Associate Director, International Safety & Security

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking an Associate Director of International Safety and Security to design, direct, and execute an enterprise-wide ISS program protecting students, faculty, and staff involved in travel and international programs, including Qatar campus support. The role reports to the Senior Director of Emergency Management and International Safety.

The successful candidate will oversee ISS operations, manage 24/7 emergencies, risk assessment, and travel safety activities,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Global Security, Intelligence Analysis, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• At least 5 years of relevant global experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication; ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Willingness to participate in on‑call rotations and travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage a comprehensive international safety and security (ISS) program for travel and programs abroad.
• Oversee 24/7/365 emergency management, risk assessment, and safety preparation for international activities.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert on ISS and advise on policies and procedures.
• Build internal and external relationships to support ISS practice and global readiness.
• Occasional evening and weekend events; some travel may be required.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in International Relations/Global Security/Intelligence Analysis or related discipline

Advanced degree

Job description

Advertising Summary

Join VCU as the Associate Director of International Safety and Security! Shape the global safety infrastructure of a vibrant academic community at Virginia Commonwealth University. The Emergency Management & International Safety Division is a core unit within VCU's Emergency Services Department and is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and proactive Associate Director to design, direct, and execute an enterprise-wide International Safety and Security (ISS) program. In this high-impact role, you will protect VCU students, faculty, and staff engaged in university-sponsored travel and global initiatives, including supporting our international branch campus in Qatar. If you thrive in collaborative environments, excel at high-stakes problem-solving, and are passionate about advancing international education safety, to lead and safeguard VCU's global footprint.

Unit

Public Safety And Security MBU

Department

Campus Police

Summary

The Emergency Management & International Safety Division, a core unit within VCU's Emergency Services Department, is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and proactive Associate Director of International Safety and Security. In this vital role, you will design, direct, and execute an enterprise-wide International Safety and Security (ISS) program that protects students, faculty, and staff participating in university-sponsored travel and international programs across the globe, to include supporting our international branch campus in Qatar. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the safety infrastructure of a vibrant, global academic community. If you excel in high-stakes problem-solving, thrive in collaborative environments, and are dedicated to advancing international education safety,

Duties & Responsibilities

Manage a comprehensive international safety and security (ISS) program to promote the wellbeing of students, faculty, staff, and other constituents on institution-related travel and programs abroad. Execute all aspects of ISS, including 24/7/365 emergency management, risk assessment and safety preparation for international programs and travel, and direct support to travelers and program leaders. Constantly monitor relevant intelligence and world events. Serve as subject-matter expert on all aspects of ISS and consult on policies and procedures. Build internal and external relationships to support ISS practice. Occasional evening and weekend events may be required, as well as on-call support. Some travel is required, which may include international trips. This position reports to the Senior Director of Emergency Management and International Safety.

Typical Duties:

• Establish and manage a comprehensive international safety and security (ISS) program to promote the well-being of students, faculty, staff, and other constituents on institution-related travel and programs abroad.
• Develop, implement, and manage policies, procedures, and programs that promote safety to mitigate international travel risks
• Ensure cohesive services and compliance activities through partnerships with Global Education Office, Occupational Health and Safety, Risk Management, Student Affairs, Athletics, Technology Services, Research, and Procurement Services on all university sponsored travel
• Partner with VCUarts Qatar Safety and Risk Management to collaborate on policy and travel between the two campuses, and aid in travel management for the Qatar campus as requested
• Serve as subject‑matter expert on all aspects of ISS. Build relationships with external colleagues, vendors, and experts to maintain worldwide awareness and readiness.
• Expected to be available 24/7 for critical incidents during assigned on-call periods. Occasional evening / weekend events may be required.
• Assist with developing and staffing an ICS structured University Command Post and Emergency Operations Center capable of operating 24/7 under the direction of an Incident Commander and staff

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in International Relations, Global Security, Intelligence Analysis, or a related discipline or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• At least 5 years of relevant global experience
• Proven commitment to global engagement, travel safety, and the institution’s educational mission
• Ability to form strong, trusting relationships and communicate effectively and persuasively with all kinds of people
• Excellent oral and good written communications skills; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all levels of staff, general public and public officials
• Dependable work ethics with the ability to fit into a team environment characterized by shared accountabilities.
• Excellent analytical and decision‑making skills
• Ability to participate in rotations as the on‑call emergency management representative for VCU
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree
• Prior experience working in higher education, working with students, faculty or similarly entrepreneurial travelers
• Experience in emergency management, project management, or education abroad Project planning and development experience
• Experience living abroad and/or foreign language skills
• Strong network of global contacts, and membership in relevant professional networks

Salary Range

$54,600 - $81,900

Benefits

All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status

Exempt

Hours per Week

40

Restricted Position

No

ORP Eligible

Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement

Fully Onsite

University Job Title

31341Y - Asst Dir Emergency Preparedness 1

Contact Information

Contact Name: Tara Thomas
Contact Email: [e-mail]