SCIF Manager – Washington, DC

Are you a security-focused professional with deep expertise in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs)?
We are seeking a highly qualified SCIF Manager to oversee the operation, compliance, and maintenance of secure facilities in Washington, DC. This is a critical leadership role that ensures adherence to national security standards and supports mission-critical operations. If you have a strong background in SCIF construction, accreditation, and ongoing management, this opportunity is designed for you.

Lead Secure Facility Operations at the Nation’s Capital

A prominent defense and intelligence organization based in Washington, DC is hiring a SCIF Manager to lead its secure facility initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring a comprehensive understanding of ICD 705, NISPOM, and related security protocols, along with hands-on experience managing SCIF projects from build-out to accreditation. This is your chance to play a key role in safeguarding national security assets while ensuring operational excellence within high-security environments.

Key Responsibilities of the SCIF Manager – Washington, DC

Secure Facility Oversight:
The SCIF Manager will lead the daily operations, maintenance, and security of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs), ensuring all systems comply with applicable security protocols and federal guidelines, including ICD 705, NISPOM, and DoD regulations.

Compliance & Accreditation:
Manage the SCIF accreditation process from start to finish, including coordination with accrediting authorities, documentation preparation, inspections, and audits. The SCIF Manager will ensure continuous compliance with all government security directives and manage re-accreditation timelines.

Project Management & Construction Coordination:
Oversee the construction, modification, and expansion of SCIFs. Work closely with engineering, architecture, and general contracting teams to ensure all physical security requirements are implemented effectively and efficiently.

Security Protocol Implementation:
Establish and enforce physical and technical security standards within SCIF environments. The SCIF Manager will ensure strict control over access, surveillance systems, secure communications, TEMPEST requirements, and secure storage.

Team Supervision & Training:
Lead and mentor personnel involved in SCIF operations, including security officers and facility support staff. Provide ongoing training and guidance to ensure adherence to classified material handling and facility protocols.

Risk Management & Incident Response:
Identify and mitigate risks related to the secure facility’s integrity and operations. The SCIF Manager will develop emergency response plans, conduct security assessments, and lead incident investigations to prevent future breaches.

Stakeholder Communication & Reporting:
Serve as the primary liaison with government agencies, inspectors, and internal leadership regarding SCIF operations and compliance status. Deliver clear, timely reports and recommendations on facility readiness and improvements.

Documentation & Recordkeeping:
Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation related to SCIF configurations, security measures, maintenance logs, and inspection reports. The SCIF Manager ensures all records meet the standards required for government review and audits.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation:
Evaluate and implement improvements in facility security technologies and management practices. The SCIF Manager will stay abreast of industry trends to ensure the organization’s SCIFs remain secure, efficient, and compliant with evolving standards.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the SCIF Manager – Washington, DC, the client seeks a highly disciplined and knowledgeable professional with a solid background in secure facility operations and national security compliance. You should be an organized, detail-oriented expert capable of maintaining the highest standards of information security while managing complex facility requirements. If you excel at coordinating with government agencies, enforcing classified protocols, and leading secure infrastructure projects, this is the role for you.

Extensive Experience in SCIF Management and Security Protocols

The client is looking for a SCIF Manager with deep expertise in managing Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) in compliance with ICD 705, NISPOM, DoD, and other federal regulations. Experience in handling SCIF construction, accreditation, re-accreditation, and physical security systems is essential. You should have a successful history of executing secure facility projects while ensuring zero compromise on compliance and operational standards.

Strategic Execution with Operational Precision

As a SCIF Manager, you must demonstrate the ability to develop and execute security-focused strategies that align with mission objectives. The ideal candidate can anticipate facility-related security risks, manage complex installations, and implement scalable best practices across multiple locations, if needed. Your problem-solving abilities and meticulous attention to detail are highly valued.

Strong Knowledge of Regulatory Compliance

A strong grasp of government security regulations is critical. The client is seeking a SCIF Manager who understands the nuances of technical and physical security, TEMPEST requirements, access control systems, and classified material handling. Your role involves ensuring that all activities meet legal and regulatory expectations while proactively identifying and correcting any compliance gaps.

Leadership in Secure Facility Operations

The ability to lead a team and coordinate with internal departments, contractors, and government representatives is vital. The client expects the SCIF Manager to train and guide personnel, enforce secure facility procedures, and promote a culture of accountability and vigilance. Demonstrated experience in managing cross-functional teams in secure environments will set you apart.

Excellent Communication and Liaison Skills

As the primary point of contact for SCIF-related operations, you must be able to communicate effectively with federal agencies, accrediting authorities, and executive leadership. The SCIF Manager will be responsible for preparing briefings, presenting audit results, and maintaining transparency with all stakeholders regarding facility readiness and compliance.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement and Risk Mitigation

The client values a SCIF Manager who is proactive in enhancing security infrastructure and facility operations. You should possess a mindset of continuous improvement—seeking ways to strengthen processes, upgrade systems, and minimize vulnerabilities. Your ability to anticipate threats and develop preventive strategies is crucial to the organization’s long-term security goals.

FAQs About the Role – SCIF Manager – Washington, DC

1. What are the key responsibilities of the SCIF Manager in this role?
As the SCIF Manager, you will oversee the design, construction, accreditation, and ongoing operations of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs). You will ensure compliance with federal security standards (including ICD 705 and NISPOM), manage physical and technical security protocols, supervise secure access control, and coordinate with government authorities to maintain full accreditation and readiness.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal SCIF Manager candidate should have extensive experience managing SCIFs or other secure facilities, with a strong understanding of federal security requirements and classified facility protocols. Familiarity with SCIF construction, security assessments, TEMPEST, and accreditation processes is essential. A background in facility security management within defense, intelligence, or government sectors is highly preferred.

3. What security and compliance knowledge is essential for this role?
The client seeks a SCIF Manager who is well-versed in security directives such as ICD 705, NISPOM, and related DoD and intelligence community standards. You should have hands-on experience implementing physical and technical security measures, ensuring classified information protection, and leading successful facility audits and inspections.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
As a SCIF Manager, you may face challenges such as ensuring continuous compliance during operational changes, managing construction and upgrade timelines, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and mitigating risks to sensitive information. You must also navigate evolving federal security requirements and handle emergencies or breach scenarios with precision.

5. How does this role impact the organization’s mission?
The SCIF Manager plays a critical role in protecting national security assets by ensuring that all secure facilities operate at the highest levels of security and compliance. Your work directly supports mission success by enabling classified operations, safeguarding sensitive data, and ensuring the physical integrity of the facility infrastructure.

6. What is the typical work environment for this position?
This role is based in a high-security, structured environment in Washington, DC. As a SCIF Manager, you will work closely with security personnel, government agencies, contractors, and internal teams. The position requires strict attention to detail, adherence to protocol, and a commitment to confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As a SCIF Manager based in Washington, DC, you can expect a competitive compensation package that reflects the importance of your role in maintaining national security standards and managing sensitive compartmented information facilities. The remuneration for this position typically includes:

1. Base Salary
The base salary for a SCIF Manager varies depending on experience, security clearance level, and agency or contractor affiliation. In the Washington, DC area, annual base salaries typically range from $110,000 to $160,000, with senior or cleared roles exceeding this range in specialized organizations.

2. Performance-Based Incentives
Many employers offer annual bonuses or performance incentives based on successful SCIF operations, audit outcomes, compliance with federal standards, and project completions. For SCIF Managers, bonuses may range from 10% to 20% of the base salary, depending on organizational goals and personal performance metrics.

3. Security Clearance Differential
Due to the sensitive nature of the role, SCIF Managers with active Top Secret / SCI or Polygraph clearances may receive additional compensation or clearance stipends. This can add $5,000 to $20,000 annually, depending on the level and type of clearance required.

4. Government Contractor or GS Benefits (If Applicable)
Depending on whether the SCIF Manager role is under a government contractor, military, or direct federal employment, compensation may include federal-grade benefits such as:

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching
Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB)
FERS retirement pension (for federal positions)
Paid federal holidays and generous leave policies

Contractor positions may include equivalent 401(k) plans, insurance benefits, and professional development stipends.

5. Relocation Assistance & Sign-On Bonuses
For high-priority or hard-to-fill roles, employers may offer relocation support or a signing bonus for qualified SCIF Managers. These one-time incentives typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, especially for candidates relocating to the DC metro area or transitioning from military service.

6. Other Perks and Allowances
Depending on the organization, SCIF Managers may also receive additional perks such as:

Professional training or security certifications
Travel allowances for multi-site SCIF management
Annual clearance renewal and compliance support
Secure facility-related equipment reimbursements

Total Compensation Potential

When combining base salary, performance bonuses, clearance pay, and benefits, a qualified SCIF Manager in Washington, DC can expect a total annual compensation ranging from $130,000 to $190,000 or more, with further upside based on project complexity, agency affiliation, and clearance level.

How to Apply

If you are a detail-oriented professional with extensive experience in secure facility operations and federal compliance, we invite you to apply for the SCIF Manager – Washington, DC position. This is a unique opportunity to manage mission-critical infrastructure, ensure the highest levels of classified information security, and play a key role in national security operations.

To apply, please submit your updated resume along with a cover letter outlining your experience as a SCIF Manager, including your background in SCIF construction, accreditation, ICD 705 compliance, access control systems, and working with government or defense-related organizations. Highlight your project management capabilities, security clearance (if applicable), and leadership in secure facility operations.

This role offers a high-impact career opportunity for a security-focused professional ready to take ownership of complex SCIF environments and ensure operational excellence. Apply today to advance your career as a SCIF Manager and contribute to safeguarding critical U.S. government assets.

For more information or to explore similar roles in secure facility management and defense infrastructure, visit our Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) Executive Recruiters Page.

Job Category: SCIF

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Washington

SCIF Manager – Washington, DC