Safety & Physical Security Program Manager

Summary

Our client is seeking a Safety & Physical Security Program Manager for a non-profit educational institution based in Manhattan, NYC.

The Program Manager serves as a strategic architect and innovation leader for the organization's enterprise Safety & Security function. This role is responsible for identifying complex organizational challenges, designing scalable solutions, and driving the evolution of security programs, technologies, and operational capabilities that protect scholars, staff, and the broader organizational community. This includes improving emergency preparedness, strengthening Command Center operations, modernizing technology, and delivering consistent, high-quality safety services across the organization.

This individual will operate as both a strategist and operator, leading high-impact initiatives from concept through implementation while continuously identifying opportunities to improve how security services are delivered. Success in this role requires intellectual curiosity, systems thinking, and a willingness to challenge conventional approaches the security mindset.

The ideal candidate is not someone who simply executes a predefined roadmap. Rather, they are a critical thinker who enjoys solving ambiguous problems, connecting ideas across functions, and developing innovative solutions that create organizational value. This person will partner across functions to build programs that are scalable, measurable, and future-focused.

This is an opportunity for a highly motivated builder who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and is energized by building and scaling up and not just managing tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

Emergency preparedness, security operations, incident management, investigations, intelligence, vendor management, SOP standardization, and oversight of a 24/7 Command Center.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 6+ years of experience managing complex programs in security, operations, risk management, emergency management, intelligence, technology, consulting, analytics, or other mission-critical environments. Non-traditional backgrounds with demonstrated program-building and problem-solving experience are encouraged to apply.
• Experience leading complex cross-functional programs with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Experience implementing enterprise security technologies such as incident management, mass notification, Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) research, access control, video management, or similar platforms.
• Experience working with outsourced operations or third-party vendors through key performance indicators (KPIs), service level agreements (SLAs), and their continuous improvement.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills
• Excellent written & verbal communication and relationship management skills with experience briefing senior leaders and influencing cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple high-impact initiatives while exercising sound judgment in fast-paced operational environments.

This role is hybrid; In office three days a week in Manhattan.