Facility Security Officer (FSO)

Are you enthusiastic about working and collaborating with a highly skilled and motivated team that genuinely enjoys their work? Do you possess the determination, vitality, and qualifications to effectively oversee a newly established Program Security Office? If your answer is yes, the Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) Sector at Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc. has an exciting opportunity for you! ARA/IMS looking to hire immediately a seasoned Facility Security Officer (FSO) to join our Raleigh, NC office. We’re seeking an individual who is proactive, goal-oriented, and adept at handling multiple tasks and leadership responsibilities. In this position, you will be responsible for supervising the day-to-day operations of the facility security program office, as well as leading a team of program security personnel.

The Facility Security Officer (FSO) at ARA/IMS will be responsible for overseeing and managing the newly established IMS-Security Program Security Office, ensuring strict adherence to security regulations. The FSO will collaborate closely with the IMS-Security IT Security Department team and the Security Compliance and Governance office. The FSO ensures that ARA/IMS security practices align with both regulations and industry best practices. Applicants for this role must hold an active Top Secret/SCI security clearance. Applications from individuals without an active security clearance will not be considered. This is a fully funded, full-time on-site position. The FSO reports directly to the ARA/IMS Director of Security Operations (DSO). 

Facility Security Officer (FSO) Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Capture and oversee the program security personnel functional services and taskings provided to the sector and division(s).
• Manages and supervises multiple DoD Secure Spaces and IC SCIF.
• Ensures the facility maintains its clearance status through NISS.
• Directs the Physical Security/Security Specialist program and oversees document control accountability.
• Manages the personnel security program and security clearance process for employees under the cage code through DISS and other customer databases.
• Supervises the processing of new employee security clearances, including actions within government systems of record DISS.
• Conduct foreign pre/post travel briefings in compliance with government requirements.
• Administers a comprehensive security education training and awareness program, covering indoctrinations, annual refresher training, debriefings, and program-specific training.
• Efficiently handle inquiries or investigations, preparing incident reports, POA&Ms, and necessary mitigation requirements.
• Coordinate and administer security activities for classified contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual/DD254 obligations.
• Foster and maintain relationships with government agencies, external customers, employees, and managers.
• Provide day-to-day operational, functional, and administrative security support to the independent Program Management Office (PMO), Government, Program Management and Support Personnel within the Sector and Division.
• Develop, review, and update Security Program Protection Plans, Security Classification Guides, and Policies and Procedures.
• Support classification management and conduct reviews as needed.
• Participate in program team meetings, offering guidance on program decisions, policies, and procedures.
• Interpret policies and implement relevant security plans and procedures.
• Submit and manage FCL Sponsorship packages in NISS.
• Verify the security clearance status of visitors, potential new employees, subcontractors, and consultants.
• Address investigator requests for information on current/former employees.
• Conduct annual self-assessments, monitor Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&M), and lead action resolution tiger teams.
• Sustain satisfactory ratings during government assessments and inspections.
• Ensure the proper preparation and review of draft/original/revised DD254s.
• Monitor the status of contracts and provide updates to the Security Director of Operations.
• Fulfill other duties as required.

Facility Security Officer (FSO) Position Requirements:

• Currently holds an active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Bachelor's Degree with 10+ years of security related experience, relevant work experience (14 years+) may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 5 Years direct FSO experience.
• 4 Years in a supervisory/management capacity.
• Holds a current DCSA Facility Security Officer Certification from CDSE.
• Has 3+ years of recent experience in applying government security regulations, manuals, and processes, including the 32 CFR Part 1