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Summary The Protective Security Officer (PSO) is a position within the security and protective service field of work. The Protective Security officer is responsible for possessing and maintaining the ...

As our Protective Security Manager, you will: * Provide security and safety support, guidance and advisory services to the Wealth Center Network, Commercial Centers and HSBC Head Offices, ensuring ...

Protective Security Officer We are seeking highly motivated customer service individuals to join our team as a Protective Security Officer(Guard ll) for our client, The Department of Veterans Affairs ...

POSITION SUMMARY As a Protective Security Officer (PSO) serving on a Federal Government contract, you will be responsible for maintaining security, enforcing regulations, and ensuring the safety of ...

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Protective Security information

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How much do protective security jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for protective security in the United States is $17.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Which is the highest paying security job?

In protective security, executive protection or close protection officers often earn the highest salaries, especially when working for high-net-worth clients or in specialized environments. Senior security managers and security directors also tend to have higher pay due to their leadership responsibilities and experience requirements. Certifications like CPP or PSP can enhance earning potential in these roles.

What are protective security jobs?

Protective security jobs involve roles focused on safeguarding people, property, and information from threats such as theft, violence, terrorism, and cyber-attacks. Professionals in this field may work in areas like physical security (guards, surveillance), cybersecurity, risk assessment, and emergency response. They are employed by private companies, government agencies, and security firms to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Duties often include monitoring security systems, enforcing access controls, responding to incidents, and conducting security audits.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Protective Security roles, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Protective Security often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing threat environments, the need for constant vigilance, and balancing strict security protocols with maintaining a welcoming environment. Managing these challenges requires ongoing training, strong situational awareness, and effective communication with both team members and clients. Collaboration with law enforcement and other emergency services is also vital to ensure coordinated responses to incidents and to keep up to date with best practices in risk assessment and mitigation.

What degree do I need for FPS jobs?

For Federal Protective Service (FPS) jobs, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, though some positions may prefer or require a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, homeland security, or related fields. Relevant skills include security training, background checks, and sometimes specialized certifications such as CPR or first aid.

What is the difference between Protective Security vs Security Guard?

AspectProtective SecuritySecurity Guard
CredentialsSecurity license, training in threat assessmentSecurity license, basic security training
Work EnvironmentHigh-risk areas, event security, executive protectionBuilding patrols, access control, surveillance
Employer & IndustryPrivate security firms, government agencies, corporate clientsCommercial buildings, retail stores, residential complexes

Protective Security and Security Guards both focus on safety, but Protective Security involves higher-level threat assessment and protection, often in high-risk environments. Security Guards typically perform routine patrols and access control. While both roles require licensing, Protective Security usually demands additional training and experience, making it suitable for more specialized security tasks.

What is the highest paying security guard job?

The highest paying security guard jobs are typically in executive protection or close protection roles, which involve safeguarding high-profile individuals. These positions often require specialized training, certifications, and experience, and can pay significantly more than standard security guard roles, especially when working for private clients or in high-risk environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Protective Security Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protective Security Officer, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, risk assessment, and emergency response, usually supported by relevant certifications or security licenses. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control technologies, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Strong observation skills, professionalism, and effective communication help in diffusing situations and maintaining safety. These abilities are crucial for preventing security breaches, protecting people and property, and responding effectively to threats.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In protective security, high-paying roles such as executive security directors, security consultants for large corporations, and specialized security contractors can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require advanced skills, security clearances, and management expertise.
More about Protective Security jobs
What cities are hiring for Protective Security jobs? Cities with the most Protective Security job openings:
What states have the most Protective Security jobs? States with the most job openings for Protective Security jobs include:
Infographic showing various Protective Security job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,594 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Director, Protective Security

Secure Community Network

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$150K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

We are Secure Community Network (SCN), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) serving as the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America. Here at SCN, we deeply value the team of people that work diligently to commit their lives to action for a better tomorrow and we are excited to add a Director, Protective Security to our team. This position is located in our Chicago office.

The Director of the Protective Security Program will be responsible for developing and implementing programs, policies, and initiatives related to the physical security of SCN's staff and Field Support Center facility and the executive protection of the SCN National Director/CEO. This includes threat assessments, planning, personal security, and implementation of protective measures related to special events, physical locations, and key executive travel as well as providing consultation, guidance, training, and support for individuals who may be exposed to elevated personal risk due to their roles, affiliations, or employment as leaders within the Jewish community, and related to prevention, protection, preparedness, and response. This includes ongoing threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, coordination with protective intelligence sources, including SCN's Duty Desk, Fusion Centers, and others, ongoing monitoring and evaluation, physical and personal security recommendations and implementation support, and coordination with SCN field staff, local, state, and federal law enforcement.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

  • Lead and manage all components of the Protective Security Program through engagement with other SCN stakeholders.
  • Supervise a team of Protective Security Specialists and Office Security Specialists conducting executive protection of SCN's National Director/CEO and physical security of SCN's staff and Field Support Center.
  • Develop and implement a protective security program for SCN's key executives, facilities, and personnel.
  • Develop and implement programs, policies, and initiatives to address high-profile or otherwise identified personal and organizational security issues, concerns, and events.
  • Provide physical and personal security recommendations and implementation support.
  • Project manage ongoing physical security initiatives at SCN Field Support Center.
  • Develop and implement travel safety and individual security awareness presentations.
  • Provide consultation, guidance, presentations, and support for identified categories of individuals, as well as specific individuals.
  • Review material and conduct investigations related to general security and specific protective security requirements.
  • Coordinate with local, state, and federal law enforcement and other organizations.
  • Respond to and mitigate threats and vulnerabilities via investigation, proactive means, advances, site visits, and pre-planning security at facilities, organizations, and events.
  • Coordinate with designated entities to develop, analyze, and implement procedures, activities, and policies to address protective intelligence.
  • Participate in and/or directs the recruitment, training, professional development, and capacity-building of relevant staff.
  • Perform other job-related duties as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 10 years of experience in law enforcement.
  • Qualified law enforcement officer or qualified retired or separated law enforcement officer status, pursuant to Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act/HR-218.
  • Experience in conducting and/or supervising executive protection work with local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies such as US Secret Service, US Marshals Service, US Capitol Police, US State Department, FBI Director's or U.S. Attorney's General Protective Detail, State Police, or major City Police Departments.
  • Working knowledge of physical security systems, intrusion detection and alarm equipment, access control systems, video monitoring and CCTV, computerized security hardware and software, and technical security countermeasures.
  • Working knowledge of law enforcement and security intelligence operations, particularly protective security intelligence operations.
  • Highly motivated and a self-starter who requires minimal supervision.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain organizational programs.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct law enforcement and security training and make presentations.
  • Familiarity with threat assessment measures and protective intelligence processes.
  • High level of integrity and discretion.
  • Surveillance detection skills.
  • Knowledge of residential protection.
  • Strong multi-tasking and prioritization skills.
  • Advanced knowledge in the area of investigations.
  • Ability to safeguard confidential information and materials and understand the necessity to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the work environment.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
  • Ability to write reports, business correspondence, after-action reports, and procedures manuals.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from identified stakeholders.
  • Problem-solving, including analysis or interpretation of situations, and applying knowledge and skills as well as general precedents and practices to the work environment.
  • Maintain proficiency in firearms and defensive tactics.
  • Ability to lead and mentor a team.
  • Must possess outstanding interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and liaise with all contacts.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to travel in support of the program and protective operations and maintain a flexible schedule and on-call hours as needed.

ABOUT SCN

The Secure Community Network (SCN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the official homeland safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America. Founded in 2004 under the auspices of The Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, SCN serves as the central organization dedicated exclusively to the safety and security of the American Jewish community, working across 146 federations, 50 partner organizations, over 300 independent communities, and other partners in the public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors. SCN is dedicated to ensuring that Jewish organizations, communities, life, and culture can not only exist safely and securely but flourish. Learn more at securecommunitynetwork.org.

The target annual salary range for this position is $150,000-$160,000. Final annual salary offered will be determined through a thorough assessment of multiple factors and criteria which may include candidate experience and qualifications, available market data, internal salary equity, and budget considerations.

SCN offers a comprehensive benefits package to all full time employees which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Short and Long Term Disability, and Life and AD&D Insurance, as well as a 403(b) Retirement Plan with match, Flexible Spending Accounts for pre-tax Healthcare, Dependent Care, and Commuter Benefits, Accident and Critical Illness Insurance, Norton LifeLock, and an Employee Assistance Program. We provide paid time off including Vacation, Sick Leave, and paid Holidays.

Secure Community Network is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

SCN has long been a committed leader in adopting, modeling, and encouraging adherence to Jewish values, including advocating for approaches that address issues related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). Please review our DEIA statement here.