Security Manager

Position Description:

Position Summary
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) across North America, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

The NRAO’s Environment, Safety and Security Department is seeking a full-time Seurity Manager to oversee the observatory-wide security operations and compliance.

This position ideally will be based either in Albuquerque, NM, or Socorro, NM but could also be based at our Charlottesville, VA or Green Bank, WV locations.

What You Will be Doing
• Provide day-to-day security guidance and support to management, project personnel, contractors, and government representatives concerning personnel security, and facility security
• Serve as the primary point of contact for government security officials and partner organizations regarding program security matters.
• Develop, review, update, and maintain security documentation including Standard Operating Procedures, security plans, classification guidance, visitor procedures, and emergency response documentation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations and directives.
• Support security compliance reviews, self-inspections, audits, and corrective action tracking.
• Conduct security awareness briefings, annual refresher training, and specialized security training sessions for employees and contractors.
• Assist leadership with risk assessments, mitigation strategies, and implementation of security best practices.
• Manage personnel security processes including clearance verification, access authorization tracking, visitor control, badging, and onboarding/offboarding procedures.
• Conduct security in-briefings, debriefings, and recurring security awareness training.
• Maintain security records and documentation in accordance with government and institutional requirements.
• Coordinate with federal agencies and contracting organizations regarding personnel clearances and access eligibility.
• Investigate, document, and report security incidents, violations, or suspicious activities and recommend corrective actions.
• Support foreign national visitor processing and escort procedures in accordance with institutional and federal requirements.
• Support physical security operations for Observatory facilities including access control systems, intrusion detection systems, key control, CCTV systems, and visitor management.
• Support administration and facility accreditation requirements where applicable.
• Coordinate with Facilities, Engineering, IT, and external contractors regarding security-related construction and renovation projects.
• Serve as the Representative or security liaison for facility security projects including upgrades to controlled or restricted areas.
• Conduct routine facility inspections and security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with applicable standards.
• Respond to after-hours alarms, emergency conditions, and security-related incidents as required.
• Support implementation and maintenance of emergency response procedures, evacuation plans, and continuity of operations activities.
• Maintain accountability for security equipment, locks, keys, and access credentials. Coordinate with
• Facilities and Emergency Management personnel regarding site emergencies, incident response, and security-related hazards.
• Participate in emergency exercises, drills, and incident response planning.
• Support development and implementation of security-related emergency procedures.
• Assist with workplace violence prevention, threat assessment, and incident reporting programs.
• Other duties as assigned
Work Environment
The successful candidate will join a team of professionals in a variety of fields and disiplins. Work is typically performed Typical research and development environment. Indoor and outdoor work is required, occasionally at high altitudes and heights of up to 100 feet. Periodic travel is required (<25%).

Who You Are:

Education
• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Emergency Management, or related field or a closely related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience
• Eight years of related experience.
• Preferred Experience in security training program development highly p