Director, Global Security

How You’ll Contribute

The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (called Base Camp). In 2026, we are opening the Museum of Exploration, featuring a state-of-the-art pavilion entrance, auditorium, iconic photo gallery, exhibition space, immersive walk-through attraction, retail, food and beverage, education center, archives, tours, and exciting new event space. The capstone of the renovation is a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience in the courtyard.

Job Description Summary

The Director of Global Security reports to the Vice President of Public Safety & Security and serves as the primary operational lead for the National Geographic Society (NGS) global safety and risk mitigation framework. This role is responsible for the development, implementation, and day to day management of security protocols protecting Explorers, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and staff operating in complex or high risk regions. The successful candidate will transition travel security responsibilities into a formalized support function that balances comprehensive intelligence with field ready operational safety.

The director serves as the vital link between high level security strategy and field ready execution. They ensure global missions are supported by robust intelligence and are prepared to conduct executive protection when needed. The Director will work out of Washington D.C. Base Camp and have the capability to serve as a core Manager on Duty for the Museum of Exploration (MOE).

Your Impact

How You'll Contribute
 

Operational Leadership and Field Support 40%

• Field Advances: Lead and execute comprehensive international security advances and travel assessments for Explorers and SLT, particularly in complex or high-risk regions.

• Special Event Security Command: Lead the security advances and intelligence gathering for all high profile NGS events both nationally and internationally. This includes conducting site-specific threat assessment, managing on-site security details, and coordinating with local law enforcement to protect SLT, Explorers, and donors in complex environments.  

• Museum of Exploration (MOE) Leadership: Participate in the Manager on Duty (MOD) rotation, providing senior-level operational oversight for the campus, visitor experience, and incident management during public hours and daily operations.

• Operational Liaison: Act as the primary technical point of contact for local authorities, government agencies, and third-party security providers in operational regions.

•  Conduct detailed in house global risk assessments describing all risks involved in travel or occupancy in specific countries or regions.

• Travel Finance Integration: Partner with Finance to manage the risk components and logistical workflows of international travel advances for field teams.

• External Liaison: Act as the primary liaison with local authorities, government agencies, and third party security providers in operational regions.

Policy Development, Risk Management & Strategy  (30%)

• Curriculum Design: Lead the creation of and implement an online risk management and expedition planning course for all new Explorers and traveling staff. 

• Specialized Training: Develop pre deployment security training and threat briefings while vetting third party partners for specialized training like HEFAT.

• Policy Creation: Lead the development and drafting of organizational for international travel and emergency response plans tailored specifically to the Explorer program, collaborating with Legal, HR, and Finance to ensure alignment before VP approval.  

• Interdepartmental Coordination: Lead standing monthly meetings with the Explorer Programs team and collaborate with HR and Legal on risk management frameworks.

• Strategic Integration: Partner with Advancement, Explorer Engagement, and SLT travel leads to integrate security planning into the earliest stages of mission development and donor programming.

• Risk Governance: Collaborate with Finance and Risk Management to ensure global operations align with the Society’s insurance requirements and legal duty of care standards.

Intelligence, Training & Crises Management (30%)

• Intelligence Synthesis: Synthesize data from the U.S. State Department, local police, Disney’s security network, and private partners to provide a comprehensive perspective.

• Crisis Response Coordination: Establish and maintain 24/7 crisis response protocols, serving