Security Specialist

Protect Democracy is hiring a Security Specialist to enhance and maintain our organizational security posture so we can continue to thrive as we face some of the most important challenges of our times. In this newly created role, you will envision, propose, and implement physical security solutions to advance Protect Democracy’s programmatic and operational objectives, in collaboration with others, while maintaining and improving on existing systems. 

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly agile and creative security professional who is eager to have an impact on the critical mission of preventing American democracy from declining into a more authoritarian form of government. As Security Specialist, you will work with staff across the organization, partners in the space, clients in litigation, and relevant agency contacts to cultivate a culture and network of security awareness and support.

The ideal candidate brings at least five years of experience directly managing security for high-profile organizations, agencies, individuals, and/or events. Ideal candidates will also be highly organized project managers; skilled communicators of security concepts to varying audiences; and excellent critical thinkers who can prioritize and respond accordingly. Deep commitment to our mission and a passion for defending and strengthening our democracy are essential.

Protect Democracy recognizes that there is strength in diversity, and strongly encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and from across the political and ideological spectrum to apply. If you do not meet all the criteria listed below but think you could be a stellar fit and could grow into the role, we want to hear from you. You can work remotely from any location in the United States.

The Security Specialist will:

• Coordinate and gather data to identify, understand, and address threats, risks, and breaches across the Protect Democracy’s various portfolios;
• Develop and implement security and safety standards, policies, and procedures for the organization, and monitor them to ensure compliance;
• Independently seek opportunities to build and improve on Protect Democracy’s security framework by examining needs and emerging requirements, assessing possible solutions, and making concise recommendations;
• Develop, implement, manage, and evaluate policies, protocols, and trainings to protect personnel against harassment, threats, or violence in coordination with other organizational managers and in-house counsel.
• Conduct physical examinations, external research, and investigations as needed;
• Engage in crisis planning and response with senior leadership and others;
• Communicate and coordinate with public law enforcement and government agencies on security matters;
• Coordinate security staffing and coverage for key organizational, partner, and client events;
• Work closely with the IT Manager to support the overall security of the organization’s data and systems, including deployment of cyber security trainings and testing and managing the risk assessment and response to cyber security threats;
• Engage in strategic, long-term planning and through development and management of an annual budget;
• Maintain knowledge of current developments in security operations and establish a network of relationships with security experts in the space.

The ideal candidate brings:

• At least 5 years of experience directly managing security for high-profile organizations, agencies, individuals, and/or events;
• Familiarity with crisis planning and management, threat assessment response, and/or physical security protocols;
• Background in managing security staff or external security vendors across projects;
• Experience training others in security related topics and interventions;
• Ability to foster collaborative relationships and work in a team environment with people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives;

• Rigorous attention to detail and the highest standards for excellence in execution;
• Ability to track, prioritize, and balance a diverse set of responsibilities;
• Growth mindset and enthusiasm for giving and receiving feedback up, down and sideways;
• Passion for protecting and improving our democracy.

Pluses, but not requirements:

• 3+ years hands-on cybersecurity experience (e.g. responsibility for elements of an information security program such as vulnerability/risk assessment and management);
• Certified Protection Professional (CPP);
• Experience managing the security infrastructure of a remote-first organization. 

Compensation

The starting salary range is $89,897 to $105,762, commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience, capabilities and skills and in alignment with internal equity.

About Protect Democracy

• Flexible location. You can work from any location in the United States as long as your location allows you to complete the demands of the position and mission. All staff are required to travel at least two times per year to internal team retreats. This role also includes frequent travel in the United States for events and office support. Accommodations to this requirement will be made only in exceptional circumstances. We currently have staff in Washington, DC, New York, Massachusetts, California, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Utah, Kentucky, Washington, Florida, Illinois, Arizona, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Vermont, Colorado, Maryland, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas. We offer shared workspaces in many of these locations for staff members who enjoy working in an office environment.
• Commitment to a diverse workplace. Protect Democracy is an equal opportunity employer. Our culture principles emphasize that there is strength in diversity as we believe diverse teams are more innovative, creative, and productive. Protect Democracy encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
• Competitive pay and phenomenal benefits. Our benefits package includes an unlimited vacation and sick leave policy, along with 12 paid holidays, 4 weeks of paid family medical leave, and 18 weeks of paid parental leave. We also offer a 401(k) plan with up to 6% employer match that vests immediately, full coverage for an excellent health care plan that includes both dental and vision insurance, long-term disability and life insurance for all employees, a home office stipend, and as budget allows, discretionary bonuses.
• Ample opportunities for personal & professional development. Candidates who do not meet all listed criteria should still apply, as our organizational structure focuses on providing mentorship and opportunities for professional growth.

To apply for this position, please complete the application linked below. As part of your application, you will be asked to upload your resume and cover letter as PDFs. 

In your cover letter, please answer the following questions:
1) Why does Protect Democracy’s mission appeal to you?
2) How would joining our team in this role advance your professional goals?

Applications that do not answer these questions or missing any of the required materials will be considered incomplete and not reviewed. Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please contact hiring@protectdemocracy.org if you require accommodations at any point in the application process