Director of Security

POLITICO • Arlington, VA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

POLITICO is seeking a Director of Security to lead journalist safety, physical security, and event security across our global operations. Reporting into Operations and working closely with Editorial leadership and cross‑functional partners (HR, Legal, Communications, Cyber Security, Events, and Facilities), the Director of Security will serve as the primary point of contact for newsroom safety, oversee security planning for global events and offices, and lead incident and crisis response efforts. This includes managing threats related to online harassment, doxxing, and hostile narratives; supporting high‑risk reporting and travel; delivering safety training; and coordinating responses to security incidents worldwide. This role is a 5x per week in office role based in Arlington, VA, with frequent travel required.

Requirements

• Experience in physical security, event security, and incident or crisis management in complex environments
• Experience supporting high-visibility environments (media, political, or events)
• Strong risk assessment and operational execution skills
• Strong communication skills, especially in fast-paced or high-pressure situations
• Ability to travel and work flexible hours

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting newsroom safety or journalists in high-risk environments
• Understanding of online threats, harassment, and reputational risks
• Experience delivering trainings or briefings
• Experience working with PPE or safety equipment
• Experience working with Cyber Security or digital risk topics

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for journalist safety, including online harassment, threats, and doxxing
• Identify, monitor, and assess risks affecting journalists, including online threats and hostile narratives
• Lead threat intake, triage, and escalation across Editorial, HR, Legal, Communications, and Cyber Security
• Provide guidance and briefings for high-risk reporting (elections, protests, political events)
• Support travel risk planning and protective measures for staff on assignment
• Assess potential spillover from online or reputational threats into physical or operational risks
• Plan and deliver safety trainings and briefings (e.g. protest safety, situational awareness, online risk awareness)
• Manage and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE), including procurement, tracking, and readiness
• Produce risk assessments, operational plans, and incident procedures for event security
• Serve as on-site security lead for higher-risk events
• Coordinate with venues, partners, and local authorities where required for event security
• Oversee day-to-day physical security for POLITICO sites (access control, visitor management, CCTV, alarms in partnership with Facilities)
• Conduct site risk assessments and implement mitigation measures for physical security
• Manage security vendors and external partners for physical security
• Maintain practical playbooks and procedures for workplace security and incident reporting
• Coordinate and support response to incidents and crisis situations affecting journalists, staff, offices, or events
• Act as a key security point of contact during incidents, supporting decision-making and information flow across stakeholders
• Ensure early escalation and structured coordination in line with group crisis management principles
• Support activation and coordination of cross-functional response (Editorial, HR, Legal, Communications, Cyber, leadership)
• Help maintain clear roles, contact structures, and escalation pathways to enable effective crisis response
• Contribute to scenario planning, exercises, and post-incident reviews to strengthen preparedness and resilience

Benefits

• We value our people. Click here for more on what we offer and what it’s like to work for POLITICO.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed