Director of Security

Job Description

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Location: Metropolitan Washington, DC, United States

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Work Model: Hybrid, with periodic East Coast travel

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No relocation: local candidates preferred.

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Summary / Overview

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The Security Director will shape and steward a resilient, people-centered security program for a prominent mission-driven organization. Acting as a trusted adviser to senior leadership, this individual will anticipate risks, guide protective decisions, coordinate response to incidents, and strengthen safeguards for personnel, facilities, information, and mission-related activities across the organization.

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This is a wonderful opportunity for a seasoned, values-driven security professional who combines strategic perspective with operational credibility. The successful candidate will bring sound judgment, discretion, and calm leadership; communicate effectively with executives and external partners; and thrive in an environment where security work directly supports a consequential public-interest mission.

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Responsibilities

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• Establish and maintain an integrated security framework encompassing workplace security, personnel protection, emergency preparedness, incident response, and security technology.
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• Counsel executive and operational leaders on security conditions, emerging threats, protective options, and risk-informed decisions affecting people, offices, and organizational activities.
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• Evaluate threats, vulnerabilities, and security incidents; lead or coordinate appropriate protective measures, investigations, escalation, and recovery actions.
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• Direct the development, testing, and refinement of security policies, protocols, emergency plans, and continuity-related procedures in partnership with internal stakeholders.
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• Oversee security readiness for offices, senior leaders, travel, and events, including site reviews, access-control practices, vendor coordination, and tailored protective planning.
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• Develop productive working relationships with law-enforcement agencies, consultants, peer organizations, and relevant public- and private-sector security partners.
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Requirements, Skills, and Competencies

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• Ten or more years of progressively responsible experience in corporate security, protective services, investigations, law enforcement, intelligence, emergency management, or related security discipline.
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• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced education or specialized study in a relevant field is preferred.
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• Demonstrated capability in threat assessment, physical security program management, crisis or emergency response, and the protection of personnel, facilities, and sensitive operations.
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• Experience operating effectively in mission-driven, public-facing, advocacy, government, legal, nonprofit, or similarly complex environments where discretion and reputational awareness are essential.
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• Knowledge of contemporary security systems, access control and surveillance technologies, security vendor management, and the physical protection of sensitive information and assets.
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• Exceptional judgment, communication, relationship-building, organizational, and critical thinking skills, with an ability to manage confidential matters and remain composed during fast-moving situations.
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