Save the Children

For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children. The right to a healthy start in life. To have access to education. To be in a safe environment, protected from harm. We work in some of the world’s hardest-to-reach places – over 100 countries, including the U.S. No matter what your role is, when you join Save the Children, you’re creating positive, irreversible change for children, and the future we all share.

The Role

As the Managing Director, Global Safety & Security (GSS) & Building Services, you’ll be integral to our work in helping vulnerable children achieve a brighter future. This role is a high-impact leadership position responsible for driving the strategic vision and execution of Save the Children’s global safety and security programs while overseeing building services that create a safe, efficient, and productive work environment. Reporting to the Chief People Officer (CPO), you will be instrumental in shaping and implementing the organization’s global safety strategy, ensuring the protection of staff, assets, and operations both domestically and internationally.

This leader will also oversee critical mission-related facilities operations, ensuring that Save the Children’s workspaces are well-maintained, secure, and conducive to optimal business performance. As the owner of the Global Safety and Security strategy, the Managing Director will guide the development of proactive safety measures, crisis management protocols, and travel security strategies that support the organization’s ability to achieve its global mission.

The role will focus on ensuring seamless coordination of security and safety initiatives, including critical incident response, risk management, and the operational aspects of building services across Save the Children including Head Start. Through a combination of strategic oversight, operational excellence, and a strong focus on staff welfare, the Managing Director will play a key role in supporting the organization’s goals and optimizing the work environment for staff productivity and success.

Location

Hybrid – Washington DC, Fairfield, CT or Lexington, KY office locations

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

*not inclusive of all role responsibilities. May be subject to change

Global Safety and Security, Critical Incident & Crisis Management (40%)

Develop and lead a comprehensive global safety and security strategy to protect personnel, assets, and facilities. Ensure alignment of safety and security policies with regulatory requirements and industry standards. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and evaluate security and safety initiatives. Ensure all PDI documents are updated and available for all SCUS sites and programs Oversee threat monitoring and maintain incident response systems. Partner closely with Department and Division leaders on threat assessments for employees traveling. Act as lead for critical incident situations, with decision making authority, coordinating with appropriate departments, managing internal and external communication in responding. Design and implement emergency response plans, including training and drills, to prepare for natural disasters, health emergencies, and other potential crises. Lead crisis management efforts and serve as a key point of contact during emergencies, coordinating with local authorities as needed. Develop communication protocols and response procedures to ensure timely and efficient crisis management. Crisis Management- Lead the response to travel disruptions or emergencies, including natural disasters, political unrest, or other events that could impact employee safety or business operations. Conduct regular risk assessments and scenario planning to proactively identify and address vulnerabilities. Manage incident reporting for domestic incidents and international incidents affecting SCUS staff, assets, and/or reputation via Datix.

Building Services (30%)

Oversee the management of all facilities to ensure efficient operations, maintenance, and compliance with safety standards. Develop strategies to optimize the use of building resources, including space planning, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices. Manage building services and contracts with vendors, including janitorial, maintenance, and groundskeeping, ensuring high standards of cleanliness and functionality. Collaborate with vendors and contractors to maintain and upgrade facilities as needed. Prepare, maintain, and analyze budgets, estimate costs, and monitor expenditures Direct facility functions, design, implement, and monitor policies and safety procedures, minimize operational/facility hazards Negotiate and oversee lease agreements seeking optimal facilities and terms for the Agency. Collaborate with IT and Cybersecurity teams to support security integration and address potential cyber-physical risks. Manage physical security systems, including access control, surveillance, and alarm systems, to protect employees and assets.

Travel Policy and Program Oversight (20%)

Travel Policy Oversight: Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive business travel policy that aligns with company objectives, compliance standards, and industry best practices. Regularly review and update the policy to ensure relevance and adherence to company needs. Vendor Management: Manage relationships with travel vendors (airlines, hotels, car rental services, etc.), negotiating contracts, ensuring service levels are met, and identifying opportunities for cost savings and value-added services. Regularly evaluate vendor performance and recommend changes as needed. Travel Process Optimization: Oversee and continually refine the end-to-end travel booking process to ensure it is efficient, user-friendly, and cost-effective. Ensure that the process balances the needs of employees with the company's travel budget and safety guidelines. Data Analysis & Reporting: Conduct regular data analysis on travel spending, trends, and employee satisfaction to identify opportunities for process improvements, cost reduction, and increased operational efficiency. Develop reports and present findings to senior leadership. Employee Experience & Safety: Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of employees while traveling for business. This includes monitoring industry developments related to travel risks, providing timely communication about safety protocols, and establishing contingency plans for emergencies. Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, Procurement, and other departments to ensure business travel policies and processes are aligned with broader organizational goals. Support key stakeholders in understanding and adhering to travel guidelines. Travel Technology & Tools: Oversee the selection, implementation, and management of travel management systems and tools. Ensure these systems are effectively integrated into the company’s operations and provide training and support to employees as needed. Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the travel program, researching emerging trends, technologies, and best practices to keep the company's business travel program competitive and efficient. Budget Management & Cost Control: Monitor business travel expenditures, ensuring adherence to budgetary guidelines. Develop strategies to optimize travel spending while maintaining high levels of service and employee satisfaction. Training & Education: Develop and deliver training materials for employees and other stakeholders on travel policies, booking processes, and best practices. Ensure employees are equipped with the knowledge to book efficient and cost-effective travel while adhering to corporate guidelines.

Leadership and Team Management (10%)

Lead the team, providing mentorship, guidance, and performance feedback. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the Benefits department. Cultivate relationships with cross-functional stakeholders to promote alignment and integration with Agency initiatives. Train, develop, coach, lead, and supervise staff, clearly communicating organization, division and department priorities, and how their work contributes to our mission, ensuring that the working environment continually fosters diversity, inclusion, and belonging – supporting Save the Children values. Work with P&C Senior Management Team, including colleagues in their respective centers of expertise, to align operations with a global and corporate perspective

Required qualifications for the role

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, plus at least 10 years of relevant experience, including 7 years of leadership experience Demonstrated experience in crisis management and emergency preparedness at a global scale. Strong background in facility operations and building services management, including space planning and sustainability practices. Comprehensive understanding of safety regulations, including OSHA, fire safety codes, and international standards. In-depth knowledge of physical security systems, risk assessment methodologies, and industry best practices. Experience working in conflict affected areas as well as knowledge of security policies, practices and procedures; successful security coordination with partners, donors, and governmental institutions. Experience in analyzing security threats, risks, and vulnerability in both domestic and international settings Knowledge of issues related to the security and protection of humanitarian workers including legal protections and right for aid workers and the populations they assist. Experience with incident reporting and incident mapping. Ability to travel for up to 25% of time (may include limited international travel) Demonstrated sound analytical ability, good judgment, and strategic planning skills Proven ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and professionalism around sensitive information  Demonstrated conflict resolution and facilitation skills Professional proficiency in MS Office suite Professional proficiency in spoken and written English

Preferred qualifications for the role

Advanced degree Exposure to a non-profit setting

Compensation

Save the Children is offering the following salary ranges for this position, dependent on candidate location:

Geo 1 - NY Metro, DC, and other locations with labor costs significantly above national average: Target Salary for this position is $131,750 – $147,250 base salary  Geo 2 - Locations around the US National Labor Cost Average: Target Salary for this position is $119,850 – $133,950 base salary  Geo 3 - Locations significantly below the US National Labor Cost Average: Target Salary for this position is $107,950 – $120,650 base salary 

The salary ranges listed above are for US based candidates. For candidates located outside of the US, salary ranges will be based on the salary scales of the local employer of record. Actual base salary may vary based on, but not limited to, relevant experience, base salary of internal peers, business sector, and geographic location (more information on job structure is available here).

About Us

We are looking to build a diverse, equitable and inclusive team at Save the Children. We offer a range of outstanding benefits to support this goal:

Flexible schedules and time off: Flexible schedules, generous PTO, 11 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays and hybrid working opportunities Health: Competitive health care, dental and vision coverage for you and your family Family: A variety of paid leaves: caregiver, parental/adoption, critical child illness and fertility benefits Employee Rewards Program: Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees Retirement: A retirement savings plan with employer contributions (after one year) Wellness: 15 safety and wellness days annually (if hired on or after July 1, safety and wellness days prorated to 8 days), mental health benefits and support through Calm and company-hosted events Employee Assistance Program: free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services Learning & Growth: Access to internal and external learning & development opportunities and mentorships

Click here to learn more about how Save the Children US will invest in you.

Save the Children is committed to conducting its programs and operations in a manner that is safe for the children it serves and helping protect the children with whom we are in contact. All Save the Children representatives are explicitly prohibited from engaging in any activity that may result in any kind of child abuse.

Save the Children is committed to minimizing safety and security risks for our valued employees, ensuring all are given training, support and information to reduce their risk exposure while maximizing the impact of our programs for children and families. Our shared duty, both agency and individual, is to seek and maintain safe working conditions for all.

If you require disability assistance with the application or recruitment process, please submit a request to applicantsupport@savechildren.org.