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 institutional goals and operational readiness.

Key responsibilities

• Lead core supervisory functions: hiring, training, assigning work, performance evaluation, and personnel guidance.
• Develop and implement security, law‑enforcement, and emergency‑management programs that protect collections, staff, and visitors.
• Coordinate subordinate security managers to produce security plans, policies, tabletop exercises, and disaster‑response drills.
• Provide briefings and analytical support to senior leadership on security and management requirements.
• Identify staffing and resource needs, manage budgets, and oversee contracting and budget planning.
• Recommend organizational structure, delegated authorities, and program improvements.

Required profile

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑14 level in the Federal Service.
• Experience providing executive‑level oversight of large security and law‑enforcement teams.
• Proven ability to develop, implement, and direct security and emergency‑management programs.
• Experience integrating security operations with risk management, threat mitigation, incident response, and continuity planning.
• Successful completion of a pre‑employment background investigation and compliance with selective service registration where applicable.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape security strategy for a world‑renowned cultural institution.
• Leadership role with significant influence on institutional safety and resilience.