Head of Protective Services (San Francisco)

The Global Safety and Security team at DoorDash is dedicated to safeguarding our people, property, operations, brand, and reputation. We manage safety and security risks across the business, delivering value through agility, innovative technology, and a people-first mindset. Our team is proactive and always ready to respond, ensuring the safety of our people anytime, anywhere.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Head of Protective Services to lead and develop DoorDash's executive protection program. You will be accountable for designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive protection strategy for C-suite executives, board members, and other key individuals. This hands-on position will demand tactical and operational leadership and strategic oversight, ensuring security measures remain robust while aligning with DoorDash’s operational goals. In this high-stakes role, you will oversee complex protective operations across various regions and environments, utilizing advanced technology and executing top-tier security solutions. You will collaborate with internal teams and external partners to identify and mitigate threats while driving ongoing and measured enhancements in the program.

You’re excited about this opportunity because you will…

• Be a Player and Coach – Lead and execute from the front, setting the standard for operational excellence and mentorship and ensuring your team is equipped to handle complex global protection missions with precision.
• Drive Strategic Security Programs – Develop and execute a tailored executive protection strategy, integrating proactive measures while ensuring efficient operations in high-risk environments.
• Ensure Operational Mastery – Oversee and lead the executive protection program's daily operations, optimizing resources, logistics, and staffing to ensure the highest security standards without disrupting business operations.
• Leverage Advanced Security Technology – Implement cutting-edge security technologies such as surveillance systems, real-time threat monitoring, advanced communications systems, and defensive measures to enhance the protective services program.
• Respond and Manage Crisis – Execute comprehensive threat management, rapidly addressing security incidents, using a proactive intelligence-driven approach to mitigate risks, and ensuring rapid resumption of normal operations.
• Collaborate with Leadership – Work closely with C-suite executives, board members, Legal, Finance, and other key departments to ensure seamless coordination and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Build Trust and Confidentiality – Develop strong relationships with covered individuals and their families, balancing confidentiality, safety, and trust.
• Optimize for Low Friction and Efficiency – Create systems and processes that streamline protective operations, automate key workflows, and reduce friction for the covered individuals, enhancing coordination and improving response times.

We’re excited about you because you bring…

• Extensive Experience – Over 12 years in executive protection or related high-level security roles, with at least 7 years of leadership experience managing complex protection programs.
• Global Security Expertise – A proven track record of managing protective operations in challenging global environments, including regions with heightened security risks or geopolitical instability.
• Crisis Leadership – Experience handling complex, high-stress situations involving physical security breaches and incidents, cyber threats, and emergency responses, demonstrating exceptional leadership under pressure.
• Comprehensive Certifications and Training – Advanced certifications and specialized training in tactical operations, emergency medical care, defensive driving, and counter-surveillance techniques.
• Strategic and Operational Acumen – A strong ability to balance operational needs with strategic vision, driving protection initiatives while managing resources, budgets, and technology integrations effectively.
• Technology Integration Expertise – Deep understanding of advanced security technologies, including surveillance, communications systems, and cybersecurity protocols, with the ability to integrate these systems into protective operations.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Emotional Intelligence – The ability to manage the complex and various needs of covered individuals and their families, fostering a trusting relationship while maintaining the professionalism required for such a critical function.
• Advanced Protective Intelligence and Risk Management – Expertise in identifying and analyzing global threats, understanding geopolitical and cultural risks, and ensuring effective mitigation strategies to safeguard key individuals.
• Clear and Effective Communication – Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex security matters in a straightforward, non-alarming manner, ensuring covered individuals are informed and prepared for potential threats.
• Results-Oriented Leadership – A proactive, innovative leader focused on delivering measurable outcomes, continuously improving protective services, and ensuring optimal security measures are always in place.
• Educational and Professional Experience – A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience, with a preference for candidates with advanced security or business management qualifications.
• Results-Orientation – A proven ability to define and achieve measurable, time-bound outcomes.
• Global Travel Flexibility and Critical Support Availability – Willingness to travel globally as needed (approximately 35%) and the ability to respond to security events and critical escalations at all hours and days as required.

Compensation

The successful candidate's starting pay will fall within the pay range listed below and is determined based on job-related factors including, but not limited to, skills, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions. Base salary is localized according to an employee’s work location. Ranges are market-dependent and may be modified in the future.

In addition to base salary, the compensation for this role includes opportunities for equity grants. Talk to your recruiter for more information.

DoorDash cares about you and your overall well-being. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package for all regular employees that includes a 401(k) plan with an employer match, paid time off, paid parental leave, wellness benefits, and several paid holidays. Paid sick leave in compliance with applicable laws (i.e. Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act).

Additionally, for full-time employees, DoorDash offers medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and basic life insurance, family-forming assistance, a commuter benefit match, and a mental health program, among others.

The base pay for this position ranges from our lowest geographical market up to our highest geographical market within the United States.

$163,200 — $240,000 USD

About DoorDash

At DoorDash, our mission to empower local economies shapes how our team members move quickly, learn, and reiterate in order to make impactful decisions that display empathy for our range of users—from Dashers to merchant partners to consumers. We are a technology and logistics company that started with door-to-door delivery, and we are looking for team members who can help us go from a company that is known for delivering food to a company that people turn to for any and all goods.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We’re committed to growing and empowering a more inclusive community within our company, industry, and cities. That’s why we hire and cultivate diverse teams of people from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that true innovation happens when everyone has room at the table and the tools, resources, and opportunity to excel.

Statement of Non-Discrimination: In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination or harassment based on: race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, or veteran status. Above and beyond discrimination and harassment based on “protected categories,” we also strive to prevent other subtler forms of inappropriate behavior (i.e., stereotyping) from ever gaining a foothold in our office. Whether blatant or hidden, barriers to success have no place at DoorDash. We value a diverse workforce – people who identify as women, non-binary or gender non-conforming, LGBTQIA+, American Indian or Native Alaskan, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, differently-abled, caretakers and parents, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

If you need any accommodations, please inform your recruiting contact upon initial connection.