Security Director

Company: advance programs
Location: Columbia
Posted on: April 3, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Please note: This position requires demonstrated experience in strategic security leadership (e.g., Director-level or equivalent). Experience limited to operational or front-line security roles (such as armed security guard positions) will not meet the qualifications for this role. Build a Career with Purpose at Advanced Programs Inc. (API) Since 1969, Advanced Programs Inc. (API) has been developing secure, mission-critical solutions that serve the United States, NATO, and allied partners. As a small, agile company supporting national security initiatives, we offer a tight-knit environment where each employee plays a meaningful role in real-world impact. Join a team that moves quickly to respond to evolving defense and intelligence challenges—often working directly with government stakeholders to translate urgent needs into engineered solutions. You'll have the chance to make a difference, but you'll also be expected to bring initiative, flexibility, and technical curiosity every day. Position Overview The Director of Security is responsible for the strategic leadership, management, and compliance oversight of the organization’s Industrial Security Program. This role leads a small security team and serves as the primary interface with government agencies, ensuring full compliance with the National Industrial Security Program (NISP), Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency requirements, and related regulatory frameworks. This position also provides executive oversight of classified information systems, working in close partnership with the Information System Security Manager (ISSM), and plays a critical role in integrating security across physical, personnel, and cyber domains. Key Responsibilities Security Program Leadership - Provide strategic direction and daily leadership for all aspects of the facility security program, supervising a small team of security professionals. - Establish, implement, and continuously improve Standard Practices and Procedures (SPPs) aligned with NISPOM requirements. - Lead and successfully manage DCSA security reviews, audits, and inspections. Personnel & Clearance Management - Oversee all personnel security functions, including processing, indoctrination, debriefings, and ongoing clearance management. - Ensure effective use and compliance with systems such as NBIS, NISS, DISS, e-QIP, and DIAS. - Develop and deliver security education, training, and awareness programs. Classified IT & Cybersecurity Oversight - Provide oversight of classified information systems in partnership with the ISSM, ensuring compliance with the Risk Management Framework (RMF). - Integrate security requirements across systems handling classified data. - Support system accreditation, continuous monitoring, and audit readiness. - Ensure alignment between physical, personnel, and information system security controls. Insider Threat & Compliance - Lead the Insider Threat Program and chair or actively participate in the Insider Threat Committee. - Conduct and oversee periodic self-inspections across all security disciplines. - Investigate security incidents, violations, and administrative inquiries; ensure timely reporting and resolution. - Review, test, and maintain contingency and emergency response plans. Physical Security & Operations - Oversee facility access control, badging, visitor control, and secure area compliance. - Ensure proper safeguarding of classified materials and secure workspaces. - Manage sponsor-specific security requirements and compliance obligations. COMSEC & Special Programs - Serve as COMSEC Custodian, maintaining accountability and control of all COMSEC materials. - Ensure proper handling, storage, transfer, and reporting in coordination with government agencies. Regulatory Compliance (ITAR) - Support the organization’s ITAR Officer, ensuring compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations. - Oversee export control policies, training, and audits and FSO involvement in the process. Advisory & Cross-Functional Leadership - Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, program managers, and technical teams. - Partner with HR & IT to ensure integrated compliance across the enterprise. - Drive a culture of security awareness and accountability across the organization. Qualifications Required - Active Top Secret clearance - 10 years of progressive experience in industrial security, including FSO responsibilities - Demonstrated leadership experience managing or mentoring security personnel - Strong working knowledge of NISPOM, DCSA requirements, and security systems (NBIS, DISS, NISS, e-QIP, DIAS) - Experience supporting classified IT systems and RMF processes in partnership with ISSM/ISSO teams - Experience leading DCSA inspections and maintaining compliance programs Preferred - Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Cybersecurity, or related field - Experience with RMF and systems, ISSM preferred - Experience as COMSEC Custodian - Strong knowledge of ITAR and export compliance - Prior experience in defense contracting or intelligence community environments Computer Skills Ability to effectively use office computers and Microsoft office software for word processing, spreadsheets; i.e., Excel, Microsoft Word, Project, Teams, etc. Supervisory Duties Will lead and provide direction to 3 other FSO’s – locations in MD and NH. API is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions. The likely salary range for this position is $155,000 to $195,000. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range. The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, API considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Keywords: advance programs, Columbia , Security Director, Engineering , Columbia, Maryland