Director of Export Controls

Director of Export Controls

Hiring Department: The Office of Research Integrity

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID

Posting Close Date: 12/9/2024

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Description:

Position Summary

The Director of Export Controls is responsible for establishing, communicating, and monitoring the Export Management and Compliance Program (EMCP), a campus-wide export compliance program for export control matters related to the sponsored project portfolio. This role oversees and manages the university's compliance with U.S. federal export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and Foreign Assets Control Regulations (FACR) and other relevant statutes governing the export of goods, services, and technologies. The Director will work closely with researchers, faculty, administrators, and external partners to ensure that all export activities related to sponsored research, collaborations, and international engagement align with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Director will lead the university's export control compliance program, advise university stakeholders on regulatory matters, and implement best practices to mitigate risk and ensure compliance while promoting innovation and international research collaboration.

Leadership & Strategic Oversight:

Lead and manage the university's export control program, ensuring compliance with ITAR, EAR, and other federal regulations related to the export of technologies, data, and services.

Serve as the primary subject matter expert and advisor to university leadership, faculty, researchers, and administrators on export control regulations and compliance issues.

Develop and implement strategic initiatives to streamline export control processes while ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

Represent the university in dealings with federal agencies (e.g., Department of State, Department of Commerce, OFAC), ensuring timely and accurate reporting of export control matters.

Compliance & Risk Management:

Review and evaluate research and export activities to determine if export control regulations apply.

Work with faculty and staff to identify, classify, and license controlled technologies and research materials.

Coordinate and oversee the submission of export license applications and maintain records of all related approvals and denials.

Conduct risk assessments and develop strategies to mitigate potential compliance issues related to export controls in research and international collaborations.

Provide guidance on the implications of export control laws for international collaborations, partnerships, and contracts, including ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access to controlled information or materials.

Develop, implement, and manage an institutional compliance program related to sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault in research to ensure adherence to external research sponsors' policies, policy statements, guidelines, award terms and conditions, and other requirements.

Serve as the subject matter expert on compliance issues related to allegations, investigations, and findings/determinations of sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault in research with an emphasis on assuring compliance with research sponsor requirements for reporting findings of sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault.

Training & Education:

Develop and deliver training programs for university researchers, faculty, and staff on export control laws, compliance procedures, and best practices.

Promote awareness of export control requirements across the university and foster a culture of compliance.

Stay current with changes in export control regulations and assess their impact on university research activities.

Collaboration & Communication:

Collaborate with other university departments, such as Sponsored Programs, Technology Transfer, Risk Management, and Legal Affairs, to ensure coordinated and comprehensive export control compliance.

Serve as the university's liaison with funding agencies, foreign governments, and industry partners regarding export control matters.

Handle inquiries related to international travel, shipping, and technology transfer to ensure compliance with export control regulations.

Reporting & Documentation:

Ensure that all export control compliance documentation is accurate, complete, and in accordance with university policies and federal regulations.

Prepare and submit required reports to federal agencies and institutional stakeholders regarding export control compliance activities.

Maintain up-to-date records of all compliance activities, licenses, and training programs.

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects, as assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM or STEM related field and a minimum of 5 years experience in export controls.
• Working knowledge of U. S. trade controls and export control laws and regulations administered by the Department of Commerce (EAR), the Department of State (ITAR) and the Department of the Treasury (individual country sanctions and embargo regulations administered by OFAC) as they apply to an institution of higher education and multi-disciplinary research.
• Ability to effectively implement a comprehensive export control compliance program to ensure that research and other activities with the institution comply with the various export control laws and regulations.
• Ability to work cooperatively with various levels of faculty, staff, students and outside agencies on research security and integrity matters.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical, judgment and organization skills, and ability to work with individuals from various cultures and backgrounds.
• Ability to navigate a fast-paced, research-intensive environment while balancing compliance needs with institutional goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master's degree or PhD in a STEM or STEM related field or a JD degree is strongly preferred.
• Certification in export compliance (e.g., Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer, CUSECO).
• Experience with international research collaborations and technology transfer processes.
• Familiarity with federal funding agencies and their export control requirements.
• Security clearance or ability to obtain security clearance.

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.

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