Personnel Security Specialist I

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is an independent, non-profit corporation that operates three federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs). This position falls under our Systems and Analyses Center in Alexandria, VA. We provide objective analyses of national security issues and related national challenges to the Department of Defense and other federal government agencies.

Summary Statement:

Under supervision the Security Specialist I execute elements of the security program, enforces security policies and procedures in support of the National Industrial Security Operations Procedures Manual (NISPOM) and Intelligence Community Directives (ICD). Responsible for data entry and integrity in a variety of systems, which may include Security Information Management System (SIMS) and Defense Information System for Security (DISS), National Background Investigation Systems (NBIS), and other databases and tracking systems. Performs a variety of routine security and administrative responsibilities such as processing clearances, document control, maintaining/issuing tokens, and security briefings. Provides support to leadership responding to recurring assessments by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) and other US Government agencies.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Executes elements of IDA's security administration program in support of the National Industrial Security Operations Procedures Manual (NISPOM) and Intelligence Community Directives (ICDA) assists in ensuring IDA affiliates and guests have the appropriate security clearance and briefings.
• Ensures that Security clearances and/or system tokens are kept up-to-date and tracked.
• Helps ensure that applications are submitted when required and in compliance with DoD guidance.
• Responds to routine and special inquiries.
• Assists with the issuance of all badges and/or system tokens
• Maintains databases
• May receive, transmit, control, circulate and track destruction of documents.
• Enforces personnel security policies and procedures.
  • Updates Security databases.
  • May assist in the security clearance process.
  • May process visits for the Visit Clearance Certification program.
  • Files required security records as required by the NISPOM and other regulatory agencies
• May assist with personnel security education, training, and awareness programs.
  • Assists with the briefing and debriefing of employees to include:
    • Initial Briefings
    • Annual Security Briefing
    • Foreign Travel Briefing
    • System User Briefings
    • NATO and CNWDI
  • Support awareness initiatives of established security policies and procedures.
  • May assist with the New Hire Orientation security briefing and other related briefing.
  • May provide security escort for all IDA employees who are attending security indoctrinations and CAC processing at the Pentagon and IDA locations.
• Responsible for data integrity in SIMS, DISS, NBIS, and other databases.
  • Enters data timely and accurately ensuring data integrity.
  • May interact with our government security customer to accomplish the reciprocity of clearances.
  • Aids in tracking the status of security requests.
  • May review and resolve clearance paperwork discrepancies that do not require escalation.
• May perform the duties of the Personnel Security Administrator when needed to include supporting lobby coverage, visitor access control and foreign national visitors.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma and three years of related security or customer service experience.

• Experience with DoD 32 CFR Part 117, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) and applicable Intelligence Community Directives (ICD) preferred.

• Experience with DoD clearance process such as eQIP, SIMS, DISS, foreign travel/contact and foreign national visitors is desired.

• Proficiency in use of computers and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel and Outlook).

• Possess strong interpersonal oral and written communication skills with demonstrated ability work effectively with all levels of staff; ability to work in fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.

• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively under deadlines with tact and diplomacy.

• US Citizenship is required.

• An active DoD Secret Clearance or Top Secret with SCI Eligibility is preferred.

• Ability to obtain and maintain necessary level security clearances.

• Successful completion of criminal background check is required.

Why IDA?

We are committed to creating a workplace that fosters inclusion and values the unique perspectives and experiences of every individual. Our commitment to inclusion extends beyond recruitment; it permeates our culture, policies, and practices. We strive to provide a respectful and supportive environment where every team member can thrive and contribute their best. Click here to view our vision, mission, and guiding principles.

Benefits

At IDA, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive benefits package that ensures the well-being and security of our staff and their families. We provide a range of medical plans as well as stand-alone dental and vision coverage. Our retirement plans are designed to secure the financial future of our staff, featuring a generous contribution of 11% of base salary to our Qualified Retirement Plan after six months of service. We are committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance with a flexible work environment, an Employee Assistance Plan, paid parental leave, 11 paid holidays, and generous paid time off. IDA encourages professional development and offers tuition reimbursement and other learning opportunities. Learn more about our robust benefit offerings here.

Pay

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $50,083-$80,132. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.