Senior Security Specialist

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP seeks a Senior Security Specialist to oversee daily physical security at our Washington, DC office, ensuring safety for personnel, visitors, and assets. The role interfaces with building security and local law enforcement while supporting firm-wide security initiatives.

You will lead incident response, monitor threats, and coordinate with security leadership on access control, CCTV, and life safety programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of corporate or private-sector security experience.
• Strong working knowledge of physical security principles and risk assessment methodologies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to brief and influence senior stakeholders.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, including nights and weekends, during incidents or special events.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily physical security operations for the Washington DC office and coordinate with building management and security staff.
• Act as boots-on-the-ground security presence, patrolling floors and interfacing with building security.
• Serve as incident response lead for local security events and ensure timely escalation and resolution.
• Monitor local intelligence sources and assess threats; respond appropriately.
• Maintain relationships with local law enforcement, first responders, and peer security professionals.
• Oversee local physical security systems (access control, CCTV, intrusion detection) in coordination with firm leadership.
• Support Business Continuity, Crisis Management, and life safety programs including drills and training for the DC office.
• Provide trusted security guidance to local office leadership and communicate risks and recommendations.
• Support the development and enforcement of firm-wide security policies and standards.
• Provide on-site security management for high-profile events and executive travel as required.

Skills

Security experience

Communication skills

Incident response

Flexibility hours

Professionalism

Education

College degree or equivalent

CPP or PSP certification

Job description

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (including its associated entities) is an elite global law firm with world-class practices across the board. Clients know they can rely on Davis Polk for their most challenging legal and business matters. From offices in the world's key financial centers and political capitals, our more than 1,000 lawyers collaborate seamlessly to deliver exceptional service, sophisticated advice and creative, practical solutions. Visit davispolk.com.

Position Summary

The Senior Security Specialist is responsible for overseeing day-to-day physical security operations at the firm's Washington, DC office. Situated in a high-profile, disruption-prone environment near the U.S. Capitol, White House, and other sensitive locations, this role provides on-the-ground security oversight to protect firm personnel, visitors, and assets. The position also supports firm-wide security initiatives and provides manager-level coverage for events, travel security, and operational support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage daily physical security operations for the Washington DC office, including coordination with building management and security staff.
• Act as "boots on the ground" security presence, making routine rounds of each floor and interfacing regularly with building security.
• Serve as incident response lead for local security events, ensuring timely escalation and resolution.
• Monitor local intelligence sources and assess potential or emerging threats; respond as appropriate.
• Maintain working relationships with local law enforcement, first responders, and peer security professionals.
• Maintain working relationships with landlord and landlord-provided security personnel.
• Oversee local physical security systems in coordination with firm security systems leadership, including access control, CCTV, and intrusion detection systems.
• Support Business Continuity, Crisis Management, and life safety programs, including drills, floor warden coordination, plan updates, and training for the DC office.
• Act as the trusted security advisor to local office leadership, clearly presenting risks, mitigation strategies, and recommendations.
• Support the development, implementation, and enforcement of firm-wide security policies, procedures, and standards.
• Provide on-site security management for high-profile firm events and executive travel as required.
• Contribute to the growth, maturation, and governance of the firm's global security program.

Qualifications/Position Requirements

• Minimum of five years of corporate or private-sector security experience.
• Strong working knowledge of physical security principles, risk assessment methodologies, and modern security technologies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to brief and influence senior stakeholders.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, including nights and weekends, during incidents or special events.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.

Education and/or Experience/Preferred Qualifications:

• College degree or experience commensurate with degree.
• Industry certification such as CPP or PSP.
• Experience developing security procedures, policies and related documentation.
• Demonstrated experience leading security integration projects, vendor selection, or budget management.
• Experience with corporate business continuity, crisis management, disaster recovery, and general project management.
• Background in threat intelligence, threat assessment, or corporate risk analysis.

Compensation

• The expected base salary for this position ranges from $85,000-$100,000. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered.
• Davis Polk offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (including its associated entities) is an elite global law firm with world-class practices across the board. Clients know they can rely on Davis Polk for their most challenging legal and business matters. From offices in the world's key financial centers and political capitals, our more than 1,000 lawyers collaborate seamlessly to deliver exceptional service, sophisticated advice and creative, practical solutions. Visit davispolk.com.