Director of Global Safety & Security

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Job Description

Are you passionate about global safety, security, and building strong relationships to support a world-class university community?

We are seeking a Director of Global Safety & Security who blends higher education acumen, exceptional interpersonal skills, and deep expertise in physical security, threat analysis, international travel risk management, and crisis response. This is a dynamic, hands-on role: the Director will set strategic vision while actively managing day-to-day operations, leading incident responses, and delivering high-impact training.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Emergency Management and Global Safety & Security, the Director supervises the Program Manager for International Travel Safety. Together, they uphold a robust duty-of-care framework, direct crisis response efforts, advance international risk management, and bolster physical security across the University’s global footprint.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Management: Direct day-to-day global safety and security operations, ensuring consistent execution and high standards across all programs.

• Policy & Governance: Lead the University’s travel risk management framework by developing, implementing, and auditing policies. Ensure compliance across international activities, conduct regular reviews, and drive continuous program improvements.

• Travel Risk Assessment: Oversee and evaluate the risk assessment and registration process for all University-sponsored international travel.

• Training & Outreach: Oversee the design and delivery of pre-departure and annual safety training programs for faculty, staff, and students.

• Crisis Preparedness & Response: Lead emergency preparedness, continuity planning, tactical crisis response, and emergency exercises across the global network.

• Global Hazard Analysis: Assess health, safety, and security risks across diverse international environments. Monitor geopolitical, environmental, and cultural developments, adapting protocols and advising on staffing, infrastructure, and safety procedures at international sites.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and cultivate strong partnerships across campus, at international locations, and with key external partners (e.g., U.S. Department of State, Crisis24).

• Global Availability & Support: Maintain flexible availability across international time zones to monitor operations, advise university constituents, and respond promptly to emerging global crises.

• Team Leadership: Supervise, mentor, and direct the Program Manager for International Travel Safety, ensuring accountability and alignment while remaining actively engaged in program execution.

Qualifications

Minimum

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (4-year program preferred).
• Experience: 7+ years in international travel safety, risk management, emergency management, or global academic operations (or equivalent combination).
• Risk Assessment: Proven ability to evaluate geopolitical, health, safety, and operational risks globally.
• Crisis Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication, maintaining calm, clear decision-making during high-stress emergency responses.
• Interpersonal & Process Skills: Strong collaborative skills, high attention to detail, deadline-driven focus, and dedication to process optimization.
• Schedule Flexibility: Ability to handle irregular hours, work extended shifts during crises, and pivot quickly to late-night or early-morning international incident responses.
• Travel: Willingness to travel globally multiple times per year, involving long commercial flights, navigating varying terrain, and using regional transit.

Preferred

Qualifications

• Education & Background: Master’s degree; experience living, studying, or working abroad; higher education experience.
• Software & Tools: Familiarity with travel risk and insurance platforms (Terra Dotta, Concur, Crisis24, Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions, Google Suite).
• Certifications: Professional credentials such as APP, CPP, CBCP, AEM, CEM, CMCS, CSMP, or similar.

Additional Information

Annual Salary: $100,000 Commensurate with experience

Application Deadline: August 20, 2026

COVER LETTER SUBMISSION REQUIRED 

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.