Senior Director, Physical Security and Safety

RWJF • Princeton, NJ

21h • $185,600 - $204,160 • Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the vice president and the chief Information Technology officer (CITO), the senior director, Physical Security and Safety will be responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of physical security, safety, and intelligence for our organization, as well as providing security and advisory support for travel and events in which staff are engaged across the country, as needed. This leadership position coordinates compliance with industry safety and security requirements, as well as the Foundation’s internal controls. The role serves as the primary investigator of any safety and security incidents that happen at RWJF locations and RWJF-managed or supported events. This position also provides strategic advisory support to program staff on security-related issues as they engage with grantees and partners. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in developing and implementing comprehensive security and intelligence strategies, managing security personnel, and implementing safety programs to ensure the protection of employees, visitors, and company assets. As with staff at all levels of RWJF, the senior director is expected to demonstrate a passionate commitment to equity and the Foundation’s mission and Guiding Principles.

Requirements

• Mission Alignment and Equity Commitment
• Commitment to racial and health equity and the Foundation’s vision, values, and Guiding Principles.
• Demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive environment and work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team with individuals from diverse cultural, social, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Proven experience building and sustaining a culture of safety, inclusion, and shared responsibility across all levels of an organization.
• Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Occupational Health and Safety, or a related field is required; master’s degree is preferred.
• 10 or more years of progressive experience in physical security, safety management, or related disciplines, with at least five years in a leadership role, preferably in a corporate or enterprise environment.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing comprehensive physical security and safety programs, policies, and training initiatives.
• Experience leading or participating in workplace violence prevention and threat assessment teams.
• Proven experience integrating physical security programs with organizational business continuity and crisis management strategies.
• Experience with change management and rolling out both small- and large-scale initiatives.
• History of presenting risk assessments, incident trends, and program updates to executive leadership and Boards of Trustees.
• Experience managing security personnel and conducting large-scale training and awareness programs for staff, leadership, and executives.
• Technical Knowledge and Professional Expertise
• Deep knowledge of security technologies and systems, including access control, CCTV, surveillance networks, alarm systems, and emerging solutions, such as AI-driven analytics, biometric access control, and integrated platforms.
• Proven ability to design, implement, troubleshoot, manage physical security systems, and communicate effectively with IT and system integration teams.
• Knowledge of and remain in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA guidelines, NFPA standards, and other relevant codes.
• Strong understanding of emergency response planning, workplace safety protocols, and threat mitigation strategies.
• Proficiency with incident reporting, geo-mapping, intelligence, and analytics tools, as well as Microsoft Office Suite (moderate to advanced level).
• Ability to leverage data analytics and security metrics to measure program performance, inform decisionmaking, and guide resource allocation.
• Demonstrated capacity to analyze, compile, and distribute critical intelligence information accurately and promptly through multiple communication channels.
• Experience evaluating and managing third-party vendors, contractors, and service providers to ensure compliance with organizational standards.
• Leadership, Communication, and Interpersonal Skills
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage, influence, and build trust across diverse teams and senior leadership.
• Proven ability to analyze complex situations, manage crises, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, including the ability to develop innovative solutions and facilitate collaborative group decisionmaking.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience composing high-level executive communications during critical and time-sensitive events.
• Ability to deliver training and briefings at all organizational levels, from staff to Board, on crisis response, security protocols, and emergency procedures.
• Demonstrated organizational and project management skills, with the ability to multitask, meet tight deadlines, and adapt to rapidly changing priorities.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Dedicated team player with a can-do mindset, who values collaboration, considers cross-functional impact, and drives change effectively.
• Experience collaborating with HR, Legal, IT, and other enterprise functions on organization-wide safety and security initiatives.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant industry certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Physical Security Professional (PSP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) are strongly preferred.
• Candidates whose experience exceeds the minimum requirements will be given particular consideration for a higher placement within the salary range: Twelve (12) years of progressive experience in physical security, safety management, or related disciplines, with seven (7) years in a leadership role.
• Fifteen (15) years of progressive experience in physical security, safety management, or related disciplines, with ten (10) years in a leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Strategy, Planning, and Compliance
• Operations and Technology
• Travel Safety and Event Management
• Emergency and Incident Management
• Training, Awareness, and Culture
• Program Grantee Advisory Support as Needed
• Leadership and Staff Management
• Financial Oversight

Benefits

• RWJF offers comprehensive health and retirement benefits to employees, generous paid time off, and more.
• A transition stipend is provided to all new hires to aid in costs related to transitioning to a new job.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees