Associate Director of Security Operations

About the role

The Associate Director of Security Operations leads the Smithsonian Institution’s physical security program, overseeing a large workforce of professional, technical, administrative, and sworn law‑enforcement personnel. This senior position provides executive direction for security initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and readiness for emergencies.

Key responsibilities

• Lead core supervisory functions including hiring, training, work assignment, performance evaluation, and personnel guidance.
• Provide executive oversight for security programs, driving efficiency, operational improvements, and strategic alignment.
• Develop recommendations on organizational structure, delegated authorities, and program enhancements.
• Brief and represent senior leadership on security, staffing, contracting, and budget planning requirements.
• Coordinate subordinate security managers to create timely security plans, conduct tabletop exercises, and run disaster‑response drills.

Required profile

• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑14 level in the Federal Service.
• Experience providing executive‑level oversight of large, multidisciplinary security and law‑enforcement teams.
• Proven ability to develop, implement, and direct security, law‑enforcement, and emergency‑management programs.
• Experience integrating security operations with risk management, threat mitigation, incident response, and continuity planning.
• Must pass a pre‑employment background investigation and meet all qualification standards within 30 days of the announcement closing date.

Required skills