit, business, or research administration technology systems, including systems implementations and upgrades coupled with five (5) years' experience working with, understanding, and conforming to highly complex federal regulations. Due to the nature of information handled by the Office of Research Security Office and Export Control, applicants MUST be eligible to obtain an Export Control license under U.S. export control regulations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates the ability to find, interpret, evaluate, and operationalize complex laws, regulations, and policies. Capable of evaluating gaps/overlap in regulations covering the same topic, and assessing meaningful conclusions from such gap assessment.Demonstrates ability to identify key risks in a set of facts.
• Professional Knowledge and Application: Takes initiative to develop and apply professional knowledge and skills in order to enhance individual effectiveness and improve organizational performance. Creates opportunities to apply new learnings and best practices into innovative solutions that positively impact results. Seeks opportunities for development for both self and the team.
• Communication: Demonstrates the ability to deliver accurate, concise and quality communication (verbal and written) in a timely manner. Encourages an open exchange of ideas and differing perspectives. Adapts communication style to meet the needs of diverse audiences and situations. Listens to understand others. Provides quality feedback.
• Relationship Management: Works to build and manage productive relationships with peers, leaders and customer groups. Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances department results and team effectiveness. Affects outcomes and direction of customer's decisions through effective relationships, trust and credibility.
• Business Strategy & Acumen: Understands higher education and can use industry/professional terminology fluently. Thinks strategically and seeks to align department services and goals with institutional strategic goals. Asks critical questions to delve to root cause to identify solutions. Understands the interconnection of decisions, actions, outcomes and measures. Ability to process and handle confidential information with care and discretion.
• Business Execution: Leverages professional expertise and University knowledge to assess areas of opportunity, identify solutions and effectively execute the plan. Demonstrates a high level of planning and organizational skills and the ability to move projects forward to completion. Capable of self-direction in analyzing, organizing, and prioritizing work while meeting multiple deadlines. Seeks advice and input from others and recognizes when to escalate issues or seek help.
• Leadership: Demonstrates an openness and flexibility towards new ideas and concepts and effectively influences or facilitates during times of change. Displays a high degree of personal integrity and discretion.
• Information Technology: Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, willingness to learn new software and hardware solutions, and inquisitiveness to investigate full capabilities of software.

Preferred Qualifications

A master's degree from an accredited college or university in computer or information technology, business administration, law, project management, or related area related field or a Juris Doctorate, along with more than five years of experience in conflicts management and/or research compliance. The ideal candidate will have experience managing a complex regulatory program within a higher education institution, as well as developing and leading training for diverse audiences. Additionally, prior experience in a university research or research administration setting is preferred.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation''s leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.