Director of Security

Harvard University • Washington, DC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Security has overall responsibility for the safety and security of the people, property, and assets owned by Dumbarton Oaks. The position manages the security department and contract security provider; develops and implements security policies and procedures; oversees security budgets, processes, projects, and customer service; and serves as Dumbarton Oaks’ Health and Safety Officer. The Director oversees a complex electronic access-control and CCTV system, including security design, software, and the purchase and maintenance of related hardware. The role develops and implements 24-hour emergency preparedness and response strategies, supports programs and events, and collaborates with peers to protect the Museum, Library, and Gardens.

The Director supervises non-contract security staff and coordinates with contract personnel and the contractor’s site manager to maintain uninterrupted 24/7 security coverage. Responsibilities include managing security contracts and budgets, serving as liaison to local, state, and federal security personnel, maintaining security and fire-protection policies and manuals, conducting campus inspections and investigations, and ensuring compliance with relevant standards. The Director leads emergency planning, supports security needs for events and construction projects, oversees access-control equipment and parking, and handles Clery Act reporting and related compliance.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree and six years of security management experience, or a master’s degree and four years of security management experience. The Director must be on call 24/7 to discuss or respond to emergencies, or have an assigned backup. This is a fully on-site position, with standard hours of 40 hours per week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and six years of security management experience, or a master’s degree and four years of security management experience.
• Experience using personal computers, including word-processing, database, browser, and spreadsheet programs.
• Experience using security equipment similar to that used at the facility.
• Working knowledge and understanding of museum and library security and fire standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse constituents.
• Fluency in English, written and oral.
• Must have or be able to obtain First Aid, CPR, and AED certification within 90 days of employment.
• Must maintain Dumbarton Oaks’ FCC Security Radio License.
• Must maintain Dumbarton Oaks’ Basic Business and Security Agency business licenses.
• Ability to routinely walk around a large campus with buildings and mixed terrain, including pavement, gardens, and stairs, and to do so as a first responder in emergencies.
• May need to bend, stoop, reach overhead, and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Manual dexterity to use computer keyboards and other work-related equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Law enforcement experience.
• Knowledge of security access-control software, equipment, and processes.
• Previous managerial experience in a complex security operation in an educational, cultural, or related soft-security environment.
• Experience in an environment with contract security.

Responsibilities

• Supervise non-contract security staff, including the Training Manager/Supervisor, and coordinate with contract personnel and the contractor’s site manager.
• Direct security operations to maintain uninterrupted 24/7 security coverage at predetermined levels.
• Set standards, prepare contracts and specifications, and manage contracts for contract security personnel.
• Identify staff and contractor training needs and communicate them to the designated Training Officer.
• Prepare, submit, and manage the annual budget, including reviewing and submitting or approving invoices.
• Serve as the primary liaison with local, state, and federal security personnel.
• Develop, implement, and regularly update security and fire-protection policies, procedures, manuals, training materials, evacuation plans, and disaster plans.
• Inspect and survey the campus for security, alarm, fire-protection, and safety problems; take appropriate corrective action and conduct fire drills when necessary.
• Conduct value surveys of alarm service contracts, walk-test alarm detection systems, and ensure compliance with NFPA and other applicable standards and recommended practices.
• Conduct security-related investigations and inquiries.
• Oversee the purchase, replacement, location, and monitoring of fire extinguishers.
• Coordinate with department heads on the security impact of projects and lead security planning for renovations, new construction, capital projects, and related work.
• Plan, initiate, coordinate, and execute emergency planning, including communications with departments and notifications to staff and the public; participate in committees as needed.
• Provide on-site backup and supervision of security personnel during incidents and events; coordinate event security strategy and ensure adequate resources are available.
• Manage Clery Act reporting and related compliance.
• Purchase and maintain access-control equipment; oversee access badges, clearances, issuance, security gates, and related items.
• Oversee parking allocations and monitor parking-lot capacity.
• Manage security projects and initiatives to improve security.
• Perform security staff management duties, including hiring, training, team building, and progressive discipline.
• Be available on call 24/7 for emergencies or arrange an assigned backup.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director