Associate Director of Security Operations

Role overview

The Associate Director of Security Operations leads the Smithsonian Institution’s physical security function across the organization. This role is responsible for setting direction, improving operational performance, and ensuring security programs support institutional priorities.

Key responsibilities

• Manage core supervisory duties, including recruiting, onboarding, training, workload assignment, performance evaluation, and personnel-related decisions while maintaining strong quality standards.
• Direct major programs and special initiatives, with a focus on efficiency, process improvement, and alignment with broader organizational objectives.
• Recommend changes to organizational design, staffing distribution, delegated authority, and program enhancements.
• Represent and update senior OPS and institutional leadership on security and management needs affecting operations, such as programs, procedures, staffing, contracting, and budget planning.
• Work with subordinate security managers to deliver security plans and policies on schedule, run tabletop exercises and disaster response drills, and maintain emergency readiness.

Required experience and qualifications

Candidates must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level, or equivalent in Federal service. The qualifying background should include executive-level oversight of a large team made up of professional, technical, administrative, and sworn law-enforcement or protective personnel; development and direction of law-enforcement, security, and emergency management programs that safeguard collections, employees, and visitors; integration of security operations with risk management, threat mitigation, incident response, and continuity planning; preparation of briefings and analytical support for senior leaders; identification of staffing and resource requirements; and hiring security staff while managing budgets to maintain readiness.

Conditions of employment

• Passing a pre-employment background investigation is required.
• A probationary period may be required.
• You must be able to maintain a bank account for direct deposit or electronic transfer.
• Men born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Qualification requirements, including the one-year time-in-grade requirement for promotion candidates at the next lower grade level, must be met within 30 days of the announcement closing date.
• The resume submitted for consideration must be no longer than two pages and should clearly show how your experience matches the role; language should be original and not copied from the announcement.
• Both paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer service, may count toward qualification, and part-time or unpaid work will be evaluated based on weekly hours worked.
• There is no basic education requirement for this position.
• This position is not part of a bargaining unit.
• Applications may be considered for openings across the Smithsonian Institution, and your application details may be shared with hiring officials for similar roles in the listed locations.

Additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving federal government efficiency, supporting the ideals of the American republic, and upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

The Federal Government provides a comprehensive benefits package that may include flexible spending accounts, health insurance, leave, life insurance, long-term care insurance, and a retirement program.