Director of Safety and Security

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 support early assessment, threat mitigation, and response functions. 

• Collaborates directly with Facilities team to inspect and identify potential safety hazards, assess and monitor CCTV capacity, access systems, and fire and life safety systems. Works collaboratively with Facilities around physical improvements to support safety and security. 

• Leads the travel security program, including travel guidance policies and protocols for employees when their Brookings’s work takes them offsite. Collaborates closely with the Office of General Counsel on travel risk management. 

Event Security (35%) 

• Responsible for planning, evaluating, coordinating, and arranging for the security detail for events hosted by the Brookings Institution, either on- or off-site. 

• Oversee and improves upon security protocols for all Brookings events. 

• Conducts threat analysis and assesses security needs for all events, adjusting protocols when necessary, and considering issues such as the presence of VIP guests, controversial topics, and past protest activity targeting the event topic. 

• Implements or adjusts security and protective intelligence measures to proactively assess potential threats and help mitigate risk factors. 

• Coordinates closely with the Director of Facilities, plus the security vendor, the Central Communications events team, and event planners and hosts in the research programs, and across the Institution; serves as primary liaison to VIP/DV security detail, as applicable. Establishes primary and alternate routes for VIP/DV transportation to ensure safety, timeliness, and efficiency.  

• Serves as the senior security presence at Brookings events and oversees security processes at events, as indicated by threat assessment. Works closely with internal teams and external security providers to coordinate real-time event security operations, including deployment of plainclothes and surge officers and VIP/DV protection logistics. Directly participates in event security staffing and support as necessary based on advanced planning and security reviews. 

Staff Training and Communications (15%) 

• Effectively communicates with and facilitates the flow of security-related information to staff, all security related partners, and the Institution’s external security team. 

• Establish an understanding of physical security and crisis-related issues at all levels of the Institution and provide guidance and training to all Brookings departments and programs to identify and mitigate relevant risks; would typically work closely and partner with the Director of Facilities Operations in fulfillment of these responsibilities. 

• Develops, implements, and oversees training programs, including annual emergency drills, tabletop exercises, and other best practice training to enhance knowledge about various scenarios across the employee base. 

• Partners with the Human Resource Department on sensitive employee matters, as needed. 

Qualifications

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications: 

Education/Experience Requirements 

Bachelor's degree required, preferred education in criminal justice or corporate security, crisis management, emergency management or national security A minimum of ten (10) years of applicable safety and security experience, including extensive experience with and knowledge of security procedures, policies, and standards including physical security, manned guarding, and electronic security. A working knowledge of the public sector, DVs and experience managing threats to individuals in the public sphere or entities with widespread recognition. Executive protection experience (e.g., Diplomatic Security, federal law enforcement, or high-threat corporate environments) is preferred. Relevant professional certifications (e.g., ASIS International, IAHSS, IACLEA) and training in CPR/AED and emergency medical response (EMR) are preferred. 

Knowledge/Skill Requirements 

Technical and Operational Expertise - Demonstrated proficiency in physical security systems, including CCTV/surveillance, access control, dispatch centers, and fire and life safety systems. Strong knowledge of applicable federal, DC, and local laws and regulations. Experience developing and implementing security strategies, assessing risk, and evaluating program effectiveness. Experience with executive protection planning and protocol execution for high-profile visitors, including government officials and foreign dignitaries. Familiarity with emerging threat areas, including cyber and social media risks, and appropriate response protocols. 

Situational Judgment and Decision-Making - Ability to assess complex and evolving security risks, drawing on geopolitical and operational context to inform planning and response. Proven ability to work under pressure, exercise sound judgment, and de-escalate sensitive or high-risk situations. Skilled at aligning practical solutions with organizational priorities, including support for public-facing events and programs. 

Leadership and Collaboration - Experience working cross-functionally with facilities, legal, IT, communications, HR, and other stakeholders. Ability to oversee and evaluate external security vendors and ensure performance aligns with operational needs. Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to guide, train, and influence others. Experience managing multiple priorities and leading initiatives in a dynamic environment. Ability to navigate a highly collaborative, academic environment and build buy-in for security protocols among subject matter experts and senior leadership. 

Interpersonal and Professional Effectiveness - Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across a range of internal and external audiences. Demonstrated discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive matters. Ability to handle sensitive investigations and maintain strict confidentiality. Ability to build relationships, navigate complex situations, and drive continuous improvement. 

Must be authorized to work for any employer in the US.

Additional Information 

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.   

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment. 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings. 

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms, including diversity of experience, thought, and personal background.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. All selection decisions are based upon merit, skills, abilities and experience.