Director, Office of Protection Services

Full Job Description

The Director, Office of Protection Services (OPS), is the principal advisor to the Smithsonian Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Under Secretaries and to the directors of Smithsonian museum, research and administrative entities, for security, protection and law enforcement matters affecting the Institution.

The OPS Director is responsible for leading a 24-hour day security organization for facilities housing over 6,000 employees and attracting approximately 30 million visitors annually.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS A degree in Criminal Justice, Police Science, or a related 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 knowledge and leadership skills as they relate to managing a comprehensive security and protection program 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 providing executive leadership in the direction, planning, development and implementation of programs, policies, and priorities related to law enforcement/security and emergency management programs for a large, geographically dispersed organization.

Experience should include programs such as basic law enforcement training, weapons training, physical security, and criminal investigation. 2.

Advanced written and oral communication skills, as evidenced by being able to deal with diverse audiences in difficult circumstances such as testifying in court or being deposed.

Ability to deliver a controversial message to an audience while maintaining composure under pressure.

Ability to make clear presentations to the highest levels of institutional leadership as well as to entry level staff. 3.

Demonstrated skill in building cooperative relationships between colleagues and organizations within your oversight, and with stakeholders inside and outside the Institution.

This includes ability to develop, sustain and leverage relationships with key managers as well as build relationships with critical external partners (i.e., Law Enforcement agencies, National Park Service, etc.) and establish a presence in the professional community.

4.

Demonstrated management experience and skill in the development and administration of budgets, creating strategic plans, goal setting, and implementation of results-based programs or performance measures that have increased productivity.

5.

Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a high-performing, multi-disciplinary workforce, including building and sustaining a positive work environment, setting clear expectations, holding staff accountable, and attracting, developing, and motivating employees.

Experience should include fostering teamwork, addressing performance or conduct issues, and reinforcing a culture of professionalism, integrity, and continuous improvement. Major Duties:

Serves as principal advisor to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Under Secretaries, and senior leadership on all major security, protection, and law enforcement matters affecting the Smithsonian Institution (SI).

Provides authoritative guidance on program issues; formulates SI-wide policies; establishes program goals and objectives; and develops resource plans to support strategic priorities.

Offers advice on a range of sensitive issues and critical developments related to 1) planning and directing OPS programs; 2) achieving and sustaining operational effectiveness; 3) developing strategies to meet emerging and priority needs; and 4) assessing and addressing the impact of operational or environmental changes on program initiatives and priorities.

Leads, directs, coordinates, and integrates all OPS programs and responsibilities related to protection, security services, security systems, and NYC operations.

Core functions include: -Ensures comprehensive readiness of protection staff to effectively address a full range of security threats and emergencies.

Oversees optimal deployment of security personnel; reviews and approves special procedures for protecting the President, White House officials, and visiting heads of state and foreign dignitaries; coordinates closely with the Secret Service, National Park Service (NPS), and D.C.

Police and Fire Depts; and ensures safe, secure transport of priceless artifacts.

-Promotes a proactive security culture by engaging senior leadership and staff, delivering appropriate training, and advising curators, museum shop managers, and other personnel on best practices for safeguarding valuable property during public and nonpublic hours.

-Ensures OPS maintains robust coordination and communication capabilities within OPS and across SI in response to institutional emergencies such as civil disturbances, terrorist activity, natural disasters, or workplace violence.

-Oversees comprehensive investigations of reported or suspected violations of criminal statutes in the U.S., D.C., or other jurisdictions where high‐value SI collections are located.

Ensures appropriate referral to or coordination with the Office of Inspector General and external law‐enforcement agencies.

Directs investigations of accidents, property damage, probable arson, and sabotage; conducts facility security surveys; and oversees the SI parking program.

-Provides leadership for development, implementation, and continuous improvement of institutional emergency preparedness plans and response capabilities.

-Oversees identification, analysis, and mitigation of security risks to safeguard personnel, property, and collections.

Directs, through subordinate supervisors, a staff of about 720 employees and more than 200 contractors across a wide range of professional, technical, administrative, and protective disciplines.

Provides policy direction and technical leadership to ensure efficient, cost‐effective operations.

Collaboratively establishes and evaluates performance standards, recognizing excellence and taking appropriate actions to address performance issues.

Fosters and sustains a workplace culture that reflects progressive leadership practices and supports a high‐performing and accountable organization.

Oversees strategic and business planning, goal setting, quality implementation, performance measurement, and modernization efforts to ensure alignment with SI's goals.

Initiates and directs long‐ and short‐range studies to address evolving requirements and priorities.

Engages with management and museum partners to understand needs, identify improvement opportunities, coordinate input, establish priorities, and assess progress on major initiatives.

Evaluates effectiveness and drives continuous improvement. Oversees and manages Federal appropriations and trust funds for OPS, ensuring strong financial stewardship and compliance.

Maintains effective controls to monitor expenditures, stay within budgeted levels, and ensure financial and reporting systems are accurate and responsive.

Adheres to relevant SI financial management policies and directives. Carries out representational and liaison responsibilities.

Represents SI at high‐level policy meetings and conferences on matters related to protection services.

Speaks on behalf of SI before senior leadership, the Regents' Audit and Review Committee, congressional committees, OMB, jurisdictional authorities, and professional associations.

Maintains relationships with the White House, State Department, Secret Service, DOT, NPS, FBI, D.C. Police and Fire Depts and other public‐sector and law‐enforcement agencies.

Maintains awareness of emerging trends and best practices across the public and private sectors and integrates applicable advancements into SI programs.