Principal, Global Event Security and Risk Management

Role Description

The Wikimedia Foundation is looking for a Principal, Global Event Security and Risk Management, to join our team. Our aim is to ensure everyone, everywhere can securely participate in free knowledge. As an organization, we are committed to proactively identifying and mitigating risks that impact both the Foundation and the Wikimedia movement.

The Principal will report to the Deputy General Counsel in the Legal Department, and will lead the Foundation’s efforts in proactively preparing for and addressing critical risks to the physical security of staff, community members, and other participants engaging in Wikimedia movement activities.

• Work closely with Wikimedia movement organizers to develop and maintain an understanding of the environments and challenges facing Wikimedia volunteers around the world.
• Strengthen the Foundation’s overall enterprise risk management approach and execution, including policy development and implementation.
• Lead the process to create risk and gap assessments, to identify, document, and track high risks for the Foundation.
• Improve the organization’s expertise in identifying, mitigating against, and addressing emerging physical security threats.
• Lead risk assessments for community conferences and other events funded by the Foundation.
• Create emergency response plans for physical security threats.
• Be on-call as required to review emergency alerts and ensure proper escalation of and response to physical security threats.
• Remain current on emerging geopolitical trends and best practices in physical security.
• Brief the Deputy General Counsel and senior leadership on a regular basis.
• Provide crisis support to other internal teams who work directly with at-risk communities.

Qualifications

• Substantial professional experience in corporate and physical security work in a variety of geographic and political contexts.
• Substantial risk management experience, particularly in a leadership role.
• Substantial experience developing, communicating, and executing emergency response plans.
• Strong networking and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to summarize essentials for an executive audience.
• Ability to remain calm and focused in ambiguous situations.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with subject-matter experts and leadership in threat modeling.
• Good people skills, with the ability to lead and motivate teams.
• Resilience in dealing with difficult subject matter.
• Experience using digital security tools to maintain secure communication.
• Adaptability around online communities and technology.
• Flexibility in working hours as necessary.

Requirements

• An interest in the role of technology in contributing to culture and civic society.
• Readiness to assess and respond to risks with a strong consideration of cultural context.
• Experience with internet technologies and their impact on human rights.
• Proactive problem solving and comfort with ambiguity.
• Willingness to undertake moderate international travel.
• Written and oral fluency in English; ability to correspond in other languages is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive and equitable salaries.
• Remote-first organization with staff members in 40+ countries.
• Supportive and inclusive workplace culture.