Director of International Safety and Security

Reporting to the Managing Director of Global Support Services (GSS), the Director for International Safety & Security (IS&S) leads Harvard University’s global safety, security, and emergency response program—a 24/7 operation that enables the research, teaching, and learning goals of the University, its 20+ global offices, and its 6,700+ annual travelers, while managing individual and institutional risk.
With University-wide scope, the Director partners with leadership, faculty, and administrators across Harvard’s Schools and Units to provide travelers and decision makers with the advice, assessments, and recommendations they need to make informed decisions about their international travel and programming, and to manage the response to individual and worldwide incidents in collaboration with the University’s global emergency response provider. The Director manages a three-person team, leads the International Emergency Management Team (IEMT), serves on the GSS Leadership Team (GLT) and the University’s Crisis Management Team (CMT), and represents the University’s international safety and security interests with government agencies, higher education peers, and the security sector.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Leading the IS&S Team
Manages three direct reports, along with oversight of a rotating student co-op position; mentors the team, overseeing their technical training, professional development, career growth, and compliance with GSS’ and the University’s administrative requirements.
Guides the team’s 24/7 international safety and security program centered on risk management and emergency response; this includes tracking international travel and monitoring and analyzing global intelligence and world events to inform in-house risk ratings, advise and train international program staff, faculty, and travelers on risk mitigation, and manage the response to international incidents.
Oversees the development and delivery of online and in-person orientations, training programs, and educational materials for international travelers, with an emphasis on challenging and elevated-risk destinations.
Is accountable for the team’s case management, its use of data to make informed decisions, and its annual budgeting.
Emergency Response & Crisis Management
Leads the University’s response to international security, medical, and evacuation emergencies, independently making critical, time-sensitive decisions and escalating to the GSS Managing Director and University leadership as needed.
Leads the University’s IEMT—a working group of 60+ representatives from every Harvard School, relevant Central Administration departments, and on-campus emergency support services.
Develops, tests, and implements emergency plans and protocols; delivers regular and ad hoc briefings during international incidents; and coordinates after-action reports as needed.
Oversees the University’s 24/7 global emergency response vendor and its integration with GSS’ IS&S program; serves on the vendor’s advisory council for academia and related committees; and selects and manages other vendors and contractors that provide international emergency support.
Coordinates with the GSS Assistant Director of Communications on sensitive, high-risk messages to ensure awareness and alignment with University posture.
Serves on the University’s CMT and as a visiting member of the Council of Deans of Students, bringing an international travel perspective and global lens to CMT activations and tabletop exercises.
International Risk Management Strategy
Champions and upholds University policies and procedures, federal regulations, and best practices that mitigate the health, safety, and security risks associated with international research centers, projects, and travel.
Partners with University and School stakeholders to develop risk management strategies and compliance mechanisms, evaluate international safety and security practices, and gain buy-in for new measures as needed.
Oversees long-range planning for international safety and security initiatives, resources, and policy changes.
With the GSS Managing Director, International Consulting & Operations team, and Assistant Director of Communications, creates and delivers reports and presentations to administrators and leadership.
Establishes and maintains trusted working relationships with School and department stakeholders, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and higher education peers.
As needed, supports and consults on executive protection for high-profile international travelers, oversees on-site security assessments for new offices and program locations abroad, and leads, co-leads, or supports University-wide committees on international travel and after-action review.
GSS Leadership Team (GLT)
Serves as core member of the GLT, bringing an international safety and security lens, management experience, and a willingness to share expertise that strengthens the team, informs decision-making, and shapes department priorities.
Works with the GLT to advance strategic priorities and administrative processes that further develop GSS as a resilient organization and supports team-building opportunities that serve both department priorities and individual career development goals.
Working Conditions:
Emergency Status Designation: Critical operations personnel, University CMT member, and leader of the IEMT. Must be available 24/7 by phone, email, and digital device during unscheduled and scheduled on-call periods to support emergency response situations.
Travel: Occasional domestic and international travel (including high-risk locations) for conferences, trainings, and site assessments; may be expected to travel on short notice to provide in-country support.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and at least 15 years’ experience in global security or operations, including but not limited to international risk assessments, emergency response and crisis management, and international program design and implementation.
At least 5 years’ experience leading and managing a team, including emergency responders.
International field experience and a robust network of international contacts and resources.
Exceptional decision-making and problem-solving skills; judicious and comfortable making critical, timely decisions with little oversight while keeping leadership advised.
Demonstrates strong leadership, remains calm under pressure and in crisis situations, and handles sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and persuasively, verbally and in writing, with strong relationship management skills and ability to work collaboratively and flexibly with people at all levels of an organization.
Experience with budget planning, oversight, and reporting.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 Office Suite.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Advanced degree or equivalent experience/time in the field.
Higher education experience, including work with faculty, researchers, or students.
Strong technical skills and comfort with technology.
Foreign language proficiency.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
Hybrid