About the RoleThe Director, Security is responsible for leading Riot Platforms' security strategy across all office spaces and data center locations. This role is primarily focused on physical security system design, critical infrastructure protection, protective operations, and security operations at scale, with close partnership across Operations, Facilities, Engineering, IT/OT, Construction, HR, and Cybersecurity to safeguard people, assets, and operations.
Reporting to Riot's VP, Security, this leader will build and manage a high-performing security organization, establish design standards and operational frameworks across sites, and ensure Riot's office spaces and data centers operate with best-in-class security, resilience, and compliance. This role requires a blend of technical design expertise, operational leadership, and executive influence to protect personnel and critical environments.
This position will be based in our Castle Rock, Colorado office.
What you'll do- Lead the global physical security strategy, standards, and roadmap for Riot's data center portfolio, ensuring alignment with business objectives and executive priorities.
- Direct the design, engineering, and implementation of advanced physical security systems (e.g., access control, CCTV, intrusion detection) for all data center projects, from concept to full lifecycle management.
- Partner with Operations, Facilities, and Engineering to safeguard personnel and critical infrastructure (power, cooling, network, mining hardware) against physical threats and ensure operational resilience.
- Lead security risk assessments, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and internal policies-including ASIS standards, SOC 2 / ISO 27001 physical security controls, and NFPA codes-across the data center footprint.
- Direct incident response activities for physical security breaches and emergencies, collaborating with internal teams and external agencies (e.g., law enforcement) as required.
- Build and oversee a Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) providing 24/7 monitoring, and lead adjacent protective programs including executive protection, workplace-violence prevention, travel-risk management, and insider-threat detection.
- Manage key security vendors, integrators, and consultants, and optimize the capital and operating budget for data center security investments.
- Foster strong partnerships with IT, OT, Cybersecurity, and other departments to ensure integrated security solutions and a unified approach to risk.
What you'll bring - Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent education/experience considered.
- 15+ years of progressive security operations leadership at a global scale.
- 10+ years of experience specializing in large-scale / mission-critical center environments.
- Proven expertise in managing third-party vendors, leading global product/site launches, and navigating international data center regulations.
- Deep knowledge of physical security principles, technologies, risk management, and incident response in high-availability environments.
- Strong technical understanding of cloud services, networking, and critical infrastructure (power, cooling, ICS/OT).
- Demonstrated ability to build, scale, and lead global teams, influence senior stakeholders, and drive complex initiatives in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment.
- Willingness to travel regularly to Riot data center locations.
Compensation and Benefits - Competitive Salary: $170,000 - $180,000 (commensurate with experience) + bonus + sign-on equity grant.
- Long-Term Growth: Eligible to participate in Riot's equity incentive programs and share in the success you help build.
- 401(k) Retirement Plan: Incudes a generous company match.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Multiple medical plan options, including 100% company-paid plans.
- Wellness & Lifestyle Perks: Enjoy free gym memberships, pet insurance, childcare discounts, and more to support your life both in and out of work.
