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Security Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Crunchyroll, LLC

Product Security Director

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

In this Principal-level, hands-on Security Director role, you will report to the SVP of Engineering. You will connect strategy to execution by turning security goals into secure-by-default systems ...

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Security Director information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$103.1K

$164.8K

How much do security director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for security director in California is $103,084.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,900.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a security director?

To become a security director, you need a bachelor’s degree and a few years of experience working in security. With a degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, business, or a related field, you can develop the skills needed to fulfill security director duties. Entry-level jobs in this career field include security guard and information technology positions. If you prefer to work your way up, it will take a few years of experience on the job before you develop the qualifications for a security director role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a security director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Security Director, expertise in risk assessment, security operations management, and crisis response is essential, often supported by a degree in security management or criminal justice. Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) systems, surveillance technologies, and relevant certifications such as CPP (Certified Protection Professional) are typically required. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills help foster effective teams and coordinate responses to threats. These skills are crucial to ensure organizational safety, regulatory compliance, and the ability to mitigate and respond to security incidents effectively.

What are some typical challenges security directors face when coordinating between physical and cybersecurity teams?

Security Directors often encounter challenges in bridging the gap between physical security measures and cybersecurity protocols. This can involve aligning priorities, ensuring clear communication, and integrating systems to provide comprehensive protection. Successfully managing these challenges requires fostering collaboration between teams, setting unified security policies, and staying updated on evolving threats. It's important for Security Directors to facilitate regular cross-team meetings and training to maintain a cohesive security strategy.

What is the difference between Security Director vs Security Manager?

AspectSecurity DirectorSecurity Manager
CredentialsTypically requires relevant certifications like CPP, PSP, or CISSPOften holds similar certifications but may have less extensive experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple security teams or departments, strategic planningManages daily security operations, team supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, government agencies, and organizations with complex security needsCommon in mid-sized companies, retail, and facilities management
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing high-level security leadership rolesIndividuals seeking operational security management positions

The Security Director focuses on strategic security planning and overseeing multiple departments, while the Security Manager handles daily security operations and team management. Both roles require relevant certifications and experience, but the Director typically operates at a higher, more strategic level within large organizations.

More about Security Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Security jobs in California?

The most popular types of Security jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Security Director jobs in California?

For Security Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Security Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Security Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Security Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Security Director job openings:

Security Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Security Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,084 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Assistant Federal Security Director for Screening

US Department of Homeland Security

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$126K/yr

Part-time

Posted yesterday

New

U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 294 rated public sector bodies

Job description

The Assistant Federal Security Director - Screening (AFDS-S) in support of the Federal Security Director (FSD), is responsible for mitigating threats against aviation and other transportation sectors by providing leadership and direction to TSA personnel engaged in screening operations.Qualifications:To qualify for the SV-K Pay Band (equivalent to GS-15), you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the SV-J Pay Band or GS-14in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience that reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies to successfully perform the duties of this position which involves supporting the Federal Security Director (FSD) in mitigating threats against aviation and other modes of transportation. Your experience must demonstrate you have the ability to perform the critical competencies necessary to supervise a staff that provides security screening operations, airport security risk assessments, crisis management, technology implementation, and other related programs assigned by the FSD. Specialized experience required for this position includes, but is not limited to:
  • Understanding, instructing, and applying security directives and regulations;
  • Identifying a range of security issues and threats in a complex environment; and
  • Providing leadership and direction in managing and overseeing a diverse workforce of professional and support staff performing protective security work.
Credit for experience is given based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio, i.e., working 20 hours per week for two months equals one month of experience. No additional credit is given for overtime.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003

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