Security Manager (WMS2)

Security Manager

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

WSDOT is seeking a dynamic and highly skilled Security Manager to lead and deliver a best-in-class physical security program that supports the safety and protection of more than 7,000 employees across the agency. This role will serve as a subject matter expert in physical security, enterprise risk management, and security technologies, and is instrumental in coordinating operational security strategies across statewide facilities. A strong candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership, deep knowledge of security risk assessment methodologies, experience with security technology integration, and the ability to build trusted partnerships with law enforcement, executive leadership, and regional and divisional stakeholders. Success in this role requires strategic thinking, strong situational awareness, and the ability to create and implement security programs that are proactive, resilient, and responsive to the evolving needs of a diverse and distributed organization.

This position is required to interface and coordinate agency security activities; remain focused and persuasive under stressful circumstances and be an accessible resource to others. They will be required to coach, anticipate, constructively manage, and resolve security issues by pursuing mutually agreed solutions among affected parties.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Security Manager will:

• Identify, develop, and implement policies, procedures, and regulations necessary to create best-in-class security programs.
• Evaluate, assess, and monitor WSDOT facilities and infrastructure to identify, acquire, implement, and maintain necessary technology that support 24/7 secure operations (Cell Phones, security system licensing and updates, laptops, iPads, etc.).
• Lead large-scale business and technology projects including, but not limited to security technologies, applications, and network infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain the WSDOT Security Policy and Manual that outlines security responsibilities including, but not limited to, security operations, risk assessments/facility design, security training/exercises, and security/information technologies.
• Design, develop, update, and maintain Site Security Plans to improve facility security and mitigate risk to people and property and assist responses during security-related incidents.
• Provide input on procedures and methods to prevent property loss and damage.
• Work closely and collaboratively with law enforcement partners to identify, recommend, and coordinate necessary support for improvements from crime, vulnerabilities, and response during major events or incidents.
• Have experience with, maintain, and/or the ability to develop positive working and collaborative relationships with law enforcement partners including the Washington State Patrol, City/County/Tribal/Federal law enforcement agencies, and the US Department of Homeland Security.
• Have experience with, maintain, and/or the ability to develop positive working and collaborative relationships with local, state, tribal, and federal executive and elected officials.
• Have experience working collaboratively with all levels of personnel and/or executive leadership to develop, implement, and manage statewide projects and/or programs.
• Develop and oversee all WSDOT security technologies.
• Demonstrate the ability to participate and support security planning, managing, and staffing large-scale events in public spaces.

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required :

Physical Security and Technology Management

• Demonstrated expertise in leading and managing complex physical security programs across geographically distributed facilities.
• Proficiency in modern physical security technologies and systems, including surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, and alarm systems.
• Experience integrating physical security technologies with IT infrastructure and understanding of networking and system compatibility.
• Ability to develop and implement enterprise-level security strategies, plans, and procedures aligned with organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Skilled in evaluating and deploying security system architectures that support operational needs and safety priorities.

Security Risk Assessment and Emergency Preparedness

• Experience in developing actionable security protocols, training materials, and security response plans that address workplace violence, unauthorized access, and theft.
• Proficient in conducting facility site security assessments and determining security levels in alignment with federal and state standards.
• Ability to lead and facilitate security-related training, tabletop exercises, and drills to strengthen agency readiness and awareness.
• Knowledge of U.S. Department of Homeland Security principles and best practices related to risk mitigation and facility protection.

Strategic Leadership and Program Oversight

• Demonstrated success in managing teams, guiding policy development, and supporting interdepartmental coordination and communication.
• Proven ability to lead high-visibility programs, influence organizational decision-making, and manage resources to meet evolving security demands.
• Skilled in building and sustaining cross-functional partnerships with law enforcement agencies, internal divisions, and executive leadership.
• Experience in program evaluation, continuous improvement, and aligning security operations with broader organizational objectives.

Growth Mindset

• Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

Service-Oriented

• Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Advanced Prior Experience and Expertise:

• In security management, law enforcement, executive protection, operational, asset, facility security, or a related field and/or formal education in criminal justice, information technology, business, or public administration, or a closely related field.

Analysis and Planning

• Ability to develop a vision and plan for success and ability to grasp, conceptualize, and interpret complex business processes to develop a strategic plan to improve organizational performance.

Leadership and Facilitation

• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with internal and external stakeholders; provide effective guidance and direction; and organize and motivate groups of people having diverse backgrounds and experience.
• Skills to coach, anticipate, constructively manage, and resolve conflict by pursuing mutually agreed solutions among affected parties.

Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrated effective interpersonal communication and writing skills.
• Skills to work collaboratively with others to gain compliance and get results and treat others with courtesy and respect; consider different options and viewpoints; seek and accept constructive feedback; and maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professional discretion.

Judgement and Problem Solving

• Demonstrate the ability to make timely, logical, and defensible decisions based on the best information at hand.
• Identify and consider alternatives before deciding; actively seek to improve services; and consider the impact of decisions on agency and other stakeholders.

Any of the following Certifications

• ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
• ASIS Certified Physical Security Professional (PSP)
• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPD)
• Department of Homeland Security Interagency Security Committee Risk Management Process
• Mercury Platform such as Genetec Security Center 5.11 or higher (Synergis and Omnicast)
• Pelco Video Management Systems, Certification in ASIS Facility Security Design

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long as, and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. Application review will begin on June 9, 2026. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
• The position is required to interface and coordinate agency emergency activities and remain focused, calm, and persuasive under stressful circumstances and be an accessible resource to others.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• WSDOT