Manager, Physical Security

RAND; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 121,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

RAND in Washington, D.C. is seeking a Manager of Physical Security to lead a comprehensive security program across all RAND locations. The role requires 100% in-office presence, with duties spanning access control, video surveillance, visitor management, and regulatory compliance with NISPOM and DoD standards.

The role includes supervision of staff, budget oversight, and coordination with Facilities, IT, and government partners. On-call duties may be required, and travel is limited.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with at least 10 years of relevant security experience.
• Bachelor’s degree with at least 6 years of relevant security experience.
• Top Secret/SCI clearance required.
• Proficient with NISPOM, ICD, FIPS, and DoD 5205.21 standards and related guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead security operations across RAND locations.
• Oversee a 24/7 security program including access control and video surveillance.
• Advise leadership on compliance with federal, state, and local security regulations.
• Manage security vendor relationships, contracts, and budgets.
• Supervise staff, including hiring, training and performance management.
• Establish goals, procedures, metrics, and strategic security plans.
• Prepare security reports for senior leadership and support risk assessments.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Leadership/ supervision

Budgeting

Communication

Strategic planning

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS)

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

SharePoint

MS Project

Job description

Overview

The Manager, Physical Security is responsible for physical security and across all RAND locations. The Physical Security program includes general plant protection, emergency response, access control, fire and intrusion detection, and video surveillance systems augmented by a contract security officer force. The Manager, Physical Security advises the company on regulatory compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including those promulgated by NISPOM Rule, ICD’s, FIPS, 5105.21 Volumes 1- 3. This position requires 100% in office support. The position is required to work 8:00am-5:00pm EST. M-F and may be required to be on call as circumstances dictate.

Job Type

Regular

Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead physical security, operations across all RAND locations.
• Oversee and continuously improve a comprehensive 24/7 security program, including access control, intrusion detection, fire/life safety systems, video surveillance, visitor management, and contract guard services.
• Provide strategic direction and day-to-day management for enterprise physical security programs, ensuring effective protection of personnel, facilities, classified spaces, and company assets.
• Advise leadership on compliance with applicable federal, state, and local security, safety, and emergency management regulations, including NISPOM, ICD 705, DoD 5205.21 Vol. 1-3, , and related requirements.
• Lead physical security planning and support for classified space construction and accreditation, including SCIFs, SAPFs, and open storage areas.
• Manage security operations to ensure readiness for internal and external audits, inspections, and assessments.
• Serve as a key liaison with government agencies, law enforcement, internal stakeholders, and external partners on security-related matters.
• Oversee enterprise badging and visitor management programs across all locations, ensuring systems, supplies, and equipment are maintained and functioning effectively.
• Manage security-related vendor relationships, contracts, billing, purchase orders, and budgets, including oversight of the contract guard force.
• Partner with Facilities, IT, Information Security, Program Security, and other internal teams to support projects and operational goals.
• Supervise and develop assigned staff, including hiring, training, performance management, coaching, and employee development.
• Establish departmental goals, policies, procedures, metrics, and strategic plans to support business objectives and continuous improvement.
• Prepare reports and security metrics for senior leadership and provide recommendations on risk, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
• Support business continuity, crisis management, and incident response planning in coordination with internal stakeholders.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Highly proficient skills in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, SharePoint, Excel, MS Project as well as the ability to learn new computer applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• In-depth knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) Rule, ICD, FIPS, DoD 5205.21 Volume 1- 3 applicable government security regulations, laws, contractual requirements regulations and other implementing guidance
• Experience with fiscal management and budgeting
• Knowledge and ability to use DISS database
• Requires excellent judgment, discretion and the ability to make decisions on a wide range of topics that affect the protection of national security information.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
• Must be familiar with the technical and operational aspects of alarms and Access Control requirements for classified environments
• Must be a subject matter expert in ICD 705 Technical Specifications and SAPF requirements

Experience

• High school diploma or GED: At least 10 years of relevant experience required; a minimum of 9 years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS): At least 6 years of relevant experience required; a minimum of 9 years of supervisory experience preferred.

Security Clearance

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance.

Location

This position will be located in our RAND Washington D.C. office requiring a presence of 5 days per week, Monday - Friday. At least 20% travel between RAND offices will be required.

Salary Range

$120,900 - $184,500

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity.The salary range includes base pay plus RAND’s sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer