Director of Security

The Director of Security will supervise a team that includes D.C.-based security personnel as well as Regional Hub Office Security Officers located abroad. The position also administers CIPE’s commercial, property, workers’ compensation, and business travel accident insurance programs, along with its third-party medical and security service providers. 

• Develop systems and protocols to address CIPE’s unique security challenges.  

• Oversee CIPE’s duty of care policy and maintain a centralized security structure –including polices, protocols, training, and resources – to ensure high standards of compliance. 

• Consult with leads of various functional areas for integration of safety and security goals and strategies. Assist in creating tools to assess risk, threats and context with staff and recommend actions to mitigate risks. 

• Participate in proposal development and project startup ensuring appropriate integration of security planning and budgeting. Consult with regional leadership and program staff to encourage, discuss, and support safety and security strategies, as well as identify and address gap areas. 

• Liaise with the Cores and other NGO/INGO security counterparts, government security professionals, corporate security contacts, and other relevant partners on matters of safety and security. 

• Provide professional analysis of global safety and security events and trends.  

• Offer insight to the Legal and Grants units on risk and risk mitigation. 

•  Manage the contracted third-party medical and security global response organization. 

• Coordinate risk-related insurance policies from initiation to renewal and manage organizational insurance policies relating to the safety and security of staff and assets. 

Hub Office Safety & Security:   

• Support CIPE hub offices to strengthen and operationalize office safety and security plans and protocols. Partner with Regional Hub Directors to ensure implementation across all CIPE offices.   

• Recruit, lead, and manage Security Officers in global hub locations to monitor local security conditions and keep staff informed, with particular attention to regions facing elevated safety and security risks.  

• Continuously evaluate, update, and refine security plans, procedures, and training programs. 

• Develop and implement physical security assessments for hub offices and make recommendations based on findings. 

• Assist in budgeting CIPE security-related expenses. Work with hub offices on the procurement and maintenance of safety and security related items such as shelter-in-place supplies at offices and residences, and emergency response products such as fire extinguishers and first aid equipment.  

Emergency Response & Crisis Management:   

• Serve as one of the organization’s first points of contact for emergency situations to coordinate a response as appropriate 24/7.    

• Monitor and analyze security updates and incident reports and identify significant events or trends in areas where the CIPE operates. 

• Lead the development of emergency planning, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans and systems when needed to respond to changing security conditions and threats.   

• Serve as a key member of CIPE’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Crisis Management Team (CRT) that monitors and assesses information to determine whether CIPE will activate a Crisis Response Plan, and the level of activation required.   

Information Technology (IT) and Incident Management Responsibilities:  

• Collaborate with IT to discuss cyber and data security concerns and to stay apprised of IT incidents and decision that could impact security management for CIPE.  

• Participate in working groups to develop sound Data Security Policies and related compliance initiatives.   

• In coordination with IT, regularly monitor and analyze CIPE incident trends and report back and make recommendations to appropriate leadership groups quarterly or as needed.   

Security Orientations, Trainings and Relationship Management:  

• Serve as the primary contact to provide security training programs and guidance on safety and security matters, including pre-trip briefings and post-trip debriefings.  

• Develop, deliver and/or coordinate structured training programs throughout CIPE operations to include Situational Awareness, Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT), and Traveler Safety & Security training.    

• Responsible for continuously engaging in professional development opportunities and training programs to maintain relevant knowledge, skills and abilities to perform duties.  

• Provide updates on CIPE security management efforts, safety reminders, and any other security-related news to all CIPE staff via email, intranet, staff meetings, etc.  

• Liaison with external security professionals and associations to remain current on global response, technology and general security methodologies. 

Operational:  

• Lead and mentor a team of security professionals. 

• Collaborate with operational functional leads to review and enhance business processes and internal policies, strengthening risk mitigation efforts and supporting the development of effective business procedures. 

• Manage organizational insurance policies in coordination with CIPE’s insurance broker. 

• Manage staff travel tracking reporting by working with CIPE’s travel management company and third-party assistance provider. 

• Assist with ongoing international HR activities and supporting the Duty of Care policy. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree or 10 years’ relevant work experience, at least two years related to international operations and global safety and security management.  Master’s Degree preferred. 
• Experience developing and implementing security mechanisms, including methods of reporting and handling safety and security incidents and emergencies.
• Experience leading security teams
• Professional proficiency in written and spoken in English.  
• Fluency or advanced competency in a second language is beneficial but not required. 
• Strong project management skills and attention to detail. 
• Ability to work independently. 
• Demonstrated strong critical thinking and analytical skills. 
• Aptitude for clear and effective writing under time-sensitive conditions. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain good relationships. 
• Professional demeanor, diplomatic and flexible. 
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with a high degree of cultural sensitivity and competence. 
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office and security applications. 
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed, including to high-risk areas. 
• Contribute to an organization-wide culture of innovation, integrity, inclusion, and respect. 
• Strong conceptual, verbal, and written communication skills. 
• Ability to take initiative, organize tasks, and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment, ensuring deadlines are met with attention to detail. 
• Skilled in building strong, trusting relationships to gain support and achieve desired outcomes. 
• Capable of managing multiple competing priorities simultaneously. 
• Comfortable working in an environment with international objectives. 
• Flexible and able to engage with individuals at all levels with strong interpersonal skills. 
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook required. 

Benefits and Perks

Competitive Benefits including medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability, flexible spending, paid family leave, life insurance, 401(k), commuter benefits, telework, and more! 

CIPE offers a salary competitive with other international non-governmental organizations and an excellent benefits package. Applicants must be legally able to work in the United States; CIPE is unable to sponsor employees for work visas.

Applications will be accepted and interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

CIPE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.