Position Overview

Under the direction of JShield's Deputy Director of Community Security, the Community Security Advisor (CSA) will serve as a vital member of Federation's Regional Security team in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. The CSA will provide guidance and strategic direction to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish organizations in the Northern Virginia (NOVA) and Washington, DC sections of Federation's catchment area. The CSA will assist in the continued development, organization, implementation, and monitoring of JShield, Federation's security program. The CSA will be an expert security advisor, trainer, and partner for the NOVA and Washington, DC based Jewish organizations, to include synagogues, schools, and other places of gathering, and will liaison to local law enforcement groups.

About JShield

JShield, an initiative of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, directs the physical security, preparedness, and risk mitigation strategies for Jewish institutions across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. The program delivers targeted security operations and strategic guidance to local synagogues, schools, and community organizations. Core responsibilities encompass comprehensive facility assessments, crisis management protocol development, and the facilitation of security grant applications. Additionally, JShield provides evidence-based training for institutional staff and the wider community. Through close coordination with organizational leadership and law enforcement, JShield builds standardized, resilient security frameworks to protect communal spaces and address emerging threats. The CSA is a critical member of the JShield team.
Roles and Responsibilities

For Northern Virginia and Washington, DC Section of the Catchment area:

• Serve as a representative of Federation to local and regional partners, including local, state, and regionally located federal law enforcement, as well as non-profit, public, private, and other stakeholder organizations.
• Provide ongoing review of security programs for Federation partner agencies and serve as an organizer of resources to other Jewish community facilities, including synagogues, schools, and community centers.
• Be a liaison between the community and local, state and regional federal law enforcement on community safety and security matters, to include physical and cyber issues.
• Serve as the primary Federation point-of-contact for development and implementation of security plans and policies, which include (but are not limited to) emergency communication plans, mass notification systems, consultation on contract security post orders and protocols, crisis management plans, and physical security development and implementation for community facilities and organizations.
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct threat, hazard, security, and resilience inspection/assessment activities, including the generation of Protective/Resilience Measure Indices based on industry standards, identifying vulnerabilities and presenting recommendations to mitigate risk locally and regionally as it relates to the assessment.
• Coordinate and lead training exercises for NOVA and Washington, DC based Jewish organizations, including, but not limited to, Situational Awareness Training, Countering Active Threat Training, Stop the Bleed Training, and other Safety and Security Drills and Exercises as requested.
• Serve as a key partner during crisis response and mitigation efforts to assist the local incident commanders and/or serve as an incident commander during crisis response and mitigation efforts.
• Maintain relationships with professional and lay leadership of the community facilities and organizations and meet regularly with site personnel and state and local officials to share information and promote and review support provided the Federation.
• Oversee special events security planning and implementation, in coordination with internal events and other departments for Federation coordinated or cosponsored community organizations and partner events in the area.
• Identify community relationship building opportunities to facilitate effective community action.
• Be able to communicate, internally and externally, with a working knowledge of Federation’s mission, vision, objectives, policies, and positions, and a continuing understanding of relevant local, national, and world events. Support partner entities in responding to media inquiries on security in full coordination with Federation’s Communications team. Read and monitor media reports and opinion articles and be available in real time for press interviews and media support in partnership with Federation's PR team.
• Receive, organize, and communicate (internally and externally) sensitive political, organizational, and societal information.
• Assist the Executive Director of Community Security in preparation for meetings and issue reports and other correspondence for key leadership, including the CEO, CFAO, and CDO of Federation.
• Serve as subject matter expert for various committees in the area and assist the Executive Director of Community Security to ensure coordination and cooperation among Jewish community organizations locally.

For Federations Regional Security Program:

• Work with the JShield leadership team to develop strong and effective partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement and emergency management agencies, and assist with plans and investigations of threats.
• Assist with developing, implementing, and testing all-hazards preparedness and response plans and training programs.
• Monitor intelligence related to terrorism and public safety. Analyze and disseminate information from local, national, international, and Israeli news media and intelligence network communication locally and abroad.
• Complete special projects and other duties as assigned by JShield's Executive and/or Deputy Director, including assisting with the Federation's core responsibilities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field and a minimum of five years of law enforcement, corporate, government, military, or related homeland security experience.
• Dynamic, results-oriented individual with the highest degree of personal integrity and ability to pass an extensive background check.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; proficiency in report writing.
• Proven success in problem-solving, collaboration, and developing working relationships with security professionals and colleagues.
• Broad-based knowledge of security protocols, threat investigations, physical security, and emergency management.
• Certified Protection Professional or Physical Security Professional certification is a plus.
• Ability to develop organizational plans, evaluate personnel and assignments and provide direction.
• Experience developing budgets for operations and equipment, including grant applications and other alternative funding.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite and PowerPoint.
• Possess the ability to develop strong relationships with the community.
• Knowledge of Judaism and sensitivity to Jewish community history, holidays, and traditions.

A People-Friendly Workplace

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is a dynamic and collaborative workplace offering a people-friendly environment, including:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

• Retirement plan with employer contribution

• Generous vacation and sick leave and Jewish holiday schedule

• 6 weeks paid Parental Leave after 1 year

• Commuter bonus

• Hybrid work schedule

• Professional development opportunities

• Access to the JPRO Network, which connects, educates, inspires, and empowers professionals working in the Jewish nonprofit sector

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington envisions an open, connected, and vibrant Jewish community that cares for each other, fosters Jewish learning and journeys, embraces Jewish peoplehood and Israel, and acts as a force for good in the world. As a mission-driven non-profit organization, we work to inspire, build, and sustain vibrant Jewish life in a changing world by mobilizing our community in common purpose, intentional innovation, and effective action. Learn more at shalomdc.org.

Candidates should be located in or willing to relocate to the Greater Washington (DC, MD, and Northern VA) region.