Export Compliance Manager

Job Description

Position Summary

The Export Compliance Manager is responsible for implementing and managing day-to-day U.S. and international export control compliance activities for KAUST, with particular focus on the High-Performance Computing (HPC), including Shaheen III supercomputer, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and advanced semiconductors. As part of the Export Compliance Team in the Office of General Counsel, this position works to adhere to U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), license conditions, and other applicable export control requirements governing KAUST's operation of controlled technologies.

Working at the intersection of compliance, technology, and research administration, this role requires detailed knowledge of export control regulations, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities. The Export Compliance Specialist will conduct screening activities, maintain compliance documentation, and support policy implementation.

The position plays a critical role in enabling compliant access to KAUST's supercomputing resources while ensuring adherence to export control requirements. The Export Compliance Manager will work closely with Office of General Counsel, KAUST Supercomputing Laboratory, Research Funding Services, Academic Divisions and Centers, Information Technology, Information Security, Human Resources, Academic Affairs, Admissions, Educational Partnerships, and other stakeholders to implement processes that facilitate research, development and innovation, while maintaining strict regulatory compliance.

Major Responsibilities

• As part of the Export Compliance Team in the Office of General Counsel, executes export compliance processes for Shaheen III supercomputer access and operations.

• Advising on complex export control and research security issues related to artificial intelligence, quantum computing and advanced semiconductors.

• Conducts restricted party screening and due diligence reviews for Shaheen III administrative access and users against relevant government lists and license conditions.

• Reviews research proposals and user access requests for export compliance considerations.

• Implements and maintains export compliance workflows and documentation systems.

• Supports the development and improvement of export compliance policies and procedures.

• Prepares and maintains documentation required for export compliance, including user agreements and compliance certifications.

• Assists with export classification of research activities and technologies.

• Assists with integration of compliance, access, use, and security controls.

• Tracks export license conditions and document compliance evidence.

• Supports audit and assessment activities related to export compliance.

• Collaborates with KAUST Supercomputing Laboratory on user onboarding processes.

• Assists in developing and delivering export compliance training and awareness materials.

• Monitors compliance with established export control safeguards.

• Investigates potential compliance issues and documents findings.

• Maintains organized records of all compliance activities and decisions.

• Collaborates with Information Technology and Information Security teams on technical implementation of compliance controls.

• Researches export control regulations and interpretations as needed.

• Works closely with Head of Legal and General Counsel to ensure compliance with license conditions.

• Prepares compliance status reports and metrics.

• Supports interactions with regulatory authorities and external counsel.

• Stays current on evolving export control regulations and requirements.

• Serves as a subject matter expert on export compliance processes.

• Other duties as assigned by Head of Legal and General Counsel.

Personal Requirements

Competencies

• Demonstrates detailed knowledge of export control regulations and their application

• Shows strong critical thinking and analytical skills

• Shows attention to detail

• Exhibits effective written and verbal communication abilities

• Applies sound judgment in assessing compliance requirements and risks

• Ability to build collaborative relationships to facilitate research activities and deliver results

• Manages competing priorities effectively

• Demonstrates discretion with confidential and sensitive information

• Shows commitment to maintaining regulatory compliance

• Ability to implement well-organized documentation and record-keeping practices

• Exhibits problem-solving skills related to compliance challenges

• Takes initiative in process improvements and efficiency

• Demonstrates ability to interpret complex regulations and apply them to specific situations

• Shows adaptability in responding to evolving compliance requirements

• Maintains a customer service orientation while enforcing compliance requirements

• Effectively explains compliance requirements to diverse stakeholders

• Ability to work efficiently and effectively under deadline pressures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred in International Relations, Public Policy, Business, Law, or related field or equivalent experience.

• Export compliance certification (e.g., ECoP) preferred.

• 4+ years of export compliance and related experience, including familiarity or knowledge of U.S. export control regulations, preferably in an academic or research setting.

• Extensive knowledge of U.S. export control regulations, particularly EAR.

• Strong understanding of export controls related to HPC.

Experience

• Experience with restricted party screening, due diligence processes and compliance verification/assessments

• Experience with export and research compliance documentation, procedures and recordkeeping

• Experience with export compliance in academic or research settings preferred

• Knowledge of end-user verification processes

• Familiarity with research administration processes preferred

• Experience with compliance databases and tracking systems

• Proven ability to implement and improve compliance procedures in regulated environments with complex requirements