Program Director, Regulated Research

Program Director, Regulated Research

Office of the Chief Information Officer

Join the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in shaping the future of regulated research. As the Program Director for Regulated Research, you will provide strategic leadership for a growing institution-wide program that enables groundbreaking research while ensuring compliance with federal and sponsor requirements. Working closely with researchers, technology leaders, compliance experts, and campus partners, you will help create the frameworks, governance, and technology strategies that support impactful research initiatives.

This is a unique opportunity to operate at the intersection of research, technology, cybersecurity, and institutional strategy. The role offers broad campus visibility, the ability to influence policy and program direction, and the chance to build collaborative solutions that help researchers succeed in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. If you enjoy bringing people together, solving complex challenges, and leading initiatives with meaningful institutional impact, we encourage you to apply. Hybrid work options may be available for this position, with the ability to be on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus as needed per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

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Job Summary

The Program Director, Regulated Research provides strategic, programmatic, and governance leadership for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign''s regulated research computing program within the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). This position holds institution-wide purview across the regulated research program, spanning strategy, governance, audit readiness, technical roadmapping, and cross-unit coordination that extends beyond Technology Services to encompass all relevant stakeholders across campus. The Program Director serves as the authoritative programmatic voice connecting research compliance requirements, technology infrastructure, and institutional policy into a cohesive, audit-ready operational framework, ensuring alignment with applicable federal, state, and sponsor regulations including NIST SP 800-171, CMMC, HIPAA, CUI/ITAR/EAR, and other compliance standards governing regulated research environments. The position reports to the Chief Information Security and Privacy Officer (CISPO) and leads a collaborative, matrix-team delivery model, holding dotted-line program accountability. Coordination with the HIPAA Privacy Officer is expected where regulated research involves Protected Health Information.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Strategy, Governance & Roadmapping

• Directs the regulated research program with full administrative authority, setting strategic priorities and establishing programmatic direction in alignment with OCIO and institutional goals.
• Develops, interprets, and implements policies and procedures governing the regulated research program; ensures operational consistency and regulatory compliance across all program activities.
• Provides authoritative, expert-level professional and technical knowledge in regulated research computing, research compliance, and relevant cybersecurity frameworks.
• Develops and maintains a multi-year technical and programmatic roadmap, integrating emerging compliance requirements, infrastructure needs, institutional research priorities, and annualized reporting on roadmap outcomes.
• Serves as primary advisorto the CIO, senior OCIO leadership, and OVCRI leadership on all matters related to regulated research strategy, risk posture, and program development.

Audit Readiness & Compliance

• Leads the institution''s audit readiness posture for regulated research environments, coordinating preparation for federal agency reviews, sponsor audits, and compliance assessments.
• Maintains comprehensive documentation of program controls, policies, and operational procedures to support continuous audit readiness under frameworks including NIST SP 800-171, CMMC, HIPAA and applicable federal acquisition regulations.
• Monitors evolving regulatory landscapes, including CUI, ITAR, EAR, CMMC, HIPAA, and sponsor-specific requirements, and translates regulatory changes into actionable program updates.
• Partners with the Office of Research, Sponsored Programs Administration, ExportControls, HIPAA Privacy Officer, and other compliance units to ensure the regulated research program satisfies institutional and sponsor obligations.

Cross-Functional Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serves as the primary institutional liaison for the regulated research program across campus units, research groups, federal agencies, and external partners, representing the CIO on relevant committees and working groups.
• Coordinates cross-functional efforts spanning Technology Services, research computing, departmental IT, and administrative offices to deliver a cohesive regulated research program.
• Facilitates stakeholder engagement with faculty, researchers, department heads, and compliance officers to identify program needs, communicate requirements, and resolve operational issues.
• Represents the regulated research program in campus-wide governance bodies, including relevant University-level research compliance and information security committees.
• Holds dotted-line program accountability across the supporting technical and compliance roles within the unit, ensuring the three-role staffing model operates as a coordinated system.
• Identifies and develops matrix team support for the regulated research program; ensures resources are allocated and reported on; and provides an escalation path for challenges in supporting regulated research computing environments.
• Serves as the escalation point for non-routine technical decisions - including incident response, identity and access management changes, and GCC High administration - coordinating execution through the program's matrix team of subject-matter experts across Technology Services.

Budget, Resources, and Operations

• Develops and manages program budgets and budget proposals; directs financial resources, including budget allocation, facilities, and operational expenditures in support of regulated research infrastructure.
• Researches and identifies potential funding sources and partnership opportunities in support of program sustainability and serves as primary liaison to external agencies to ensure compliance with applicable university, federal, state, and sponsor regulations.
• Directs physical planning and logistical requirements for regulated research environments, including secure enclave infrastructure and controlled or sensitive computing facilities.
• Develops and provides annual reports to OCIO, OVCRI, and broader communities on the status of regulated research computing.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor''s degree.
• A total of three (3) years (36 months) of professional experience in research administration, research compliance, regulatory affairs, contracts and grants, or a closely related field. (Note: Master''s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)
• Demonstrated experience managing or coordinating programs that cross organizational boundaries.
• Demonstrated experience developing or maintaining program documentation such as SOPs, policies, control narratives, or similar at an institutional or enterprise scale.
• Demonstrated experience working within or directly supporting a program governed by at least one federal regulated research or information security compliance framework, such as NIST SP 800-171, CMMC, CUI, ITAR, or EAR.
• Demonstrated experience serving in a liaison or coordination role between technical/IT teams and non-technical stakeholders (researchers, compliance officers, legal, or sponsored programs staff), including the ability to understand and communicate with technical teams directly.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing or coordinating regulated research computing programs at a research university or federal contractor organization.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives involving research administration, information security, and/or IT infrastructure in a higher education or comparable institutional setting.
• Demonstrated experience with sponsored research operations, including federal grant and contract compliance, audit preparation, and sponsor reporting obligations.
• Direct experience responding to and successfully passing audits as a federal contractor or in a federal-contractor equivalent role.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and methods for program design, administration, and evaluation, including curriculum and training design where applicable.
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership, and coordination of people and resources.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks governing regulated research environments (e.g.,NIST SP 800-171, CMMC, CUI, HIPAA ITAR/EAR, federal acquisition regulations) and their application in higher education or research organizations.
• Skill in analyzing complex information and evaluating results to identify and implement effective solutions.
• Skill in planning, scheduling, and coordinating programs, activities, and the work of others across multiple organizational units.
• Excellent communication skills,including the ability to convey complex technical and regulatory information to all audiences.
• Ability to adjust actions in response to evolving organizational, regulatory, and stakeholder needs.
• Ability to listen to and synthesize information and ideas presented through spoken and written communication.
• Ability to apply general rules and regulatory frameworks to specific institutional problems to produce workable, compliant solutions.
• Ability to develop goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish complex programmatic work.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, researchers, administrators, and external constituency groups.
• Ability to effectively plan, delegate, and lead colleagues without direct authority.
• Ability to utilize various computer and enterprise software platforms relevant to program management, compliance tracking, and reporting.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and investigate and resolve a variety of complex programmatic and compliance-related questions.
• Ability to analyze situations and develop guidelines, procedures, and systems to improve program effectiveness and compliance posture.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5003 - Program Director position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $120,000 to $140,000. Salary is commensurate with experience. Hybrid work options may be available for this position, with the ability to be on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus as needed per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 8, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.

To complete the application process:

Step 1) Submit the Staff Vacancy Application using the "Apply Now" button.

Step 2) Submit the Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability forms.

Step 3) Upload your cover letter, resume (months and years of employment must be included), and names/contact information for three references.

If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Sami Roch at sroch@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1037572

Job Category: Professional and Administrative

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu