Export Control Compliance Officer at The Ohio State University

Export Control Compliance Officer at The Ohio State University

Job Type
Full-time
Posting Date
December 6, 2016
Location of Position

Columbus, OH

Company Summary

Ohio State's College of Engineering and Knowlton School of Architecture strive to foster a learning culture that prepares students to be key contributors to society through their technological, professional and personal skills. Our faculty and our students thrive in an environment of new ideas and concepts that expand the understanding of science, engineering and architecture.

In addition to being an innovative leader in engineering and architecture education, we endeavor to fulfill our university's land-grant mission of advancing Ohio's economic mobility, competitiveness and standard of living through our contributions toward technology and creativity, continuous improvement, a diverse workforce and lifelong learning. The college also is firmly committed to and a catalyst for the University's Discovery Themes: Energy and Environment; Food Production and Security; and Health and Wellness.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Compliance Officer role will manage the execution of programs and policies in the College of Engineering (COE) to ensure compliance with US regulations and university policies affecting conduct of research, particularly export control and sanctions regulations. Participate with the Office of Research Compliance (ORC) in the development and implementation of comprehensive, institution-wide compliance initiatives. Lead efforts in COE to balance minimization of compliance risks with the university’s goals and mission. This position will have dual reporting to the Director of Engineering Research Operations (ERO) and to the Director, ORC on all compliance-related matters.

Performance Objectives

  • Oversee COE compliance within the institutional export control compliance program as well as provide oversight of COE processes
  • Effectively communicate the mission and goals of export control in an effort to improve current processes, solicit ideas for improving problematic areas and the overall addressing of compliance issues
  • Assist the University’s Export Control Officer (Associate Director, ORC) by maintaining the university- wide export control compliance program inside COE
  • Make recommendations to policies or procedures when necessary
  • Collaborate with the University’s Export Control Officer on activities related to the development, implementation, maintenance of and adherence to policies and procedures pertaining to export control in COE
  • Serve as COE’s liaison to the University's Export Control Officer and the University’s Empowered Official regarding the filing of export license applications with federal
  • Conduct export control program effectiveness assessments in COE and identify compliance requirements and potential vulnerabilities regarding the proper handling of export-controlled information, materials or technology in COE
  • In consultation with COE principal investigators and sponsored program officers, perform initial assessment of proposals and grant or contract awards to determine whether the information or materials involved may be subject to export controls and if there is a potential conflict of interest or commitment
  • Determine if the fundamental research, or other exclusions to export controls apply
  • Provide recommendations for managing the export control or conflict risk, considering relevant regulations and policies as well as the nature of the sponsored program
  • Collaborate with the ORC, information systems staff, and others as needed to develop and implement compliance measures including technology control plans or other management measures
  • In collaboration with the University’s Export Control Officer, evaluate overall compliance by COE researchers, students, and staff with federal regulations and institutional export control programs
  • Make recommendations to ensure physical and information systems measures taken by COE are sufficient to safeguard controlled information and materials
  • Provide oversight of implementation of institutional processes within the COE
  • Seek opportunities to enhance current processes, solicit ideas for improving problematic areas
  • Provide strategic planning assistance to COE research centers and departments for planning infrastructure needs
  • Oversee all activities related to the development, implementation, maintenance of and adherence to policies and procedures pertaining to export control within COE. In collaboration with the University’s Export Control Officer, identify compliance requirements and potential vulnerabilities regarding the proper handling of export-controlled information, materials or technology for sponsored programs and other research and non-research
  • Serve as a primary point of contact between COE and ORC to facilitate interactions involving conflict of interest and export controls, keeping abreast of changes in content and interpretations of policies, procedures, laws, and regulations for these compliance
  • Engage in efforts to increase COE faculty and staff understanding of research compliance issues as it relates to their position and/or field of research
  • Assist COE senior administrators responsible for managing research-related compliance issues and programs in implementing college and departmental compliance policies, procedures and activities
  • Collaborate with ORC in maintaining the university-wide export control compliance program
Position Requirements

Master’s degree in Engineering, Physical Sciences, Business Administration, Public Affairs or equivalent combination of education and experience. Extensive experience in academic research, research administration and compliance; sponsored research and compliance experience in higher education. 5+ years’ experience in implementation/oversight of an export control program in a major university or corporate environment; experience doing classification and jurisdiction determinations for technology, products, materials, equipment and software.

Must be able to obtain and maintain US Government Security Clearance; candidates currently holding a security clearance preferred. Initiative and positive, “can-do” mindset – engaging with COE PI’s and staff with a motivational style to ensure compliance with US regulations and university policies while strongly supporting research initiatives. Extensive experience creating and implementing compliance strategies and technology control programs.

Knowledge of federal export control regulations including those pursuant to EAR, ITAR, OFAC, and National Security Decision Directive 189. Excellent project management skills – ability to work with others to establish comprehensive strategies with appropriate objectives, metrics and execution schedules. Strong interpersonal skills – the capability to effectively engage individuals and groups. Strong communication skills – the ability to interact, present and communicate; effective capabilities to draft reports and summaries. Judgment and discretion – The ability to make effective decisions, problem solve and handle confidential information with discretion.

Desired:

Experience in filing formal export license applications with federal agencies desired. Professional background. Preference given to engineering or technical areas. The primary requirements are the ability to engage, learn, problem solve, and grow from experiences.

Required Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in software, information technology or science;
  • Experience in patent monetization;
  • Experience in creating claims charts and evidence of use;
  • Advanced knowledge of patent due diligence;
  • Experience with software licensing;
  • Strong network of contacts in the software and engineering licensing space;
  • Positive attitude; resourcefulness;
  • Strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Strong organizational abilities;
  • Deadline and detail oriented;
  • Willingness to learn university technology commercialization;
  • Ability to work independently.

Strongly preferred:

  • 3-5 years, full-time, related work experience;
  • Master’s degree preferred;
  • Strong knowledge of patents;
  • Ability to read and interpret patent claims;
  • Experience in patent valuation methodologies;
  • Experience working in a university environment.

Apply Here

The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status.