Director, Threat Assessment & Protective Security

Summary / Overview

The Director, Threat Assessment & Protective Security is an individual contributor who partners with third-party security vendors to deliver strategic security services and oversee the organization’s overall security posture. This role requires a grounded, hands-on professional who understands day-to-day physical security operations such as office safety, personnel safety, event security, and security training, while relying on external partners for execution. The Director rapidly and accurately assesses threats, designs practical response plans, and works closely with external law enforcement even when priorities diverge, serving as a calming presence and influencing outcomes without formal authority.

Responsibilities

• Assess, prioritize, and triage threats and incidents, recommending and coordinating clear courses of action that protect people, facilities, and mission-critical activities.
• Oversee the day-to-day security posture of offices and workplaces, including access control practices, visitor management, and coordination with facilities and vendor security teams.
• Plan and support security for events and travel, including advance work, site assessments, and coordination with vendors and law enforcement to ensure safe execution.
• Develop, deliver, or coordinate security awareness training and guidance for staff, reinforcing practical behaviors and clear expectations across the organization.
• Monitor emerging risks and trends affecting the organization’s work and translate them into practical improvements to policies, procedures, and vendor-delivered services.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; preferred fields include security studies, criminal justice, public policy, or related disciplines.
• Additional coursework, certifications, or specialized training in physical security, threat assessment, investigations, protective security, or emergency/crisis management strongly preferred; a law degree (JD) is welcome but not required.

Experience

• Deep experience in security, investigations, protective services, or a closely related field, with direct exposure to both threat assessment and day-to-day physical security operations.
• Experience collaborating with law enforcement, security vendors, and cross-functional internal teams to design, oversee, and improve security programs, including at offices and events.

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Hands-on, pragmatic operator who understands how security works on the ground, values collaboration and shared problem-solving over individual credit, and can positively influence outcomes without formal authority.
• Calm, composed presence under pressure, with strong judgment, clear communication, and the ability to maintain trust and alignment when agendas conflict or situations are highly charged.

Hybrid – New York Metropolitan Area, NY
No relocation; local hire preferred

SMR does not list all of our recruitment projects on our website. Sign up for job announcements specific to the region of the world you are interested in.