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Director Operational Risk Jobs in Sterling, VA (NOW HIRING)

Freddie Mac

Risk Analytics, Senior Director

Mclean, VA · On-site

The Senior Director - Risk Analytics reports to the Vice President - Enterprise Market, Liquidity ... Execute an integrated oversight plan in collaboration with Operational Risk and Compliance to ...

Yoga Alliance

Senior Director, Operations

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $175K/yr

The Senior Director of Operations provides day-to-day oversight and leadership across technology ... Contract workflows, operational risk management, compliance oversight, and coordination with ...

Capital One

Risk Manager

Mclean, VA · On-site

You will be responsible for maintaining direct relationships with policy stakeholders to advise on ... Collaborate effectively with senior leadership across organizations such as Operational Risk ...

Capital One

Risk Manager

Mclean, VA · On-site

You will be responsible for maintaining direct relationships with policy stakeholders to advise on ... Collaborate effectively with senior leadership across organizations such as Operational Risk ...

PenFed Credit Union

SVP Enterprise Risk Office

Mclean, VA · Hybrid

... Risk, Operational Risk, Data Governance, and emerging frontiers like AI. In addition, this leader ... Establish and quantify the organization's risk appetite and recommend to the Board of Directors the ...

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All JobsOperational Risk JobsDirector Operational Risk JobsDirector Operational Risk Jobs in Sterling, VA

Director Operational Risk information

See Sterling, VA salary details

$53.5K

$141.8K

$257.5K

How much do director operational risk jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for director operational risk in Sterling, VA is $141,803.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $165,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Director of Operational Risk do?

A Director of Operational Risk is responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could impact an organization's operations. They develop risk management strategies, implement controls, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. This role typically involves collaborating with different departments, reporting to senior management, and overseeing risk assessments and audits. The goal is to minimize losses and protect the organization from potential operational failures or external threats.

How does a Director of Operational Risk typically collaborate with other departments to manage enterprise-wide risks?

A Director of Operational Risk works closely with teams across the organization—including compliance, internal audit, IT, and business unit leaders—to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks. This collaboration often involves organizing risk assessments, sharing best practices, and developing response strategies for incidents. Regular cross-functional meetings and reporting are common, ensuring that risk management is integrated into day-to-day business operations. Effective communication and relationship-building are crucial for success in this role, as the Director must foster a risk-aware culture throughout the company.

What is the difference between Director Operational Risk vs Risk Manager?

AspectDirector Operational RiskRisk Manager
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, Risk Management certifications)Often requires similar certifications but may have less emphasis on advanced degrees
Work EnvironmentStrategic, leadership-focused, overseeing risk frameworks across departmentsOperational, focused on identifying and mitigating specific risks within teams
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in banking, finance, insurance, and large corporationsFound across various industries including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing

The main difference is that the Director of Operational Risk typically holds a senior leadership role responsible for setting risk strategies and policies, while the Risk Manager focuses on implementing risk mitigation measures at the operational level. Both roles require relevant certifications and experience, but the Director position involves broader strategic oversight.

Does the director of national intelligence need senate confirmation?

The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) is a presidential appointee who requires Senate confirmation before taking office. This process ensures oversight and bipartisan approval for the role, which involves overseeing the intelligence community and coordinating national security efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Operational Risk, and why are they important?

A Director of Operational Risk needs deep knowledge of risk management frameworks, regulatory requirements, and operational processes, typically supported by a degree in finance, business, or a related field. Familiarity with risk assessment tools, data analytics platforms, and certifications such as FRM or CRM is highly valued. Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for guiding teams and influencing stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could impact organizational objectives and regulatory compliance.

Is a director higher than a CEO?

A CEO (Chief Executive Officer) is typically the highest-ranking executive in a company, responsible for overall strategic direction and decision-making. A director, including a Director of Operational Risk, usually reports to the CEO and oversees specific departments or functions. Therefore, the CEO holds a higher position than a director within an organizational hierarchy.

What is the meaning of a director?

A director is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing a specific department or function within an organization, such as operational risk. They develop strategies, manage teams, and ensure compliance with policies and regulations, often requiring leadership skills and industry knowledge.

What is the role of the director?

A Director of Operational Risk is responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing risks that could impact an organization's operations. They develop risk management strategies, implement policies, and oversee compliance to ensure operational resilience. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of industry regulations are essential for this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operational Risk jobs in Sterling, VA? The most popular types of Operational Risk jobs in Sterling, VA are:
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What cities near Sterling, VA are hiring for Director Operational Risk jobs? Cities near Sterling, VA with the most Director Operational Risk job openings:
Director Operational Risk jobs near you

Director, Operational Security (Protective Services)

Control Risks

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a dynamic, results-driven operational security leader with strong business acumen, strategic vision, and exceptional project management capabilities to lead our Protective Services practice for the United States and Canada.
This role will oversee high-impact security engagements-including executive protection, event security, and complex operational security programs-while driving growth through business development and thought leadership. The ideal candidate will combine operational expertise with the ability to influence stakeholders and shape innovative security solutions for clients across diverse industries.
Tasks and responsibilities
The successful candidate will be tasked with the following:
  • Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the vision for the Protective Services practice in the United States and Canada, ensuring alignment with regional and global strategic objectives.
  • Operational Oversight: Direct the delivery of comprehensive security services, including executive protection, event security, workplace violence response, technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM), travel risk management programs, operational crisis management (including evacuations and natural disaster response/recovery), and security training programs.
  • Financial Management: Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance for the Protective Services practice, ensuring profitability and cost efficiency.
  • Business Development: Drive growth by building and maintaining a robust pipeline of engagements through client relationships and market expansion.
  • Operational Governance: Ensure effective and streamlined business operations, including compliance with local, state and national security regulations, human resources statutes, and legal and risk management guidelines.
  • Thought Leadership: Represent the organization as an industry leader by contributing to panels, conferences, and published insights.
  • Global Collaboration: Foster a collaborative culture across practices and geographies to maintain a OneFirm approach while delivering exceptional client services.
  • Cross functional expertise: Proven knowledge and hands-on experience with protective intelligence and the integration of protective services with GSOC capabilities, reflecting the evolution of protective services into a more intelligence-driven, proactive discipline.
  • Program building: Demonstrated ability to design, build, and lead programmatic engagements across operational security including executive protection and protective intelligence ensuring alignment with organizational risk posture and operational objectives.

Requirements
Knowledge and experience
  • 15+ years of experience in an operational security leadership role, with a proven ability to manage complex security programs.
  • 10+ years of direct experience delivering operational security services, including executive protection, event security, and comprehensive protective strategies.
  • Functional understanding of the integration of protective intelligence and global monitoring centers into protective operations
  • Previous experience working in a consulting capacity, ideally within the operational security field.
  • Demonstrated success in a leadership role, managing teams and driving strategic initiatives.
  • Proven ability to manage a portfolio of clients and develop a strong pipeline of business opportunities through an existing book of business, RFP's and client outreach.
  • Advanced financial literacy and a deep understanding of business processes, including budgeting and forecasting.
  • Track record of administrative excellence, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
  • Exceptional English-language writing and communication skills; proficiency in additional languages is highly desirable.

Qualifications and specialist skills
  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degrees preferred in security management, business administration, or a related field.
  • Formal executive protection training from a recognized government or private institution.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain security licenses across multiple states, as required.
  • Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills, combined with strong leadership capabilities.
  • Proven track record in business management, including opportunity generation and client portfolio development.
  • Strong creative and analytical problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
  • Highly organized and adept at multitasking, balancing competing priorities effectively.
  • Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25-30% of the time.
  • Industry certifications such as CPP (Certified Protection Professional) are highly desirable but not mandatory.

Behaviors
  • All employees are expected to display behaviors reflective of our company values: Integrity and Ethics, Collaboration and Teamwork, Commitment to People and Professionalism and Excellence.

The base salary range for this position is $170,000-$180,000 per year. Exact compensation offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Control Risks is committed to a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made in order to participate fully in the interview process, please let us know and we will be happy to accommodate your needs.
Control Risks participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment authorization of all newly hired employees. The E-Verify process is completed during new hire onboarding and completion of the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, at the start of employment. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates. For more information on E-Verify, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Benefits
  • Control Risks offers a competitively positioned compensation and benefits package that is transparent and summarized in the full job offer.
  • Control Risks supports hybrid working arrangements, wherever possible, that emphasize the value of in-person time together - in the office and with our clients - while continuing to support flexible and remote working.
  • Medical Benefits, Prescription Benefits, FSA, Dental Benefits, Vision Benefits, Life and AD&D, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Disability Benefits, Voluntary Benefits, 401 (K) Retirement, Nationwide Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program.
  • As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us and are fully committed to equal treatment, free from discrimination, of all candidates throughout our recruitment process.

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