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Description

The Alternate Facility Security Officer (AFSO) supports the management and execution of IMS-Raleigh’s industrial security program under the 32 CFR 117 National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM). Working under the direction of the IMS-Raleigh Security Operations Manager, the AFSO plays a key role in maintaining security compliance, managing personnel security (PERSEC) functions, and overseeing contract security requirements, including DD254 management.

This position requires a detail-oriented and technically proficient security professional who can effectively balance compliance with operational priorities. The AFSO oversees a team of industrial security professionals that provide contract and personnel security support across multiple classified programs. The AFSO collaborates closely with the Information System Security Manager (ISSM), Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO), program managers, contracts staff, and government security counterparts to ensure classified programs are executed in full compliance with contractual and ARA requirements. This position is required to work on-site full-time.

Following are the primary responsibilities of the AFSO, which may include other duties as assigned.

Leadership and Collaboration:

+ Provide daily security support and guidance to employees and program managers in a professional and customer-oriented manner.

+ Collaborate with the FSO, ISSM, CSSO and Program Managers to ensure consistent interpretation and application of security policy.

+ Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team of Program Security Officers (PSOs) and PERSEC Admins capable of executing across multiple classified domains.

+ Define clear objectives, performance standards, and career development paths for direct reports.

+ Support development and delivery of security awareness and refresher training.

+ Serves as acting FSO when designated, ensuring continuity of operations.

Industrial Security Operations:

+ Supports the FSO in the development and implementation of security policies, procedures, and plans in accordance with 32 CFR 117 NISPOM, DoDM 5220.22-M, and DCSA guidance.

+ Assist in the preparation for government assessments, inspections, audits and implement corrective actions as directed.

+ Support insider threat awareness, derivative classification, and document control activities.

+ Maintain required records, documentation, and security files in accordance with regulatory and audit standards.

Contract Security Management:

+ Review, interpret, and track contract security classification specifications (DD254s) to ensure appropriate protection measures are applied.

+ Coordinate with Contracts, Program Management, and Government Security Offices to clarify and implement DD254 requirements throughout the contract lifecycle.

+ Maintain a current repository of DD254s and related correspondence, ensuring traceability and accuracy.

+ Monitor classified contract deliverables, subcontractor security requirements, and flow-down clauses for compliance with government guidance.

Personnel Security (PERSEC) Management:

+ Oversee the processing of personnel security clearances (PCLs) and access using DISS, NBIS, and other government systems.

+ Manage initiation, maintenance, and termination actions for employees requiring access to classified information.

+ Maintain accurate and timely PERSEC records, visit authorizations, and access rosters in accordance with NISPOM and ARA policy.

+ Ensure PERSEC briefings, debriefings, and security education sessions for cleared personnel are conducted in accordance with established government and ARA procedures.

+ Coordinate with government security offices on clearance eligibility, investigations, and adjudication matters.

Program Security Support:

+ Serve as a security liaison for program teams, ensuring program-specific security requirements are understood and met.

+ Support coordination of classified meetings, secure communications, and document/material control (shipping and receiving) in accordance with contract guidance and established procedures.

+ Track security actions, deliverables, and milestones to support ongoing program execution and readiness.

+ Provide input and security guidance to proposal teams and new business activities when required.

Alternate Facility Security Officer (AFSO) Required Qualifications:

+ **Active in-scope TS/SCI clearance preferred; current TS required.**

+ Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience supporting industrial and/or SCI security requirements. In lieu of degree, candidates with equivalent leadership and technical experience will be considered.

+ Working knowledge of the 32 CFR 117 NISPOM, DoDM 5220.22-M, and applicable federal regulations governing classified contracts.

+ Demonstrated experience managing PERSEC actions, DD254s, and related program security requirements.

+ Proficiency with DISS, NISS, e-QIP, NBIS, and related government security systems.

+ Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

+ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interface effectively with staff, program management, and government customers.

+ Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated experience preparing senior-level briefings and interfacing with government customers.

+ Possess the ability to learn new systems and procedures quickly.

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,353 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company.

To find out more about what the Integrated Missions Systems Sector has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/

Qualifications

Education

Preferred

+ Bachelors or better

Experience

Required

+ 5-7 years: Relevant Work Experience

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.