Occupation · SOC 13-1199.07
Security Management Specialists
Conduct security assessments for organizations, and design security systems and processes. May specialize in areas such as physical security or the safety of employees and facilities.
Median wage
$81,270
$46,230–$147,830
Projected growth
+3.0%
Average growth
Annual openings
3,630
per year
Employed (US)
1,128,200
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
2,448 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingSpeakingReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingSystems Analysis
Knowledge areas
Public Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceComputers and ElectronicsAdministration and Management
Technology & tools
Adobe AcrobatAmazon Web Services AWS softwareArcSight Enterprise Threat and Risk ManagementChinotec Technologies ParosCisco Systems CiscoWorksCustomer information control system CICSCyberArkDatabase softwareFirewall softwareIBM Tivoli softwareIntrusion prevention system IPSJavaScriptKismetLinuxManagement information systems MISMcAfeeMetasploitMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Active DirectoryMicrosoft Azure softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft PowerShellMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordNetwork directory services softwareNmapNortonLifeLock cybersecurity softwareOperating system softwareOracle Business Intelligence Enterprise EditionOracle JavaPhoto editing softwarePhysical access management softwareSAP Crystal ReportsSAP softwareSecure web gateway software
Representative tasks
Assess the nature and level of physical security threats so that the scope of the problem can be detRespond to emergency situations on an on-call basis.Recommend improvements in security systems or procedures.Prepare written reports or presentations on findings and recommendations.Train personnel and vendors in security procedures or use of security equipment.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Physical security threats — identify and categorize under supervisor guidance during initial site assessments at commercial or government facilities.Emergency response protocols — follow step-by-step procedures when responding to on-call security incidents under direct managerial oversight.Security system deficiencies — document and report observed gaps in access control or alarm systems using standardized templates provided by senior staff.Risk analysis frameworks — apply established methodologies to gather preliminary data on asset vulnerabilities within a defined facility scope.Physical security installations — inspect designated checkpoints and hardware against a provided compliance checklist under senior specialist direction.Security audit findings — record and organize field observations related to physical security vulnerabilities for review by lead analysts.Access card and alarm policies — review existing organizational procedures and summarize key requirements for assigned operational areas.Security testing scripts — execute pre-defined acceptance test cases for newly installed security measures and log results for senior review.Risk management software — enter threat and vulnerability data into database interfaces to support team-level analysis workflows.Security reports — draft clear written summaries of site observations using approved formats, referencing applicable standards and regulations.
developing
Physical security threat levels — assess and classify with moderate autonomy using structured frameworks across multiple facility types and threat categories.On-call emergency situations — respond independently, apply situational judgment, and coordinate with stakeholders to contain and document incidents.Security system improvements — formulate and present specific recommendations to management based on audit findings and industry best practices.Countermeasure development — perform risk analyses that map identified threats to appropriate physical and procedural controls within organizational risk tolerance.Regulatory compliance — inspect security design features and installations against applicable standards, resolving minor discrepancies without escalation.Security audits — plan and conduct end-to-end vulnerability assessments for physical security and staff safety across assigned sites.Access control policies — draft security procedures governing alarm response, badge access, and visitor management for review and approval by leadership.Security measure monitoring — implement and maintain ongoing evaluation procedures following acceptance testing of newly deployed security systems.Network and transaction security tools — configure and monitor VPN and access software to support organizational security posture in routine operational contexts.Stakeholder communication — deliver verbal briefings and written reports on security findings to department heads and operational staff using clear, non-technical language.
proficient
Multi-layered threat assessments — conduct autonomous, comprehensive evaluations of physical security threats across complex or high-risk environments, producing actionable intelligence for leadership.Emergency incident command — lead organizational response to critical on-call security events, coordinating cross-functional teams and interfacing with law enforcement or emergency services.Security program recommendations — develop evidence-based improvement proposals spanning technology, policy, and personnel, and drive implementation through organizational change processes.Enterprise risk analyses — execute full-scope quantitative and qualitative risk analyses, integrating psychological, engineering, and legal factors to design layered countermeasure strategies.Standards compliance oversight — independently audit physical security installations organization-wide, identify systemic non-compliance, and manage corrective action plans to resolution.Comprehensive security audits — design audit methodologies, lead field investigation teams, and synthesize findings into prioritized vulnerability remediation roadmaps.Security policy architecture — author and implement integrated security policies covering access control, alarm protocols, and crisis response tailored to complex multi-site organizations.Acceptance testing and evaluation — develop acceptance criteria, lead final testing of security systems, and establish performance metrics for long-term monitoring programs.Advanced security technology integration — evaluate and deploy risk management analytics, network security, and document management platforms to enhance organizational security operations.Cross-functional instruction — mentor junior analysts, deliver security awareness training, and build staff competence in threat recognition and protocol adherence across departments.
advanced
Organizational security strategy — define and lead the enterprise-wide physical security vision, aligning programs with regulatory requirements, business objectives, and emerging threat landscapes.Executive threat intelligence — synthesize complex threat environment data to advise C-suite and board-level stakeholders on security posture and investment priorities.Enterprise policy governance — establish and institutionalize security policy frameworks spanning physical protection, access management, and emergency response for large or multi-site organizations.Risk management culture — champion organization-wide adoption of systematic risk analysis practices, embedding countermeasure thinking into project planning and operational decision-making.Regulatory and standards leadership — represent the organization before regulatory bodies, lead standards interpretation efforts, and shape internal compliance programs to anticipate evolving requirements.Security audit program ownership — architect and oversee the enterprise audit lifecycle, setting methodology standards and driving accountability for vulnerability remediation at the executive level.Security technology roadmap — evaluate and authorize investment in next-generation security systems, integrating AI-driven analytics, biometric access, and network security infrastructure.Crisis leadership and continuity — direct organizational response to large-scale security emergencies, ensuring business continuity coordination and post-incident review that informs strategic improvements.Talent and capability development — build and lead high-performing security management teams, establishing career pathways, training curricula, and performance standards for the profession.Industry influence and thought leadership — represent the organization in professional associations, contribute to public safety policy discourse, and advance security management standards at sector or national level.
Also known as
40 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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