Director, Global Security

JOB SUMMARY

The Director, Global Security is responsible for the operational execution of the organization’s global security program. This role implements established security strategies, policies, and frameworks to support staff safety, travel risk management, and operational continuity across domestic and international locations. The Director coordinates day-to-day security operations, manages incident response activities within defined escalation protocols, and supports senior leadership by providing analysis, recommendations, and operational insights related to security risks. This position will be remote and report to the Chief Compliance Officer.

Preferred locations: U.S. EST, countries within Africa, and the Middle East.

RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES

Complexity & Problem Solving:

• Manages security-related issues of diverse scope by evaluating multiple risk factors (e.g., location, program context, travel activity, and threat environment) and applying established policies and procedures.

• Develops and executes operational initiatives (such as incident management improvements, training rollouts, and country readiness reviews) to strengthen security program effectiveness and responsiveness.

• Coordinates responses to security incidents using defined escalation paths and approved emergency procedures, ensuring timely information flow and operational continuity.

• Conducts routine and event-driven risk assessments related to staff travel, field operations, and facilities, and recommends mitigation measures aligned with existing organizational standards.

• Identifies gaps or inefficiencies in operational procedures and recommends updates to improve consistency, compliance, and effectiveness of security practices.

Discretion & Impact:

• Exercises judgment within established security policies and procedures to determine priorities, allocate resources, and address operational security issues.

• Decisions directly impact staff safety, travel approvals, and day-to-day operational continuity; errors may increase costs or disrupt activities, with impacts typically limited to a short-term (up to one-year) horizon.

• Escalates high-severity incidents, emerging threats, and unresolved risks to senior leadership and supports leadership decision-making by presenting clear options and risk context.

• Supports compliance with funder and organizational security requirements through monitoring, guidance, and follow-up, without owning enterprise-wide governance or strategy.

Collaboration & Interaction:

• Collaborates closely with country focal points, regional security resources, and cross-functional partners (including Human Resources, Operations, Travel, and Facilities) to implement security procedures and ensure consistent incident management.

• Communicates security guidance, alerts, and updates to staff and travelers in clear, practical language appropriate to varied audiences and operating environments.

• Coordinates with external vendors and service providers (e.g., travel security, medical evacuation, training providers) to ensure contracted services are delivered effectively and issues are resolved promptly.

• Provides operational security input to proposal development, including risk considerations, staffing assumptions, and budget estimates, for review by senior leadership.

Management & Supervision:

• Manages the activities of security professionals and/or vendor resources within a defined portfolio (such as a region, multi-country group, or program set), ensuring adequate coverage and service delivery.

• Sets short-term operational priorities, assigns work, monitors performance, and provides coaching and feedback in alignment with established expectations and policies.

• Oversees operational training and preparedness activities, including drills, tabletop exercises, and coordination of Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT).

• Tracks and manages assigned operational security budget components and monitors vendor spend within approved limits.

• Embraces other duties as assigned, contributing to the team’s multifaceted and evolving responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge & Skills:

• Working knowledge of global security operations, incident management, travel risk management, and duty-of-care practices.

• Ability to analyze security risks, apply established procedures, and recommend practical mitigation measures within defined authority.

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