Director of Protective Security & Risk Operations

Position Summary: Are you a mission-driven leader with good judgment and a physical security background? If so, Democracy Forward Foundation (“Democracy Forward”) is looking for a Director of Protective Security & Risk Operations to join our team. We are seeking a collaborative and strategic professional to support the development and implementation of the organization’s overall security strategy and risk management framework. This position will be responsible for monitoring the evolving security environment affecting staff, leadership, offices, and events, as well as deploy and direct security resources for staff travel. This position is full-time. Democracy Forward’s office is located in Washington, DC. While this position offers flexibility to work remotely, it requires regular in-office presence eight (8) times per month (averaging 2 times per week) to effectively support the nature of the role. This role will also require frequent travel within the continental United States. The Director of Protective Security & Risk Operations will report to the Chief of Staff & Operations and Deputy General Counsel and work closely with the Executive Office and the Operations team . Key Responsibilities: Below are the key areas of responsibility for this role. The specifics of each responsibility may vary based on the needs of the organization and department. Security Strategy & Organizational Risk Management: Partner with senior leadership and the Operations team to conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies related to travel, public engagements, offices, and organizational programs. Develop and maintain security policies, procedures, and operational protocols, ensuring they remain aligned with organizational priorities and evolving risk landscapes. Monitor the evolving security environment affecting staff, leadership, offices, and events. Coordinate organizational responses to security incidents involving staff, leadership, or facilities. Support post-incident review processes and improvements to security practices. Help develop training and guidance for staff on safety and security best practices. Travel Security and Personnel Safety Coordination: Coordinate protective security planning for staff and high-profile organizational activities. Work closely with personnel protective service vendors to plan and execute travel coverage when needed. Conduct advance planning and logistical coordination for staff travel and public events. Support staff travel by assessing risks and coordinating security resources where appropriate. Management and Leadership: Manage relationships with external security vendors and consultants. Oversee vendor performance and ensure services meet organizational expectations and risk management standards. Support procurement and budgeting related to security services. Coordinate security support for offices, conferences, and events. Support organizational leadership in cultivating a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and excellence, including through providing real-time support and skills-development for your team. Qualifications: We recognize that strong candidates may not meet 100% of the qualifications listed. If you believe you can contribute meaningfully to our team, we encourage you to apply. Required: 8–12+ years of professional experience in security, law enforcement, executive protection, military security operations, or corporate security. High degree of discretion, sensitivity, and respect for confidentiality. Strong communication, problem-solving, leadership skills. Well-developed collaborative and interpersonal skills including demonstrated self-awareness, commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds. Preferred: Background in federal law enforcement, Diplomatic Security, Secret Service, military protective services, or comparable executive protection roles. Experience supporting senior executives, public officials, or high-profile principals. Experience in nonprofit, advocacy, media, or other public-facing organizations. Familiarity with protective intelligence, threat monitoring, or risk analysis practices. Work Environment & Physical Demands: This role may require occasional travel for team retreats, conferences, or organizational meetings. This role may involve standing for extended periods of time and lifting and moving materials up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be considered as needed. The salary range for this position is $145,000 - $165,000 commensurate with experience plus excellent benefits. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Democracy Forward Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We strongly encourage people of color; LGBTQIA+ people; women; people with disabilities; and veterans to apply. Please note that all lawyer positions require a law degree and active membership in the bar of a state or the District of Columbia. Not sure you meet all of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to mission-based legal and policy work, returning to work after a gap in employment, or simply looking to transition or take the next step in your career path, we welcome the opportunity to have you on our radar. Please include in your cover letter the nature of your interest in legal and policy work promoting democracy and progress and what you hope to bring to our team and the role for which you are applying. Democracy Forward is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the hiring process, please direct your inquiries to [email protected] or 833-391-4732.

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