Director of Safety and Security (Job ID: 2023-3154)

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, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.  

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy. 

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors. 

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 full-time in-person work on site and is not eligible for any regular remote work. 

Vaccine Policy: Brookings requires all staff  to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in Brookings buildings.   

Individuals that (i) have a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief, may request a reasonable accommodation.  Brookings policies on masks and other pandemic mitigation measures will continue to be informed by DC and CDC guidelines.    

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

General Security, Safety, and Threat Management (40%)

• Responsible and accountable for developing and executing a security and risk management program as well as leading 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.
• 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.
• 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, oversees cyber threats and dark web monitoring service.
• Collaborates directly with Facilities team to inspect and identifying 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.
• Establishes and maintains a travel security program, including travel guidance policies and protocols for employees when their Brookings’s work takes them offsite.

Event Security (40%)

• Responsible for planning, evaluating, coordinating, and arranging for the security detail for events hosted by the Brookings Institution, either on- or off-site.
• Establishes and oversees standard 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.
• 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 senior presences at Brookings events and oversees security processes at events, as indicated by threat assessment.

Staff Training and Communications (20%)

• Effectively communicates with and facilitates the flow of security-related information to staff, all security related partners, and the Institution’s external security team.
• Establishes 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.
• Partner with the Human Resource Department on sensitive employee matters, as needed.
• 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.

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. Security Certification(s) preferred, including from ASIS International or IAHSS, or IACLEA. Ability to maintain CPR/AED and EMR certification. Experience in the development, review, and implementation of physical security strategies and assessing organizational performance. Quick thinking, ability to work under pressure and to calmly and directly, de-escalate any challenging situation., perseverance, a confident demeanor, and excellent written and verbal communication capabilities with all levels of colleagues and public groups is required. Assessment and coordinating the management and response to various cyber, social media, dark web, and related concerns and knowledge about best protocols to react to such. Develop and maintain a good understanding of geopolitical, regional, national, local political, and operational security factors and apply this knowledge to analysis and planning. In-depth knowledge and understanding of applicable federal, District and local, laws and regulations. General proficiency in CCTV/ surveillance cameras, dispatch centers, access systems and technology related to security for similar institutions and needs. Ability to work effectively in a team environment with minimal direct supervision. People leadership skills and ability to train (or arrange for the training of) and motivate multiple levels of staff. An unquestioned commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect for all; supporting a welcoming environment for all persons, employees, and visitors alike.  Personal and professional standards of unquestioned integrity and compassion. Ability to assess and evaluate performance of the external security staff and team and the contractual deliverables and their ability to fully support and manage unforeseen events. Significant collaboration capabilities including experience working with facilities and operating departments, general counsel, event planners, communications, human resources, IT, and other critical internal stakeholders. Ability to effectively handle sensitive investigations and maintain information in the strictest confidence. Skilled in aligning effective and practical solutions with strategic and cultural initiatives knowing and understanding that the dissemination of information plus in-person and hybrid events, gatherings and panels are a core part of Brookings’s mission and how it conducts its public policy think tank work. Experience with change management and rolling out small- and large-scale initiatives with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to build and maintain internal and external relationships and collaboratively drive change on challenging or difficult topics, encourages and drives innovation and a continuous improvement and quality orientation. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Additional Information: 

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. 

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.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, 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.