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Deputy Director, Physical Security and Business Operations


Job Location:

Washington, DC - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 151661 - 151661
Posted: 8 October 2026 (19 hours ago)
Application Deadline: 5 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

This position is located in the Smithsonians Office of Protection Services (OPS) and serves as principal advisor to the OPS DirectorOPS unit directors and the Deputy Director Smithsonian Facilities on all aspects of Smithsonian-wide physical security programs identity management security risk management and other related security programs.


Duties

Physical Security Program
Provides executive direction and leadership to the Smithsonian Institution (SI) wide physical security program which includes but is not limited to the SI Security Modernization and Anti-terrorism Programs the Office of Protection Service (OPS) Capital Improvement Program and the OPS Maintenance Program. Directs the planning organizing and coordinating activities of the SI Physical Security Program; and is responsible for the development and implementation of integrated electronic security systems which include alarms video access control intercoms locks keys cards barrier systems radio systems used throughout security operations; other electronic security systems used by the Smithsonian but operated externally; large scale physical barrier systems used throughout the Smithsonian as well as any other technical systems (e.g. magnetometers x-rays hand held metal detectors etc.) utilized by the security force to secure and protect the National Collections visitors and staff; and other anti-terrorism measures suchas blast resistance and hardening and Chemical/Biological/Radiological attack mitigation. Develops Reviews and maintains all SI and OPS policies and procedures associated with the physical security requirements of SI. Policies may include Smithsonian-wide directives. Develops reviews and maintains all security related design construction testing acceptance and commissioning standards for SI. Standards are consistent with the level of risk to the SI as well as Federal guidelines.

Serves as the OPS liaison between the Smithsonians Office of Planning Design and Construction (OPDC) ensuring the implementation of OPS policies procedures and security programs.

Security Risk Management Program
Directs the planning organizing and coordinating activities associated with the SI wide Security Risk Management Program. Plans schedules and verifies the completion of all risk assessments of SI facilities and assets. Maintains and updates assessments risk data based on Federal requirements and best practices. Identifies and recommends operational mitigation measures based on assessment results. Identifies and prioritizes projects and efforts that will be included in the SI security modernization anti-terrorism and multi-hazard risk mitigation programs. Briefs SI Secretary Under Secretaries other SI leadership and reviewing agencies/offices on assessment results and program status.

Undertakes a variety of representational and liaison duties. Participates and/or represents the Institution at high-level policy meetings and conferences making significant contributions on matters pertaining to protection services programs and activities. Represents SI on protection services programs and activities before the Interagency Security Committee and other jurisdictional and professional societies and associations.

OPS Business Operations
Serves as the principal advisor to the OPS Director on all aspects of the OPS budget. Works closely with Smithsonian Facilities Finance and Administrative (FAM) office to defend and obtain approval for budget increases. Monitors frequently changing budget developments and negotiates with Smithsonian Facilities FAM the Office of Planning Management and Budget Office of the Chief Financial Officer Office of Contracting and other high-level SI officials for needed concert with the OPS Director develops goals and long-range plans for OPS involving allocation of resources including personnel funds and space. Manages the development of policies and procedures relating to OPS function and activities.

Information Technology
Overall responsibility and provides executive leadership to ensure effective operation of all IT functions in conjunction with the business and operational objectives of OPS. Plans coordinates directs and designs IT-related activities for OPS as well as providing administrative direction and support for daily operations. Liaisons with Smithsonian Facilities and the Office of the Chief Information Officer decision-makers to identify recommend develop implement and support cost effective technology solutions for all aspects of the organization.


Requirements
Conditions of employment
  • Pass Pre-Employment Background Investigation
  • May need to complete a Probationary Period
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service

Meets the basic qualifications and specialized experience as listed below.

Qualifications

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants must clearly demonstrate the necessary level of managerial and leadership skills and competence to perform successfully in this position. This includes a degree in an applicable subject matter field or a combination of education and appropriate experience that provides knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through successful completion of a four-year course of study in an applicable subject matter field.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
In addition applicants must have one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-15 level. Specialized experience is defined as the demonstrated leadership skills in managing physical security programs identify and security risk management programs as well as facilitating inter-organizational cooperation effectively managing fiscal and human resources functions for a complex multi-facility organization.

The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:

1. Demonstrated experience in managing physical security programs identify and security risk management programs. This should include experience in formulating and implementing strategic priorities goal setting establishing metrics and reporting protocols.

2. Expert knowledge of security and physical security related concepts practices and procedures as well as Federal security guidelines requirements and regulations as they relate to cultural property protection facility securityanti-terrorism risk mitigation risk assessment methodologies management and mitigation best practices procedures and policies.

3. Expert knowledge of construction practices involving electrical and mechanical work state-of-the-art security technologies in areas of electronic security systems computerized security systems access control systems CCTV communication systems security monitoring and control systems blast hardening and mitigation anti-ram vehicle barriers X-ray and screening detection technology and Chemical/Biological/Radiological attack prevention and mitigation.

4. Skill in building cooperative relationships between colleagues and organizations within your oversight and with stakeholders inside and outside the Institution. This includes explaining positions/solutions both orally and in writing and gaining acceptance by museum and/or research facility colleagues and customers/managers at all levels.

5. Skill in leading supervising and managing a multi-disciplined and talented workforce including fostering teamwork and high morale as well as developing attracting retaining and motivating employees.

Additional information

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Director Office of Protection Services provides administrative direction in terms of broad guidance on overall policy program objectives and delegated authority. Within this framework the incumbent in turn independently plans and carries out assigned responsibilities as the recognized authority for physical security risk management and business operations. Major policy questions or controversial issues are discussed with the Director for decision or guidance. The incumbent keeps the Director informed of all significant program activities and potential problems. Work performance is appraised in terms of overall effectiveness in achieving program objectives.

EEO
The Smithsonian Institution does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race color religion sex national origin political affiliation sexual orientation marital status disability age membership in an employee organization or other non merit factor.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The Smithsonian provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process please notify the contact person listed in this announcement. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

SECURITY
This position has been reviewed to determine the level of POSITION SENSITIVITY. Based on the nature of the work the position has been determined to be Non-Critical Sensitive/HIGH RISK. This designation will require (1) a pre-employment Security Agency Check (SAC) for the prospective incumbent; and (2) a subsequent comprehensive background investigation and secret security clearance adjudication in order to continue in the position.

RELOCATION
Relocation expenses may be paid at the discretion of the Smithsonian.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits program for both Federal and Trust employees. See for details. We also offer a rich program of services and opportunities to balance and enhance your work life. They include: Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (an accredited educational program for children between the ages of 3 months to 6 years) transportation benefits professional interest groups employee advocacy groups special events such as brown bag lunches an annual picnic on the Mall an annual holiday party free lectures behind-the-scenes tours and employee discounts at our theaters shops and after hours events. These and other programs have made the Smithsonian one of the top places to work in the government.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.


Required Experience:

Director