Assistant Director of Research Security and Conflicts Manager

Special Instructions to Applicants Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B). Job Summary The Office of Research Security oversees the Research Security, Export Control, Conflicts Management, Controlled Unclassified Information, and Facility Security programs for the University of Southern Mississippi. The University has implemented an expanded and comprehensive Conflicts Management program, which oversees financial Conflicts of Interest, Conflicts of Commitment, and Organizational Conflicts for both research and non-research activities. The University of Southern Mississippi Office of Research Security seeks an exceptional individual to fill the newly developed position of Conflicts Manager. This role will oversee the university’s Conflicts Program, serve as a subject matter expert on federal, state, and institutional Conflicts requirements, provide training to the University community, ensure the efficient management of Conflicts disclosures, and provide guidance and reporting to institutional leadership. As an Assistant Director in the Office of Research Security, the Conflicts Manager will work with the Office of Research Administration, the Office of the Provost, the Office of General Counsel, and other key stakeholders to implement and grow a robust Conflicts program. The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude, an active, energetic mind, and a leadership style that is characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to diversity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Conflicts Manager directs the university’s comprehensive Conflicts program, serving as the subject matter expert on regulatory requirements related to conflicts of interest (COI), conflicts of commitment (COC), organizational conflicts (OC), and foreign influence prevention. In this capacity, the Manager provides guidance to faculty, staff, and administrators on evaluating outside research activities and other potential conflicts to ensure compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and institutional regulations and policies. The position oversees the development, review, and processing of annual and ad-hoc Conflicts disclosures (Outside Activity Reports) and works closely with individuals, the Conflicts Committee, and institutional leadership to mitigate conflicts as appropriate. This includes developing, implementing, and auditing Conflicts Management plans, as well as managing the Conflicts Committee, its meetings, member training, and related administrative functions. The Conflicts Manager develops, coordinates, and delivers workshops, seminars, and other training programs on COI, COC, OC, and foreign influence to support awareness and compliance across the university. The role also advises institutional leadership on Conflicts policies, procedures, disclosure forms, system updates, and guidance, and provides annual and ad-hoc compliance reports and data. In addition, the Manager assists the Director with foreign influence prevention initiatives and other Research Security activities as needed, while building and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with investigators, oversight committees, and other key stakeholders to ensure a robust, transparent, and compliant Conflicts program. Performs other duties as assigned to support the Office of Research Security and the university’s broader research compliance objectives.