Job description
If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.
Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.
What You'll Do
- Lead the day-to-day management of WGU's enterprise-wide site security program across multiple corporate locations.
- Develop, implement, maintain, and regularly review physical security policies, standards, and procedures to support a safe and secure workplace.
- Ensure compliance with applicable security regulations, organizational policies, and industry best practices while maintaining consistent security standards across all locations.
- Oversee physical security operations, including access control, surveillance systems, visitor management, incident response, and threat assessment.
- Conduct security assessments and audits, identify vulnerabilities, and implement practical solutions to reduce risk.
- Develop and maintain emergency response procedures, business continuity plans, and preparedness initiatives.
- Partner closely with Facilities, Legal, HR, Property Management, and other business leaders to support security initiatives across the organization.
- Manage relationships with external vendors, property management companies, contract security providers, and local law enforcement as needed.
- Lead and develop the site security team through coaching, performance management, and ongoing development.
- Monitor security trends and recommend improvements that strengthen operational effectiveness while supporting the employee experience.
- Own and maintain WGU Security & Facilities Emergency Response Management action plan, policy, and charter. Ensure that Emergency Response Plans for each WGU site are in place and ready to go. Ensure that employees at each location are appropriately trained. Facilities Operations will assist in the construction and execution of Emergency Response Management plans, but the Security Manager has the ultimate ownership and responsibility for the plans.
- Responsible of the coordination, management, maintenance, and execution of WGU’s Mass Notification and Communication System. Note, this system is a WGU wide communication tool and other teams within the WGU Risk Management & Resilience System (such as Events Security, Crisis Management, and People & Talent) also have co-ownership roles.
- Create and maintain a 3-year Security & Safe systems and technology roadmap that is updated at least once a year during Operational Annual Planning to guide fiscal year budget and resource planning.
What You'll Bring
Core Capabilities
- Experience managing physical security programs across multiple corporate locations or distributed office environments.
- Strong experience developing, implementing, and maintaining security policies, procedures, and compliance programs.
- Knowledge of enterprise physical security operations, including access control, CCTV, visitor management, and related technologies.
- Experience conducting security assessments, audits, investigations, and implementing corrective actions.
- Strong understanding of emergency preparedness, crisis response, and business continuity planning.
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements including FERPA, Title IX, Clery Act, OSHA, and other applicable laws.
- Experience partnering with property management companies, vendors, contractors, and local law enforcement.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across the organization.
- Ability to manage security operations across multiple locations and travel as needed.
- A continuous improvement mindset with the ability to strengthen existing security programs and processes.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in security management with a strong understanding of corporate security principles and practices.
- 1+ year of previous leadership experience.
Bonus Points
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Certified Security Manager (CSM), or other relevant security certifications.
- Experience optimizing enterprise security technologies and security operations.
- Familiarity with cybersecurity principles and integrated security programs.
Experience in Lieu of Education
Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this role may be considered in place of formal education requirements.
Hiring Process
Our interview experience is designed to help qualified candidates demonstrate their experience through meaningful conversations and collaboration.
- Introductory Recruiter Call
- Hiring Manager Interview
- Onsite Interview
Visa Sponsorship
While we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, WGU is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this role.
Travel Expectation
This position requires occasional travel of up to 25%, including attendance at company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to other WGU locations, partner meetings, and other business-related events as needed.
#LI-AL1
Additional Information
- Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.
- Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu.
- Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.