Senior Security Specialist

About the Role

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is an elite global law firm with world-class practices. This role oversees 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. The Senior Security Specialist provides on-the-ground security oversight to protect firm personnel, visitors, and assets, supports firm-wide security initiatives, and provides manager-level coverage for events, travel security, and operational support.

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.

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.

Qualifications

• College degree or experience commensurate with degree.
• Industry certification such as CPP or PSP (preferred).
• 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.

Pay

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $85,000 to $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.

Benefits

Davis Polk offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.