Senior Director of Research and Data Security, Office of the Vice President for Research

Job Summary

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) works with faculty, staff, and students across the three University of Michigan campuses to catalyze, support, and safeguard research and scholarship. Ensuring research compliance, safety, and security across the university is a key priority because the overall success of the U-M research enterprise depends on the highest standards of ethics, compliance, and integrity.
OVPR is seeking a Senior Director of Research and Data Security, reporting to the Associate Vice President for Research-Policy and Compliance, to oversee several important compliance functions as well as serving as lead for supporting researchers with international research and other sponsored activities. Provide guidance to the following OVPR units/activities: Export Controls, Research Information Security, and U-M’s facility security/classified program. Together with the Associate Vice President for Research and Executive Director, Office of Research and Sponsored Projects, coordinate the University’s efforts to promote international research collaborations in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and guidance (e.g., National Security Presidential Memorandum 33). Review federal and state statutory and regulatory updates and other resource materials in order to remain abreast of national and state trends in research compliance. Actively participate in national organizations (such as the Council on Governmental Relations) and attend national conferences and educational seminars. Advise the AVP for Research Integrity and Compliance, and compliance administrators, on national trends and enforcement activities affecting the research enterprise, including those involving foreign activities. Prepare appropriate communications for affected faculty and staff, in consultation with the Office of the General Counsel. Prepare and ensure submission of required University reporting related to this portfolio (e.g., Higher Education Act Section 117 foreign gift and contract reporting). Collaborate with University colleges and departments, research-related committees, and central administrative offices, including the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of the Provost, and the Chief Information Officer. Effectively participate in campus-wide committees addressing compliance activities in this portfolio and work with appropriate academic and non-academic units to implement solutions. Draft policies and procedures to implement research integrity, security, and compliance requirements. Develop and provide education and outreach, including utilizing innovative efforts to communicate compliance initiatives and provide compliance resources that are part of this portfolio in partnership with the OVPR communications team (i.e., websites, newsletters, etc.). Conduct risk assessments, mitigation plans, and continuous monitoring processes with implementation of corrective actions/improvement plans for these areas, as needed. Serve as point of contact with external regulators within the scope of activities designated here. Have a particular emphasis on customer service, technology, and data collection improvements to support better service, implementation, management, performance of programs, and monitoring and self‑correction. Prepare reports as necessary for the Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI), including outcomes of annual assessments. Immediately report any material compliance issues to the AVP for Research Integrity and Compliance and other applicable compliance staff and leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree (e.g., JD, PhD, MA, MS) or the equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired.


• At least seven years of relevant experience, including progressively responsible supervisory and administrative experience.


• Extensive knowledge of compliance principles, terminology, and regulatory requirements that impact the research endeavors of academic research institutions.


• Demonstrated interpersonal and leadership skills, including expertise in building and managing complex relationships across organizational boundaries.


• Ability to effectively collaborate with faculty and staff in units that vary greatly in size and organizational structure.


• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and dependability are essential.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to manage and lead a team of talented individuals.


• Ability to interact effectively with diverse audiences, including faculty and staff, and represent OVPR as needed.


• Must be eligible and willing to pursue Department of Defense "Secret" security clearance, and maintain that clearance for the duration of the role.

Desired Qualifications

• Significant experience managing research security or compliance programs within an R1 academic institution.


• Experience in leadership or management, program development and management, and research-related administration.


• Proven collaborative, team-oriented leadership ability and well-developed interpersonal and communications skills.


• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and manage multiple programs.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.