Chicago - Director, Physical Security and Emergency Management

The Director of Physical Security and Emergency Management is a key leadership role that is responsible for developing, overseeing, adapting, and driving the implementation of Winston & Strawn's physical security and emergency management program. This role is primarily responsible for developing and implementing readiness plans, establishing physical safety standards and protocols, responding to physical security issues, and leading prevention of and response to life safety incidents. This role will function as the topic expert and first call for meaningful security and emergency events across employees and offices and will need to flex easily between strategic and tactical roles. This role will report to the Chief Information Security Officer and collaborate closely with the firm's administrative departments.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Acts as the "first call" for emergencies across employees and offices.

• Responsible for the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of the firm's global physical security and emergency response program.

• Conducts strategic planning and develops roadmaps to foster continuous improvement in alignment with industry best practices.

• Develops and implements policies, procedures, best practices, technology standards, and physical control standards to drive alignment across physical office locations.

• Conducts physical threat, vulnerability, and risk assessments of firm offices, assets, and personnel as an input to strategic planning and response protocols.

• Leads and coordinates response efforts for physical security and life safety events and incidents.

• Works closely with Legal and HR, leads or coordinates investigative efforts for physical security incidents and workplace misconduct allegations, to include allegations of theft, threats, harassment, violence, substance abuse, code of conduct violations, fraud, misuse of firm assets, etc.

• Liaises with the firm's operations team to implement and enhance operational protocols (e.g. evacuation, shelter-in-place, awareness training, travel briefings, etc.) and security technology (e.g., emergency notification systems, physical access control systems, visitor management systems, video surveillance systems, panic buttons, intercoms, etc.).

• Develops and establishes comprehensive emergency response and security plans and coordinates preparedness around emergency response protocols, travel security, and other life safety events.

• Facilitates table-top exercises with firm leadership and key stakeholders.

• Creates and develops firm-wide life training materials and life safety communication(s) to educate and raise awareness of established firm protocols.

• Creates and conducts drills with staff on topics such as active assailant, workplace violence, etc.).

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree required.

• 10 + years of experience working in a physical security or emergency management role required.

• 3 + years of experience in a supervisory or management role required.

• Must live within a commutable distance to the applicable firm office with the ability to come into the office 3-4 days per week.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's in Security Management, Business Administration, or Risk Management

• Security certifications, such as CPP, PSP, CLHS-CC, or CEM.

• 3 + years of experience in physical security for an AmLaw 100 firm, professional services firm, or in law enforcement.

• Experience supporting high-profile litigation, sensitive investigations, and executive protection scenarios.

COMPETENCIES:

• Broad knowledge of and experience implementing physical security systems, operational response protocols, and/or life safety practices in a business environment.

• Knowledge and experience working with leading physical security control systems (e.g., Kastle, Verkada).

• Experience with developing response plans and leading response efforts.

• Experience coordinating with law enforcement across different jurisdictions and geographies.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, comfort with providing trainings and leadership presentations.

• Ability to work with and collaborate in cross-functional teams, adept at driving change.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and resolve complex issues with minimal oversight.
• Flexibility to travel as needed.

Winston offers comprehensive benefits that provide a full spectrum of coverage and support for our full-time employees and their families. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here.

SALARY

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.#LI-DC2