OPT Security Program Manager Jobs
Security Program Manager jobs that sponsor OPT are concentrated in defense contractors, financial institutions, and large tech firms where formal security programs are federally mandated or contractually required. Your STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on whether your degree is in information systems, computer science, or a related classified field.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Description Summary
Reporting to the Manager of Governance, Risk and Compliance under the Chief Information Security Office, the Research Security Program Manager is responsible. This strategic role ensures institutional compliance with federal and state mandates, including NSPM-33, the CHIPS and Science Act, and regulations governing export control, controlled unclassified information (CUI), and foreign influence mitigation. The Program Manager directs and oversees the design, implementation, and daily administration of the research security program, interprets and applies relevant policies and regulations, and recommends new or revised initiatives to enhance institutional research security. They inform senior research leadership about issues that may impact the program or institutional issues affecting elements of the research security program. Additionally, the Program Manager responds to inquiries from internal and external stakeholders, communicates findings to federal agencies when necessary, and fosters a culture of security across the university’s research enterprise.
Entity
Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)
Worker Type
Employee
Worker Sub-Type
Regular
Cost Center
CC002271 SYS - IS Cyber Operations
Pay Rate Type
Salary
Pay Grade
Health-29
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Work Shift
Job Description
-
Cybersecurity Compliance & Oversight – 15%
-
Develop, implement, and maintain cybersecurity components of MUSC’s Research Security Program in alignment with federal requirements, including NIST research cybersecurity resources.
- Collaborate with the Information Security Office (ISO) to develop and manage NIST SP 800-171, NIST R8471, and CMMC requirements.
- Identify research projects requiring NIST or CMMC controls and support research teams in meeting compliance expectations.
- Coordinate integration of IT security resources into the research security program.
-
Monitor and ensure institutional alignment with CHIPS and Science Act cybersecurity requirements, federal agency guidance, and sponsor-specific expectations.
-
Foreign Travel Security & International Research Risk Management – 15%
-
Manage the institution’s Foreign Travel Security Training Program, ensuring all covered individuals complete required periodic training.
- Maintain the foreign travel reporting program for individuals traveling abroad for research, teaching, conferences, or MUSC business.
- Provide expert guidance to faculty, staff, and trainees on international engagements, foreign influence, and high-risk outside activities.
-
Oversee research security risk assessments for international collaborations, visiting scholars, and high-risk foreign engagements.
-
Research Security Training & Institutional Education – 20%
-
Lead implementation of comprehensive research security training tailored to MUSC’s risk profile and federal regulations.
- Ensure covered individuals complete federally developed or MUSC-approved research security training modules.
- Lead training, outreach, and educational activities related to research security.
- Provide training content illustrating improper transfer of research or federally funded R&D.
- Advise leadership on evolving regulations, risk tolerance, and best practices.
-
Maintain training documentation, certifications, and compliance records.
-
Export Control Training & Compliance Support – 10%
-
Ensure covered individuals engaged in export-controlled research complete required training.
- Coordinate delivery of federal or MUSC-developed export control education.
- Oversee compliance reviews of foreign sponsors, collaborators, and research engagements to ensure alignment with export control regulations.
-
Maintain export compliance records and verify sponsor-required certifications.
-
Program Leadership, Governance & Institutional Coordination – 35%
-
Design, implement, and maintain MUSC’s comprehensive Research Security Program in accordance with federal and state requirements.
- Lead the Research Security Committee, supporting risk assessments, policy development, training needs, and strategic decision-making.
- Serve on institutional committees and workgroups related to research compliance and risk mitigation.
- Conduct investigations into research-related security concerns and report findings to internal stakeholders and federal agencies as appropriate.
- Partner with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to ensure compliance with sponsor-required research security certifications.
- Serve as the institutional primary point of contact for sponsors, regulators, and external stakeholders on research security issues.
- Establish and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate program effectiveness.
-
Stay current on regulatory changes and evolving best practices through engagement in professional organizations and conferences.
-
Other duties as needed - 5%
Research Security Program Oversight
- Design, implement, and maintain a comprehensive research security program that meets federal and state requirements.
- Advise senior leadership on evolving research security regulations, risk tolerance, and best practices.
- Lead the Research Security Committee to evaluate institutional risks, formulate research security policies, identify training needs, and support strategic decision-making activities.
- Provide expert guidance to faculty, staff, and trainees on international collaborations, foreign influence, and high-risk outside activities.
- Conduct investigations into research-related activities that pose security risks and communicate findings to stakeholders, including federal agencies.
- Oversee research security risk assessment for university activities, international research collaborations, visiting scholars (etc.,).
- Serve on the various committees and workgroups engaged in mitigating risks associated with areas related to the institutional research security program.
- Partner with the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects to ensure compliance with research security certifications and sponsor requirements.
- Lead training, outreach, and guidance efforts related to research security.
- Establish and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure program effectiveness.
- Collaborate with Information Security Office (ISO) to develop and manage NIST SP 800-171, NIST R8471, and CMMC requirements.
- Identify research projects requiring NIST R8471, CMMC or NIST SP 800-171 compliance and support research teams in meeting requirements.
- Serve as the primary institutional point of contact for external sponsors and regulators on research security matters.
- Stay current on regulatory changes and best practices through active participation in conferences and professional organizations.
This is not a fully remote position. Routine onsite work will be required.
Additional Job Description
Minimum Training and Experience Requirements:
A bachelor's degree and four years relevant program experience. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust across diverse stakeholder groups. Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Preferred Requirements:
Experience in cybersecurity, research security, export controls, or federal research compliance at an academic or research institution. Experience engaging with federal agencies or research sponsors.
Physical Requirements
Mobility & Posture
- Standing: Continuous
- Sitting: Continuous
- Walking: Continuous
- Climbing stairs: Infrequent
- Working indoors: Continuous
- Working outdoors (temperature extremes): Infrequent
- Working from elevated areas: Frequent
- Working in confined/cramped spaces: Frequent
- Kneeling: Infrequent
- Bending at the waist: Continuous
- Twisting at the waist: Frequent
- Squatting: Frequent
Manual Dexterity & Strength
- Pinching operations: Frequent
- Gross motor use (fingers/hands): Continuous
- Firm grasping (fingers/hands): Continuous
- Fine manipulation (fingers/hands): Continuous
- Reaching overhead: Frequent
- Reaching in all directions: Continuous
- Repetitive motion (hands/wrists/elbows/shoulders): Continuous
- Full use of both legs: Continuous
- Balance & coordination (lower extremities): Frequent
Lifting & Force Requirements
- Lift/carry 50 lbs. unassisted: Infrequent
- Lift/lower 50 lbs. from floor to 36”: Infrequent
- Lift up to 25 lbs. overhead: Infrequent
- Exert up to 50 lbs. of force: Frequent
Examples:
- Transfer 100 lb. non-ambulatory patient = 50 lbs. force
- Push 400 lb. patient in wheelchair on carpet = 20 lbs. force
- Push patient stretcher one-handed = 25 lbs. force
Vision & Sensory
- Maintain corrected vision 20/40 (one or both eyes): Continuous
- Recognize objects (near/far): Continuous
- Color discrimination: Continuous
- Depth perception: Continuous
- Peripheral vision: Continuous
- Hearing acuity (with correction): Continuous
- Tactile sensory function: Continuous
- Gross motor with fine motor coordination: Continuous
- Selected Positions:
- Olfactory (smell) function: Continuous
- Respirator use qualification: Continuous
Work Environment & Conditions
- Effective stress management: Continuous
- Rotating shifts: Frequent
- Overtime as required: Frequent
- Latex-safe environment: Continuous
If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!
The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.
Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees
Job Description Summary
Reporting to the Manager of Governance, Risk and Compliance under the Chief Information Security Office, the Research Security Program Manager is responsible. This strategic role ensures institutional compliance with federal and state mandates, including NSPM-33, the CHIPS and Science Act, and regulations governing export control, controlled unclassified information (CUI), and foreign influence mitigation. The Program Manager directs and oversees the design, implementation, and daily administration of the research security program, interprets and applies relevant policies and regulations, and recommends new or revised initiatives to enhance institutional research security. They inform senior research leadership about issues that may impact the program or institutional issues affecting elements of the research security program. Additionally, the Program Manager responds to inquiries from internal and external stakeholders, communicates findings to federal agencies when necessary, and fosters a culture of security across the university’s research enterprise.
Entity
Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)
Worker Type
Employee
Worker Sub-Type
Regular
Cost Center
CC002271 SYS - IS Cyber Operations
Pay Rate Type
Salary
Pay Grade
Health-29
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Work Shift
Job Description
-
Cybersecurity Compliance & Oversight – 15%
-
Develop, implement, and maintain cybersecurity components of MUSC’s Research Security Program in alignment with federal requirements, including NIST research cybersecurity resources.
- Collaborate with the Information Security Office (ISO) to develop and manage NIST SP 800-171, NIST R8471, and CMMC requirements.
- Identify research projects requiring NIST or CMMC controls and support research teams in meeting compliance expectations.
- Coordinate integration of IT security resources into the research security program.
-
Monitor and ensure institutional alignment with CHIPS and Science Act cybersecurity requirements, federal agency guidance, and sponsor-specific expectations.
-
Foreign Travel Security & International Research Risk Management – 15%
-
Manage the institution’s Foreign Travel Security Training Program, ensuring all covered individuals complete required periodic training.
- Maintain the foreign travel reporting program for individuals traveling abroad for research, teaching, conferences, or MUSC business.
- Provide expert guidance to faculty, staff, and trainees on international engagements, foreign influence, and high-risk outside activities.
-
Oversee research security risk assessments for international collaborations, visiting scholars, and high-risk foreign engagements.
-
Research Security Training & Institutional Education – 20%
-
Lead implementation of comprehensive research security training tailored to MUSC’s risk profile and federal regulations.
- Ensure covered individuals complete federally developed or MUSC-approved research security training modules.
- Lead training, outreach, and educational activities related to research security.
- Provide training content illustrating improper transfer of research or federally funded R&D.
- Advise leadership on evolving regulations, risk tolerance, and best practices.
-
Maintain training documentation, certifications, and compliance records.
-
Export Control Training & Compliance Support – 10%
-
Ensure covered individuals engaged in export-controlled research complete required training.
- Coordinate delivery of federal or MUSC-developed export control education.
- Oversee compliance reviews of foreign sponsors, collaborators, and research engagements to ensure alignment with export control regulations.
-
Maintain export compliance records and verify sponsor-required certifications.
-
Program Leadership, Governance & Institutional Coordination – 35%
-
Design, implement, and maintain MUSC’s comprehensive Research Security Program in accordance with federal and state requirements.
- Lead the Research Security Committee, supporting risk assessments, policy development, training needs, and strategic decision-making.
- Serve on institutional committees and workgroups related to research compliance and risk mitigation.
- Conduct investigations into research-related security concerns and report findings to internal stakeholders and federal agencies as appropriate.
- Partner with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to ensure compliance with sponsor-required research security certifications.
- Serve as the institutional primary point of contact for sponsors, regulators, and external stakeholders on research security issues.
- Establish and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate program effectiveness.
-
Stay current on regulatory changes and evolving best practices through engagement in professional organizations and conferences.
-
Other duties as needed - 5%
Research Security Program Oversight
- Design, implement, and maintain a comprehensive research security program that meets federal and state requirements.
- Advise senior leadership on evolving research security regulations, risk tolerance, and best practices.
- Lead the Research Security Committee to evaluate institutional risks, formulate research security policies, identify training needs, and support strategic decision-making activities.
- Provide expert guidance to faculty, staff, and trainees on international collaborations, foreign influence, and high-risk outside activities.
- Conduct investigations into research-related activities that pose security risks and communicate findings to stakeholders, including federal agencies.
- Oversee research security risk assessment for university activities, international research collaborations, visiting scholars (etc.,).
- Serve on the various committees and workgroups engaged in mitigating risks associated with areas related to the institutional research security program.
- Partner with the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects to ensure compliance with research security certifications and sponsor requirements.
- Lead training, outreach, and guidance efforts related to research security.
- Establish and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure program effectiveness.
- Collaborate with Information Security Office (ISO) to develop and manage NIST SP 800-171, NIST R8471, and CMMC requirements.
- Identify research projects requiring NIST R8471, CMMC or NIST SP 800-171 compliance and support research teams in meeting requirements.
- Serve as the primary institutional point of contact for external sponsors and regulators on research security matters.
- Stay current on regulatory changes and best practices through active participation in conferences and professional organizations.
This is not a fully remote position. Routine onsite work will be required.
Additional Job Description
Minimum Training and Experience Requirements:
A bachelor's degree and four years relevant program experience. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust across diverse stakeholder groups. Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Preferred Requirements:
Experience in cybersecurity, research security, export controls, or federal research compliance at an academic or research institution. Experience engaging with federal agencies or research sponsors.
Physical Requirements
Mobility & Posture
- Standing: Continuous
- Sitting: Continuous
- Walking: Continuous
- Climbing stairs: Infrequent
- Working indoors: Continuous
- Working outdoors (temperature extremes): Infrequent
- Working from elevated areas: Frequent
- Working in confined/cramped spaces: Frequent
- Kneeling: Infrequent
- Bending at the waist: Continuous
- Twisting at the waist: Frequent
- Squatting: Frequent
Manual Dexterity & Strength
- Pinching operations: Frequent
- Gross motor use (fingers/hands): Continuous
- Firm grasping (fingers/hands): Continuous
- Fine manipulation (fingers/hands): Continuous
- Reaching overhead: Frequent
- Reaching in all directions: Continuous
- Repetitive motion (hands/wrists/elbows/shoulders): Continuous
- Full use of both legs: Continuous
- Balance & coordination (lower extremities): Frequent
Lifting & Force Requirements
- Lift/carry 50 lbs. unassisted: Infrequent
- Lift/lower 50 lbs. from floor to 36”: Infrequent
- Lift up to 25 lbs. overhead: Infrequent
- Exert up to 50 lbs. of force: Frequent
Examples:
- Transfer 100 lb. non-ambulatory patient = 50 lbs. force
- Push 400 lb. patient in wheelchair on carpet = 20 lbs. force
- Push patient stretcher one-handed = 25 lbs. force
Vision & Sensory
- Maintain corrected vision 20/40 (one or both eyes): Continuous
- Recognize objects (near/far): Continuous
- Color discrimination: Continuous
- Depth perception: Continuous
- Peripheral vision: Continuous
- Hearing acuity (with correction): Continuous
- Tactile sensory function: Continuous
- Gross motor with fine motor coordination: Continuous
- Selected Positions:
- Olfactory (smell) function: Continuous
- Respirator use qualification: Continuous
Work Environment & Conditions
- Effective stress management: Continuous
- Rotating shifts: Frequent
- Overtime as required: Frequent
- Latex-safe environment: Continuous
If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!
The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.
Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees
See all 61+ OPT Security Program Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Security Program Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Security Program Manager
Target organizations with formal security compliance mandates
Federal contractors, financial institutions, and healthcare systems must maintain security programs by law. These organizations run ongoing programs rather than one-off projects, which means consistent demand for program managers and higher willingness to sponsor OPT workers.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility before applying
If your degree is in computer science, information systems, or cybersecurity, you likely qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Confirming this upfront makes you significantly more attractive to employers weighing the cost of eventual H-1B visa sponsorship against your authorization window.
Highlight security frameworks you have direct experience with
Employers hiring for this role prioritize candidates who know NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2, or FedRAMP. Naming specific frameworks you have implemented or assessed in your work history signals you can contribute immediately without an extended ramp-up period.
Pursue a security certification before your OPT period ends
Credentials like CISSP, CISM, or PMP signal long-term professional commitment and compensate for limited U.S. work history. Many employers use certification status as a proxy for seniority when evaluating OPT candidates for program management roles.
Address your OPT timeline directly in cover letters
Proactively stating your authorization end date and STEM extension eligibility removes the guesswork for hiring managers. A brief, confident sentence about your work authorization removes ambiguity and prevents your application from being filtered out before a recruiter reviews it.
Seek roles with active security programs, not just new initiatives
Established security programs have documented budgets, existing stakeholder relationships, and headcount approvals already in place. Joining a program that is already running reduces the risk that your role gets delayed or cancelled before your OPT start date.
Security Program Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Security Program Manager roles typically sponsor OPT students?
Yes, but selectively. Federal contractors, large financial institutions, and enterprise technology companies are the most consistent sponsors because security programs are ongoing, budget-approved functions rather than short-term projects. Smaller companies without a dedicated security function are less likely to invest in OPT sponsorship for this role. Browse Security Program Manager positions on Migrate Mate to identify which employers actively hire OPT candidates.
Does a Security Program Manager role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree field, not the job title. If your degree is in computer science, information systems, cybersecurity, or a closely related STEM discipline, you are likely eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. The role itself involves technical program management, which your DSO and employer will need to confirm aligns with your degree program under the STEM designated degree list.
What security clearance considerations apply to OPT students in this role?
Most U.S. security clearances, including Secret and Top Secret, are restricted to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. As an F-1 OPT student, roles requiring formal clearances are generally out of reach. However, many Security Program Manager positions in the private sector, particularly in financial services and healthcare, do not require clearances and are fully accessible to OPT workers with the right technical background.
How long does OPT authorization typically last for this role, and what happens next?
Standard OPT authorization lasts 12 months. If your degree qualifies as STEM, you can apply for a 24-month extension, giving you up to 36 months total. After that, continued employment requires a different visa status, most commonly H-1B. Employers who sponsor Security Program Managers for OPT are generally familiar with this timeline and factor it into their longer-term hiring plans.
What should I look for in a Security Program Manager job posting to confirm it is OPT-friendly?
Look for language like 'will sponsor work authorization,' 'open to OPT or CPT,' or 'visa sponsorship available.' Postings that list H-1B sponsorship as a benefit are a strong signal the employer understands the full sponsorship pipeline. Avoid roles that specify 'must be authorized to work without sponsorship.' On Migrate Mate, you can filter specifically for OPT-eligible Security Program Manager positions so you are only applying to roles where sponsorship is already confirmed.