Executive Director, Security & Classified Operations and Chief Security Officer

Job Type: Regular Overview RAND is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization that provides leaders with the information they need to make evidence-based decisions. In pursuing this mission, RAND helps sponsors at the highest levels of U.S. national and homeland security and in related roles throughout the U.S. government with their toughest problems. This requires the ability to conduct work at all levels of classification while using cutting-edge computing and analytic capabilities, and it requires RAND to remain a close and trusted partner with these officials and agencies by upholding the highest standards of security.

To accomplish this, the S&CO organization works in partnership with RAND’s research divisions, Information Services (IS), and Workplace Services to ensure we have top-notch classified research capabilities and security processes that enable researchers to conduct their work effectively, efficiently, and responsibly, while maintaining uncompromising security.

As a member of RAND’s senior leadership team, reporting to the senior vice president, chief financial and operating officer, the executive director leads the 55-person S&CO organization and serves as RAND’s Chief Security Officer. The executive director will develop and provide classified research capabilities that enable researchers in RAND’s Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and other research divisions to execute cutting-edge, complex research responsive to the top priorities of U.S. national and homeland security.

This requires being able to quickly establish capabilities to meet new and evolving needs, high-performance computing that stays on the leading edge at all levels of classification (including the rapidly evolving AI capabilities that have become critical to research), and the ability to collaborate virtually across RAND offices and with a very broad array of government sponsors. Over the last few years, S&CO has significantly upgraded RAND’s classified capabilities, and its culture has been shifting from a compliance orientation to a mission-focused partnership with researchers.

We’re looking for a leader to build on the progress by continuing to bring all capabilities to the cutting edge of technology particularly with respect to using an array of AI capabilities in research, deepen the partnership culture, and further develop S&CO into a high-performing, service-oriented team with a one-team mindset, all while upholding the highest standards for security to protect classified information and people.

In partnership with RAND leadership and research divisions, establish the department’s vision, strategy, goals, and execution priorities; ensure staff understand them; and lead execution, using metrics to track and communicate progress. Ensure robust policies, procedures, and processes are in place and well implemented to effectively manage the department, provide classified computing capabilities to research staff, and provide security to RAND associates across the globe, continually streamlining processes to improve speed and service.

As RAND’s Insider Threat Program Senior Official and CSO, direct efforts to assess and mitigate risk, including insider threat and counterintelligence risks; manage incidents; and safeguard the organization and its ability to conduct all work. Ensure compliance with NISP, intelligence community, contractual, executive order, and other federal requirements for classified operations. Serve as the principal security liaison between RAND and the security organizations of its sponsors in the Departments of War and Homeland Security and the Intelligence Community, building executive-level relationships with…