Program Security Officer (PSO)

Are you enthusiastic about working and collaborating with a highly skilled and motivated team that genuinely enjoys their work? We are currently seeking an experienced security professional to join us as a Program Security Officer (PSO) supporting our Raleigh, NC office. As an PSO, you will be responsible for managing the security requirements of specific programs, projects, or initiatives within Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) Sector of ARA, particularly in contexts where sensitive or classified information is involved.

The Program Security Officer (PSO) ensures that security measures are in place to protect program-related data, personnel, and assets. This role is considered crucial in supporting defense, government contracting, research and development, and any field that deals with classified or sensitive information. The PSO will work closely with IMS Facility Security Officer (FSO) in Raleigh, NC and shared services including the IT Security Team. The PSO will report to  the FSO.

Candidates applying for this position must possess an active Top-Secret security clearance, with SCI eligibility. Applications from individuals without an active security clearance will not be considered. This is a full-time, in-person position with the option of hybrid work schedule after 12 months.

Program Security Officer (PSO) Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop, implement, and monitor security plans, policies, and procedures specific to the program, ensuring alignment with overall organizational security policies and government regulations.
• Establish and uphold adherence to Department of Defense (DoD) Manuals and Intelligence Community Directives (ICD), in addition to fulfilling the program-specific requirements.).
• Support daily security operations of Intelligence Community Directive (ICDs) and NISP/NISPOM compliance for a secured facility.
• Support the site FSO with security program compliance by providing updates impacting the NISS facility profile and change conditions to include crucial changes to contracts such as new and terminating prime and subcontracts.
• Support self-evaluations and readiness for audits carried out by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Intelligence Community (IC).
• Manage, track and generate contractual DD254s.
• Conduct in-processing of new employees to include execution of SF 312 Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA); Program Access Requests (PARs); Program Indoctrination Agreements (PIAs); and other customer vetting processes as required.
• Initiate personnel clearances and process visit access requests (VARs) in Defense Information System for Security (DISS) as well as all other applicable access documentation as needed.
• Sustain an efficient program for document inventory and control, encompassing the management, shipment, and receipt of classified materials.
• Identify security risks and vulnerabilities through regular assessments and take proactive measures to mitigate those risks.
• Maintain accurate records related to security clearances, incident reports, training records, and security equipment inventory.
• Provide security briefings and training to employees on security policies and procedures.

Program Security Officer (PSO) Required Skills:

• Proficiency in utilizing US Government online systems, including the Defense Information System for Security (DISS), National Background Investigation Services (NBIS), Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP), and National Industrial Security System (NISS).
• Experience collaborating with federal or government agencies as well as defense contractors.
• Working knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program (NISPOM) and Department of Defense regulations.
• Strong organizational skills and experience with Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
• Professional demeanor, possesses strong interpersonal skills, communicates effectively both in writing and verbally, and excels in a multitasking, dynamic environment.
• A strong sense of personal motivation and initiative to continuously acquire new skills and seamlessly adapt to a dynamic security landscape.

Program Security Officer (PSO) Position Requirements:

• US Citizenship required.
• Active Top-Secret Clearance with SCI Eligibility.
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) with 2 – 4 years of experience OR a Master's with 0-2 years of experience.
• Experienced with dealing with a comprehensive spectrum of security principles, concepts, practices, products, and services, along with expertise in assessing risk and vulnerability, implementing effective mitigation measures, and disseminating secu