Director of Safety and Security (Job ID: 2026-3848)

Overview

Join one of the most influential, most quoted, and most trusted think tanks! 

 

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to equip decision-makers with nonpartisan research and policy strategies to create a more prosperous and secure country and world. 

 

To advance our mission, we are committed to the following four goals: 

• Develop economic growth strategies for a changing world 

• Expand economic and social opportunity for all 

• Revitalize U.S. democratic institutions 

• Advance peace and security worldwide 

 

At the core of our mission is the quality, independence, and impact of our research. We are dedicated to finding bold, pragmatic solutions for societal challenges through open-minded inquiry, diverse perspectives, and holding ourselves to the highest standards of scholastic rigor. 

 

Beyond the pursuit of excellence and intellectual rigor, Brookings places immense value on creating a supportive and collaborative environment where every individual can do their best work, learn, and grow. Because of this, Brookings has been at the forefront of public policy for more than a century. 

 

Facilities Operations includes business services and building maintenance. Business Services provides office facilities management to assist in maintaining a clean, efficient and ergonomic office environment. The Building Maintenance staff provides a comfortable and safe work environment through operation and maintenance of the physical plant and grounds, building management and periodic renovation.

 

Position Location: This position requires regular in-person work on site 4-5 days a week and is not eligible for regular telework.

 

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

 

The Director of Safety and Security will develop, implement, and maintain policies, practices, internal and external relationships that seek to ensure the physical safety of the Institution’s employees, affiliates, distinguished visitors (DVs), and guests both on and off the Brookings campus. Responsibilities include leadership of all aspects of Institutional security, safety, and threat management, including event security, travel safety, risk monitoring, staff training, and oversight and management of security personnel via a contract provider.

 

General Security, Safety, and Threat Management (50%) 

• Responsible and accountable for leading and executing a security and risk management program as well as enhancing a robust security approach to identify risks, develop innovative and effective risk mitigation strategies, and play an important leadership role in crisis management; would typically work closely and partner with the Director of Facilities Operations in fulfillment of these responsibilities and create collaborative relationships with program and business unit leaders. 

• Investigates any safety or security related incidents; recommends changes to current security and safety-related policies and programs as circumstances evolve and conditions change. 

• Manages contract and relationship with external security staff provider; assesses and manages the quality of operations, support, and staffing provided by the external security partner; monitors staffing to confirm adequate coverage for all typical operating requirements. 

• Creates and maintains relationships with Metropolitan Police Department, and other law enforcement associated with the District of Columbia, national and international law enforcement, and various US governmental agencies. 

• Establishes and maintains strong networks with other think tanks, including both peer and neighboring institutions. Regularly participates in security-related meetings or groups with a National Capital Region or international focus in relation to Brookings and its operations.  

• Assesses Brookings’s practices and policies to facilitate compliance with DC, federal standards, reporting, and/or insurance requirements. 

• Develops and stewards the Institution’s security-related budget, including cost benefit analysis. 

• Collaborates with Brookings Technology (BTech) around cybersecurity and Communication around social media monitoring. Works in tandem with these units to review potential online threats, scams, and dark web issues as they relate to a physical security impact. 

• Manages and maintains proficiency on a variety of security, threat monitoring, and emergency communication platforms. Serves as the primary contact and has knowledge of administrative control functions for online security programs that suppor