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Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SECURITY SERVICES

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079


The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is the largest municipal water and power utility in the United States delivering reliable and critical life services to the City of Los Angeles. Currently, the utility is changing rapidly to usher in 100 percent clean energy and build local water supplies for a more resilient city. As such, the need to protect utility assets, operations, and staff is growing exponentially, especially with the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Summer Olympics in 2028.

THE OPPORTUNITY: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SECURITY SERVICES The Executive Director of Security Services will function as a member of the executive leadership team and will be responsible for capital budget, human capital, strategic business planning, and providing updates to the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, and Chief Operating Officer in the following areas:

Staffing and resources required to hire and manage a staff of over 300 Security Officers and administrative staff.

Infrastructure evaluation and plans for improvement including implementing new technology such as AI enabled technology and intelligence assessments.

Policy improvements that will ensure all LADWP assets are protected and secured.

Strategic and Logistic plans and any challenges arising in preparation for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The Executive Director of Security Services will be responsible for:

LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGY

Developing and implementing a strategic security plan to safeguard LADWP’s mission and objectives, including assets, personnel, and operations.

Leading the Security Department, including recruiting, training, and managing a team of security professionals.

Conducting risk assessments and vulnerability analyses for LADWP’s assets, particularly water and power facilities, and developing mitigation strategies.

SECURITY OPERATIONS

Assessing and monitoring security threats that may impact LADWP’s daily operations or threaten its overall reliability.

Overseeing all physical security operations, including the monitoring and protection of LADWP facilities, power plants, water systems, and offices.

Implementing and maintaining state-of-the-art security technology and systems, including access control, surveillance, and threat detection systems.

Leading post-incident reviews and implementing corrective actions.

COMPLIANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT

Ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to security, including NERC, FERC, DOE, AWWA, EPA, and DHS, and other utility-specific guidelines.

Overseeing security audits, inspections, and drills to ensure operational readiness.

COLLABORATION & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Collaborating with internal stakeholders across departments, including operations, engineering, and legal teams, to align security initiatives with organizational goals, and developing security awareness programs for all LADWP employees.

Representing LADWP and serving as the primary liaison between LADWP and Federal, State, and Local security agencies, including law enforcement, emergency response agencies, and authorities to coordinate joint security efforts and response plans.

Developing and maintaining relationships with industry partners, external security organizations, and government agencies to stay informed of evolving threats and best practices.

BUDGET & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Developing and managing the security department’s budget, staffing and overtime, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources.

Evaluating, recommending, and overseeing procurement and implementation of security equipment, contracts, and external security services.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS Qualified applicants must have at least 10 years of experience in security management, including at least five years in a senior leadership role at an agency related to the water and power utility industry or a similar critical infrastructure.

To be considered qualifying, the senior leadership role must have provided experience:

Overseeing medium to large teams focused on developing and/or overseeing physical security programs for infrastructure.

Managing large, multi-site security operations with complex risk environments.

Candidates must demonstrate the level and impact of their leadership experience through specific projects and/or initiatives listed on their resume.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT Candidates must have the ability to obtain US Government Security Clearance (Top Secret w/SCI or DOE “Q”) within 6 months of employment.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION & BENEFITS The current salary range is $268,725 to $333,871 per year. A highly competitive benefits package includes benefits established by resolutions of the Board of Water and Power Commissioners, such as parking, a take-home vehicle, subsidized health and dental insurance, sick leave, vacation, two floating holidays, 13 paid holidays, an annual executive physical (must be taken while employed), life insurance, retirement, and disability/death benefits. Reimbursement of relocation expenses may be considered.

HOW TO APPLY Electronic submissions are required. Interested candidates should immediately submit a resume, cover letter of interest, and four work-related references (include name, job title, affiliation, and telephone number) via email to

JoinTheTeam@LADWP.com.

References will not be contacted until mutual interest is established. All completed submissions will be acknowledged via email.

In order to be considered, resumes must include:

A description of the size and function of the organizations managed.

Description of your role in the organization.

At least one major professional accomplishment in which you played a key role.

Any relevant experiences or unique characteristics which could further qualify you for this position.

Note: When emailing your application material, the subject line should be “Executive Director of Security Services.” The search may close on Friday, January 17, 2025 or when a sufficient candidate pool is achieved. Upon submission of the application documents, applicants may be asked to complete a supplemental questionnaire. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to the next phase of the selection process, which is an interview. Questions and confidential inquiries may be referred to

JoinTheTeam@LADWP.com.

ABOUT LADWP AND THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES LADWP exists to support the growth and vitality of the City of Los Angeles, its residents, businesses, and the communities we serve, providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective water and power in a customer-focused and environmentally responsible manner.

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