Senior Security Specialist - DC Office & Incident Response

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 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.