Executive Director, Security & Classified Operations and Chief Security Officer

Job description

Job Type: Regular Overview of RAND The RAND Corporation is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND’s research and analysis address issues that impact people everywhere, including security, health, education, sustainability, growth, and development. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, RAND has approximately 1,700 people from more than 45 countries working in offices in North America, Europe and Australia, with annual revenues of more than $260 million. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. Our research is sponsored by government agencies, foundations, other nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. We rely on philanthropic support to reach beyond the scope of client-sponsored work to tackle questions that may be too big, too complex, or too new for our clients to address. RAND values objectivity and integrity in both its research processes and internal interactions. We emphasize a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff. Position Description The Classified Systems Administrator, III is responsible for the administration, evaluation, and optimization of classified servers, network infrastructures, and communication systems operating within secure, regulated environments. Serving as a senior technical contributor, this role independently maintains mission-critical systems, ensures operational effectiveness, and supports infrastructure projects while adhering to federal security and compliance standards. The position requires strong expertise in either Windows or Linux systems and works closely with cybersecurity, network, and program teams to ensure the reliability, performance, and security of classified IT operations. This position requires 100% in office support. The position is required to work 8:00am-5:00pm EST. M-F and may be required to be on call as circumstances dictate. The range of duties and responsibilities for this Classified Systems Administrator, III position entail: Administer, configure, and maintain classified servers, LAN/WAN networks, and secure communications systems to ensure high availability, performance, and operational continuity. Proactively monitor system health, logs, and alerts; troubleshoot hardware, software, and network issues; and escalate complex enterprise-level problems when needed. Execute system updates, patch management, backups, and disaster recovery procedures in accordance with security requirements and organizational standards. Support infrastructure modernization efforts, including system upgrades, migrations, and deployments within classified environments. Assist in the design, configuration, implementation, and documentation of secure IT solutions that meet operational and mission needs. Implement and maintain security controls for classified systems in alignment with NIST 800-series, STIGs, ICD 503, RMF, and organizational policies. Support vulnerability remediation, accreditation and validation activities, audit readiness, and formal change management/configuration control processes. Analyze system and network performance to identify capacity or reliability gaps and recommend improvements that enhance scalability, resilience, security, and cost-effectiveness. Partner closely with cybersecurity, engineering, program, and IT teams to deliver compliant, secure, and reliable technical solutions. Contribute to technical documentation, process improvements, knowledge sharing, and mentoring or training for team members and users as needed. Perform other related duties in support of classified program and operational objectives. Qualifications Knowledge of PC hardware, software and network systems for Windows and Linux. Proficient in administration, troubleshooting, and performance tuning of classified servers, networks, and storage. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills for moderately complex technical issues. Ability to plan and execute technical solutions independently while escalating enterprise-level issues appropriately. Effective communication and collaboration skills with technical teams, management, and functional departments. Knowledge of backup, disaster recovery, and secure communications practices in classified environments. Must be able to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Linux OS experience is preferred. Understanding of Nest 800-171 and CMMC requirements. Must have experience working in classified cloud solutions. Experience conducting audit of classified systems. Advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for completing network, system, and application issues in a classified environment. Experience with DCSA and IC Community System assessments. Education Requirements Associate's degree is required BA/BS preferred Experience Minimum of 5 years' experience in classified network systems is required. 9 years of experience is preferred. Security Clearance This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain active TS/SCI access with Poly along with the technical certifications. Location This position is located in RAND's Washington D.C. office (Arlington, VA) and will require a presence of 5 days per week, Monday - Friday. Salary Range : $88,000 - $130,900 RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND’s sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more. Equal Opportunity Employer