Senior Director    

About the Foundation

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), located in Princeton, N.J., is a leading national philanthropy dedicated to taking bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime. To get there, we must work to dismantle structural racism and other barriers to health. Since 1972, we have focused on developing and promoting innovations in health and healthcare to improve the lives of millions. Through funding, convening, advocacy, and evidence-building, we work side-by-side with communities, practitioners, and institutions to achieve health equity faster and pave the way, together, to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right.  

We take seriously our responsibilities, and we pledge to work in ways that reflect our Guiding Principles. These are rooted in equity and influence everything we do at RWJF. Equity, diversity, inclusion, and collaboration enable our staff’s wide range of experiences, passions, and perspectives to strengthen our ability to address our nation’s most pressing health issues and support a culture of belonging. Part of this work includes actively shaping an inclusive organization where all staff members thrive as we build and use our capabilities, voice, and power to advance health equity. RWJF offers a collaborative, collegial, and creative work environment. With a career at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, you will make a difference.  

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the vice president and the chief Information Technology officer (CITO), the senior director, Physical Safety and Security 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.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Strategy, Planning, and Compliance

• Develop and execute a comprehensive organizational security and safety strategy aligned with organizational objectives and risk management priorities for Foundation staff, assets, infrastructure, and events.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of security systems, including access control, surveillance, alarm systems, and perimeter security.
• Lead the development and implementation of safety programs, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with industry regulations, corporate standards, and best practices (e.g., OSHA, NFPA).
• Conduct regular comprehensive risk assessments, vulnerability analyses, and facility audits to identify potential threats and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Perform regional vulnerability assessments to ensure compliance with corporate standards, industry requirements, and governmental regulations.
• Conduct cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses for proposed systems and initiatives to guide leadership decisionmaking.
•  Ensure that security plans consider regional, national, and global regulations, including geopolitical risk factors where applicable.
• Partner with business continuity and crisis management teams to integrate physical security into broader organizational resilience and recovery strategies.
• Lead or participate in threat assessment and workplace violence prevention programs, including behavioral risk-management initiatives.
• Develop and track key performance indicators for security and safety programs, providing regular reports and strategic insights to senior leadership.
• Stay informed on emerging security trends, technologies, and regulatory changes, recommending continuous improvement initiatives.

Operations and Technology

• Manage all physical security operations, including access control, CCTV, alarm systems, security personnel, and perimeter protection.
• Oversee security coverage and protocols for all organizational events, including high-profile and special events.
• Design and execute complex physical security, life safety, and crisis management projects that involve specialized expertise and high levels of risk.
• Develop a strategic roadmap for future security technology investments, including emerging solutions such as AI-based analytics, biometrics, and integrated systems. 
• Coordinate closely with IT and cybersecurity teams to address cyber-physical security risks and protect technology-connected devices and infrastructure.
• Evaluate and manage third-party vendor performance, ensuring contractors and service providers meet organizational security and safety requirements.
• Manage vendor relationships and performance metrics to ensure contractual obligations and value delivery are consistently met.
• Lead investigations into security breaches, accidents, or safety incidents, preparing detailed reports with recommended corrective actions.

Travel Safety and Event Management

• Lead travel safety operations by developing and executing risk assessment and mitigation protocols for domestic staff travel, ensuring real-time monitoring, traveler tracking, and emergency response readiness.
• Oversee event safety planning and coordination for RWJF-sponsored or supported gatherings, including venue assessments, contingency planning, and on-site security management.
• Serve as the primary liaison for travel and event security, partnering with internal teams and external vendors to provide advisory support and maintain compliance with Foundation safety standards.
• Design and implement incident response protocols for travel- or event-related emergencies, coordinating with law enforcement, vendors, and internal leadership to ensure timely and effective action.
• Collaborate with program, operations, and administrative leaders to proactively identify and manage potential risks associated with travel destinations, events, and public engagements.
• Continuously strengthen safety and event security practices by evaluating lessons learned, integrating emerging intelligence, and updating protocols to reflect evolving threats and best practices.

Emergency and Incident Management

• Develop, implement, and regularly update emergency response plans and incident procedures.
• Liaise with law enforcement, emergency response agencies, and regulatory bodies to ensure coordinated responses to incidents and crises.
• Partner with Communications and HR teams to ensure clear, accurate internal and external messaging during emergencies.
• Conduct tabletop exercises, drills, and simulations, including active shooter scenarios, severe weather events, and major disruptions, for employees, leadership, and Board members.
• Perform after-action reviews following incidents or drills to capture lessons learned and implement process improvements.
• Establish and enforce policies and procedures for incident response, crisis decisionmaking, and organizational continuity.

Training, Awareness, and Culture

• Develop and deliver regular training programs for employees, security personnel, executives, and Board members on security awareness, workplace safety, and emergency protocols.
• Promote a culture of safety, shared responsibility, and continuous learning through awareness campaigns and engagement initiatives.
• Provide executive and Board-level briefings on security posture, incident response expectations, and emerging threats.
• Host regular departmental meetings to discuss operational issues, organizational initiatives, and evolving policies or trends.

Program Grantee Advisory Support as Needed

• Advise Program staff working with grantees on security-related items, including access to resources related to risk assessments, event security management, and more.
• Provide guidance and resources on risk assessment, event security planning, and incident response preparedness.
• Serve as a consultative partner to Program teams in evaluating environmental or situational risks associated with grantee activities.
• Provide strategic insights on integrating safety and risk management into grantee security and safety program design and implementation.

Leadership and Staff Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage the security and safety team, ensuring optimal staffing, balanced workloads, and timely completion of deliverables.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and training new team members.
• Provide ongoing coaching and performance feedback to staff, fostering professional growth and development.
• Conduct performance evaluations in a fair and timely manner, ensuring development plans are in place and progress is tracked.
• Identify and address performance challenges, partnering with senior leadership as needed for resolution.
• Develop succession plans to ensure leadership continuity and effective knowledge transfer.
• Collaborate with HR, Legal, IT, and Facilities leadership to support enterprise-wide initiatives impacting safety, security, and organizational culture.

Financial Oversight

• Oversee budget development, planning, and management for all physical security and safety initiatives.
• Align resource allocation and investment decisions with risk assessments, business impact analyses, and strategic priorities.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility and measurable value from security expenditures, contracts, and technology investments.

Minimum 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. 
• 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.

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.
• 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.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

The senior director will perform job duties in a typical business office environment. Specific physical abilities required by this job include operating basic office equipment. The incumbent will be required to attend meetings, both in person and off-site via phone or videoconference. This job function is expected to be on-site. This position requires occasional evening and weekend responsibilities and the ability to immediately respond to emergencies 24 hours a day. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. RWJF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position's Assigned Office Location

This position is assigned to our Princeton, N.J. office.

Hybrid: Flexible Purpose (HFP) Explained

As of January 1, 2023, the Foundation has implemented a model we call Hybrid: Flexible Purpose (HFP). RWJF’s new operating model is the infrastructure (e.g., policies, practices, protocols, procedures, systems) that forms the basis for how the day-to-day operations are managed, culture is built and nurtured, and mission is delivered. This model is designed to meet the needs of the organization while giving employees as much flexibility as possible. On-site participation is determined by job responsibilities, organizational and team-level requirements, and mandatory gatherings throughout the year. While there are no fixed days per week, all employees are expected to plan their time on-site and cover commuting expenses as needed to meet those expectations. Learn more about our operating model and in-office requirements.

Salary

The non-negotiable starting salary for this position is $185,600. Candidates whose directly related experience exceeds the minimum requirements outlined above may be offered a salary up to $204,160, depending on the depth and relevance of that experience. All salary offers are non-negotiable.

Benefits

RWJF offers comprehensive health and retirement benefits to employees, generous paid time off, and more. Why work at RWJF? Learn more about the benefits of working at RWJF.

Transition Stipend

A transition stipend is provided to all new hires to aid in costs related to transitioning to a new job. 

How to Apply

• Applicants should submit a resume and required letter of interest by the stated deadline.
• Internal RWJF applicants should submit a resume and letter of interest through the Internal Jobs Hub app in Workday.

Application Deadline

Tuesday, February 17, 2026, by 10 a.m. ET.