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.
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.
This is a full-time and benefits-eligible position. Hybrid and flexible work schedules are available. UIC offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience. In addition, all full-time benefits-eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package, which includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance, a defined benefit pension plan, as well as paid leave, which includes Vacation, Holiday, and Sick. In addition, we offer tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Key Responsibilities:
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.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field. A master’s degree or PhD in a STEM field or a JD degree is strongly preferred.
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 effectively implement an institutional compliance program related to allegations, investigations and findings/determinations of sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault in research.
Ability to work cooperatively with various levels of faculty, staff, students and outside agencies.
Outstanding customer service orientation; 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:
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.
APPLICATION: To ensure fullest consideration, application materials must be received by December 9, 2024. Start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. Salary is commensurate with experience and education. All candidates must create a candidate profile through http://jobs.uic.edu and upload a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references by the close date.
Interested candidates must apply at the following link:
As an EOE/AA employer, the University of Illinois encourages applications from individuals regardless of an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, and Veteran or disability status.
Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.
The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit: https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=14118991411899
The University of Illinois Chicago is the city’s largest university and its only public Carnegie Research 1 institution. Its 16 academic colleges serve close to 34,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UIC is recognized as one of the best public universities and one of the most ethnically rich and culturally diverse campuses in the nation, located in the heart of Chicago, it is an integral part of the city's educational, technological and cultural fabric.