Director, Global Security

National Geographic•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (called Base Camp). In 2026, we are opening the Museum of Exploration, featuring a state-of-the-art pavilion entrance, auditorium, iconic photo gallery, exhibition space, immersive walk-through attraction, retail, food and beverage, education center, archives, tours, and exciting new event space. The capstone of the renovation is a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience in the courtyard. Job Description Summary The Director of Global Security reports to the Vice President of Public Safety & Security and serves as the primary operational lead for the National Geographic Society (NGS) global safety and risk mitigation framework. This role is responsible for the development, implementation, and day to day management of security protocols protecting Explorers, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and staff operating in complex or high risk regions. The successful candidate will transition travel security responsibilities into a formalized support function that balances comprehensive intelligence with field ready operational safety. The director serves as the vital link between high level security strategy and field ready execution. They ensure global missions are supported by robust intelligence and are prepared to conduct executive protection when needed. The Director will work out of Washington D.C. Base Camp and have the capability to serve as a core Manager on Duty for the Museum of Exploration (MOE).

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, International Relations, Security Studies, or related field.
10+ years working in the security field with significant experience in global risk mitigation.
Proven track record of managing security protocols for international travel or operations in unpredictable conditions.
Global Perspective: Ability to develop communication protocols for sharing intelligence while remaining mindful of how U.S. based information is perceived globally.
Crisis Leadership: Capability to resolve conflicts effectively and respond to emergencies on short notice, including working long hours as needed.
Technical Initiative: Self motivated approach to identifying and addressing security risks through the use of threat intelligence platforms and tracking systems.
Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills to provide guidance, briefings, and detailed risk documents for executive leadership.
Collaboration: Ability to work well in a teamwork environment and collaborate across different departments such as Human Resources and Legal.

Nice To Haves

Professional Certification (e.g. CPP, PSP) or specialized training in international security or risk management is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute comprehensive international security advances and travel assessments for Explorers and SLT, particularly in complex or high-risk regions.
Lead the security advances and intelligence gathering for all high profile NGS events both nationally and internationally. This includes conducting site-specific threat assessment, managing on-site security details, and coordinating with local law enforcement to protect SLT, Explorers, and donors in complex environments.
Participate in the Manager on Duty (MOD) rotation, providing senior-level operational oversight for the campus, visitor experience, and incident management during public hours and daily operations.
Act as the primary technical point of contact for local authorities, government agencies, and third-party security providers in operational regions.
Conduct detailed in house global risk assessments describing all risks involved in travel or occupancy in specific countries or regions.
Partner with Finance to manage the risk components and logistical workflows of international travel advances for field teams.
Act as the primary liaison with local authorities, government agencies, and third party security providers in operational regions.
Lead the creation of and implement an online risk management and expedition planning course for all new Explorers and traveling staff.
Develop pre deployment security training and threat briefings while vetting third party partners for specialized training like HEFAT.
Lead the development and drafting of organizational for international travel and emergency response plans tailored specifically to the Explorer program, collaborating with Legal, HR, and Finance to ensure alignment before VP approval.
Lead standing monthly meetings with the Explorer Programs team and collaborate with HR and Legal on risk management frameworks.
Partner with Advancement, Explorer Engagement, and SLT travel leads to integrate security planning into the earliest stages of mission development and donor programming.
Collaborate with Finance and Risk Management to ensure global operations align with the Society’s insurance requirements and legal duty of care standards.
Synthesize data from the U.S. State Department, local police, Disney’s security network, and private partners to provide a comprehensive perspective.
Establish and maintain 24/7 crisis response protocols, serving as the lead coordinator during security incidents to provide VP and SLT with real time situational updates.
Establish and manage a virtual support network of experienced Explorers to provide regional knowledge and real time insights.

Benefits

medical, dental, and vision insurance
engaging and comprehensive wellness program
401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment
flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave
12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31
paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits
learning and development opportunities
Lifestyle Spending Account
pet adoption assistance and insurance
pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy
employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit
a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks