Director of Security Operations, Programs

International Justice Mission; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

International Justice Mission (IJM) is seeking a Director of Security Operations to supervise IJM's security program on a global scale. The role focuses on embedding security considerations into program design, planning, survivor engagement strategies, investigative operations, and expansion initiatives.

Hybrid work is available (onsite Tue/Thu in the Washington, DC area) or remote for non-local candidates, reporting to the VP of Safety and Security, and requiring the right to work in the US.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for IJM's global Program Security function, ensuring security is fully integrated into program planning and operations and serves as a critical enabler of

Job description

Who We Are International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,300 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable. We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve. The Need For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. 9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking a Director of Security Operations to serve as the principal security partner to IJM’s program leadership, ensuring security considerations are embedded into program design, operational planning, survivor engagement strategies, investigative operations, and geographic expansion initiatives from the outset. This role operates from a clear mission-enabling posture. IJM's work is hard, and at times dangerous. The organization maintains a high tolerance for measured risk because the mission often requires operating in places and circumstances that other organizations may avoid. The Director of Security Operations is not a gatekeeper whose default posture is to stop or delay programs. Rather, this leader exists to help programs keep moving forward by shaping safe, practical, and risk-informed ways of operating in complex environments. Working in close partnership with program leadership, the Director identifies emerging threats, anticipates future operational requirements, and develops security frameworks that support program growth, innovation, and operational effectiveness. By maintaining early visibility into evolving casework models, survivor engagement strategies, office expansions, and new operational initiatives, the Director ensures security considerations are integrated proactively rather than applied retroactively. Success in this role is measured not by the avoidance of risk, but by the ability to help programs achieve their objectives safely, responsibly, and without unnecessary operational delay. The Director of Security Operations serves as a trusted advisor, strategic partner, and problem solver who balances mission objectives with the safety of staff, survivors, witnesses, partners, and the organization. All of this is done with a standard of excellence.

This position is hybrid (onsite Tuesdays & Thursdays) if located in the Washington, DC area or remote for non-local candidates. It reports to the Vice President, Safety and Security and is only available for candidates with the right to work in the US.

Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Management Provide strategic leadership for IJM's global Program Security function, ensuring security is fully integrated into program planning and operations and serves as a critical enabler of