Job Description

Assistant Facility Security Officer - Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation

This position requires in-person work on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

The University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.

The Assistant Facility Security Officer (AFSO) plays a critical role in supporting the University's classified research mission by assisting in the administration of the Security Management Office (SMO) and ensuring the University's continued ability to conduct research requiring access to classified information. Under the direction of the Facility Security Officer, the AFSO supports compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Intelligence Community and Department of Defense security requirements, and other federal regulations governing classified programs.
The AFSO assists in developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive industrial security programs encompassing personnel, physical, information, and security education disciplines. Responsibilities include supporting facility accreditation, personnel security clearances, classified information management, security training, inspections, audits, and the development of security policies and procedures. The AFSO collaborates with federal agencies, research sponsors, industry partners, and University leadership to ensure security compliance while facilitating the successful execution of the University's growing portfolio of classified research activities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide support for the day-to-day operations of the University of Illinois’ industrial security program, positioned under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation within the Security Management Office (SMO).
• Assist with the development and management of administrative support for periodic reviews, education and training, and administration of the security infrastructure of the Specialized Research Facility (SRF) located at the University of Illinois Research Park in Champaign, IL. Such support and oversight relates to the four security pillars: information security, physical security, personnel security, and security education and training.
• Support the coordination between the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), government agencies, industry partners, and other entities with classified needs as well as the sponsored projects offices and University personnel participating in security programs and projects on the three campuses.
• Support University of Illinois employees for all things related to the transmission, receipt, and storage of classified information or material.
• Assist the Facility Security Officer (FSO) in the required tasks to maintain government accreditations through the respective cognizant security authorities in support of the Special Research Facility.
• Assist with the creation and maintenance of standard operating procedures and emergency action plans pertaining to COMSEC program requirements, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), and DoD 5105.21 Volumes 1 through 3.
• Support and review requests for security clearances utilizing Defense Information System for Security (DISS), National Background Investigation Services (NBIS), and Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission (SWFT).
• Assist in the management of security clearances, visit requests, mandatory reporting, and read-on requests for both collateral and SCI programs.
• Manage the annual training program for all cleared personnel focusing contract requirements.
• Utilize the National Industrial Security System (NISS) to assist in the maintenance of the Facility Clearance (FCL) for both the Department of War and the Department of Energy.
• Serve as a liaison to the federal agencies and their contractors advocating on behalf of the University of Illinois for the utilization of the Special Research Facility.
• Assist in the coordination with local, regional, and federal authorities on individual and entity reviews and respond to adverse events as required or requested.
• Support University of Illinois employees for all things related to the transmission, receipt, and storage of classified information or material.
• Assist employees with their responses to external funding opportunities subject to national security classification.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 1 – 3 years of experience in Industrial Security
• Currently holds or has ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance with SCI-ICD704 eligibility
• Experience in complying with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM)

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 – 5 years of experience in Industrial Security
• Completion of the FSO Program Management training for both Non-Possessing and Possessing Facilities
• Experience with National Background Investigation Services (NBIS), Defense Information System for Security (DISS), National Industrial Security System (NISS), and Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission (SWFT)
• Experience in supporting the security compliance needs of externally sponsored research projects.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Required
  • Working knowledge of 32 CFR Part 117 – National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM)
  • Familiarity with DoDM 5105.21, Volumes 1–3 and ICD 705
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment in high-risk, security-sensitive environments with significant federal compliance implications
  • Highly detail-oriented, customer-focused, and able to balance the needs of external clients while ensuring adherence to federal regulations
• Preferred
  • Proven ability to evaluate and enhance security practices and procedures, providing recommendations for continuous improvement
  • Knowledge of the Department of Defense Risk Management Framework (RMF)

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $60,000 to $70,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Thursday, September 10, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Qualified candidates must upload: 1) a cover letter which details qualifications noted above; 2) resume or CV; and 3) the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. For further information about this specific position, please contact Sue Key at 217-333-0034. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu

Requisition ID 1037834
Job Category Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu