Director of Safety and Risk

Position Summary

The National Press Club, a global institution supporting journalism, press freedom, and civic dialogue, seeks a Director of Safety and Risk to lead our organization-wide strategy for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risk across physical, digital, and reputational domains.

This is a senior leadership role charged with safeguarding the people, operations, and mission of one of the most visible press institutions in the world. You will own and shape the Club’s approach to institutional risk — conducting vulnerability assessments, directing our on-site security function, leading emergency planning, and supporting staff facing digital threats or harassment.

This is not a traditional security or compliance role. The Director will work closely with executive leadership, external law enforcement and security agencies, and internal teams across Events, Membership, IT, and Human Resources to create a culture of proactive safety and resilience.

Key Responsibilities:

Organizational Risk Strategy

• Serve as the Club’s lead authority on institutional safety, risk, and emergency readiness.
• Conduct ongoing vulnerability assessments and develop mitigation plans that span physical security, digital risk, crisis response, and reputational exposure.
• Identify high-risk areas across Club operations, from high-profile events to live broadcasts, and partner with leadership to reduce exposure.
• Lead the development of risk reporting and present trend analyses, readiness briefings, and post-incident reviews to senior leadership and the Club’s Board of Governors.

Security & Vendor Oversight

• Direct the Club’s security operations, including staff performance, surveillance systems, access protocols, and crowd management procedures.
• Design and implement security plans for public events, VIP visits, protests, and media-sensitive gatherings.
• Maintain strong relationships with local and federal law enforcement, diplomatic security and press freedom protection agencies.

Emergency Preparedness & Incident Response

• Develop and maintain the Club’s emergency operations plans, including evacuation procedures, lockdown protocols, and communication systems.
• Lead tabletop exercises, real-time drills, and staff training to ensure operational readiness.
• Respond to incidents, coordinate immediate action, and lead after-action debriefs and long-term remediation efforts.

Digital & Psychological Safety

• Collaborate with IT and cybersecurity teams to assess and address online threats, harassment, doxxing, and related vulnerabilities.
• Provide discreet support to staff and members experiencing safety concerns, both digital and physical.
• Promote trauma-informed safety practices and support psychological resilience through proactive policies and resources.

Training, Culture & Compliance

• Lead safety education initiatives across the Club, including CPR/First Aid, de-escalation techniques, and crisis response protocols.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with OSHA, ADA, public assembly laws, and safety-related insurance requirements.
• Influence and support an organizational culture of inclusion, accountability, and trust in high-pressure environments.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a strategic, discreet and deeply thoughtful safety leader — someone who understands that protecting people and institutions requires not just protocols, but empathy, clarity, and presence.

You’re not just managing security; you’re shaping how an institution rooted in the First Amendment adapts to modern risks.

Qualifications

Preferred:

• At least 5 years of experience in institutional safety, risk, emergency management, or a closely related field – or equivalent experience.
• Experience protecting journalists, public-facing institutions, NGOs, or similar mission-driven sectors, with a thorough understanding of media-safety challenges. Transferable expertise from military, law-enforcement, intelligence, or broader security arenas will be considered.
• Program or training management background (e.g., delivering safety, first-aid, or hostile-environment courses) and a track record of building scalable safety solutions.
• Steady, compassionate presence in high-stress or distressing situations; proven ability to support individuals experiencing threat, trauma, or harassment.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing security personnel or vendors and physical-security infrastructure.
• Deep working knowledge of OSHA, ADA, crisis-response protocols, and reputational-risk frameworks.
• Strong partnership-building skills; able to communicate credibly across all levels, from line staff to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Familiarity with online harassment, doxxing, or other digital-threat landscapes.
• Spanish (or another second language) proficiency is a plus.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including excellent verbal and written communication. Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects.
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms and online protection tools.
• Outstanding judgment, written/verbal communication, and calm leadership under pressure.
• CPR, AED, and First-Aid certified (or able to obtain within 90 days).

Working Conditions

• Full-time, on-site role based in Washington, D.C.
• Requires availability during evenings/weekends and high-profile events.
• Must be able to walk the building, oversee emergency response, and lift up to 25 pounds if needed.

To Apply

If you bring a sharp eye for risk, a calm voice in a crisis, and a strong belief in the importance of a free and safe press, we want to hear from you. We welcome candidates who may not meet every listed qualification but bring strong judgment and a strategic mindset. Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re the right leader for this role.

Outstanding interpersonal skills, including excellent verbal and written communication. Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English.

Spanish (or another second language) proficiency is a plus.