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Group Leader, Special Security Office

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
life insurance, parental leave, 401(k), retirement plan, relocation assistance
United States, Tennessee, Oak Ridge
1 Bethel Valley Road (Show on map)
Aug 08, 2025

Requisition Id15193

Overview:

The Field Intelligence Operations Division (FIOD) invites candidates to join its Special Security Office Group (SSO Group) by applying for a Group Leader position. The Group Leader will be responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of Special Security operations within a classified environment. This individual will serve as the principal advisor to senior leadership on SCI security matters, provide oversight for the implementation of security policies and procedures, and lead a team of Special Security Representatives, Technical and Physical security personnel, support to special access and controlled access programs, and support staff to ensure full compliance with applicable directives and guidelines.

The Group Leader supports the Special Security Office and related security offices, FIE Operations Section Head and FIOD Leadership by accurately assessing risk, removing impediments, communicating and collaborating with product owners and sponsors, ensuring compliance with applicable policies and procedures, and that acquisitions are completed on time and on budget. The position will also drive process improvements, personnel development, serve as a resource for other security professionals in the FIE Operations Section, across ORNL, and DOE, and advocate for the discipline of project management.

As part of our team, you will be joining a vibrant group of professionals eager to provide premier customer service to ensure people and information technology remain secure. The team is collaborative and strives to ensure security practices and procedures are understood, implemented, and enforced.All team members deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the lead authority for SCI security operations, policy execution, and compliance in accordance with ICDs and other applicable guidance.
  • Manage day-to-day operations of the SSO, including oversight of personnel security, physical security, information systems security coordination, and secure facility operations.
  • Supervise and mentor a team of security professionals; provide training, evaluate performance, and ensure mission readiness across the cleared population.
  • Oversee SCIF accreditation, re-accreditation, and inspections, ensuring all facilities meet current standards and physical security requirements.
  • Develop and enforce SOPs, emergency action plans (EAPs), and security education/training programs for SCI-cleared personnel.
  • Coordinate with internal stakeholders, counterintelligence, and external security agencies on security-related issues and incident response.
  • Conduct security investigations and manage the incident reporting and mitigation process.
  • Serve as the principal briefer/de-briefer for SCI indoctrinations, foreign travel briefings, and clearance verifications.
  • Maintain accurate security records in compliance with DoE, DoD and IC regulations.
  • Communicate regularly and effectively with stakeholders, document best practices, and deliver user training to advance security procedures.
  • Uphold high ethical standards and maintain a commitment to Environment, Safety, and Health protocols.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Security Studies, Criminal Justice, Intelligence, or related field; equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in SCI security programs, with 3+ years in a leadership or supervisory role.
  • In-depth knowledge of IC Directives (ICDs), DoDM 5105.21 Volumes 1-3, JSIG, NISPOM, and relevant DoE and IC security policies.
  • Proficiency in using security databases.
  • Ability to work independently in a high-pressure, sensitive environment.
  • Must be organized, self-motivated, and be able to work with minimal guidance.
  • Excellent written, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills with an ability to interface with numerous cognizant security agencies, customers, and senior managers.
  • Experience in authorized data transfers across multiple systems and different classifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Current TS clearance with SCI eligibility
  • 5 years or more of leadership/management experience.
  • A working knowledge of ICD 705, NIST, and Executive Orders 13526 and 12333.
  • Advanced ability to provide innovative approaches or apply new technologies to broadly defined tasks and projects.
  • Experience with Security Directives, Policies, Publications, and Regulations.

Special Requirements:

  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • Work may involve various physical requirements and working conditions.
  • Q clearance with SCI: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

Benefits at ORNL:

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain dedicated people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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