Associate Director, Travel Security - Hybrid in DC or MN

Associate Director, Travel Security

UnitedHealth Group is a health care and well-being company that's dedicated to improving the health outcomes of millions around the world. We are comprised of two distinct and complementary businesses, UnitedHealthcare and Optum, working to build a better health system for all. Here, your contributions matter as they will help transform health care for years to come. Make an impact with a diverse team that shares your passion for helping others. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing Together.

The Associate Director, Travel Security will play a critical role in the Enterprise Security Operations Center (ESOC), part of the Enterprise Security & Resilience Office at UnitedHealth Group. This newly created position will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive Travel Security Program (TSP) for a global workforce of over 400,000 employees, with a particular focus on executive travelers and high-risk travel scenarios. The role will be based full-time, in-person/hybrid, at either Optum Headquarters in Eden Prairie, MN or Washington, DC.

This leader will collaborate closely with Executive Protection, Risk Intelligence, Global Security Operations Center (GSOC), and other key internal stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination and situational awareness across the enterprise. The Associate Director will be responsible for standing up a Traveler Tracking Program (TTP), integrating advanced technologies, and developing proactive risk mitigation strategies to safeguard personnel during domestic and international travel.

This position follows a hybrid schedule with four in-office days per week.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and implementation of a global Travel Security Program tailored to a diverse and expansive workforce
• Develop and operationalize a Traveler Tracking Program (TTP) to monitor, support, and respond to employee travel-related risks in real time
• Partner with Executive Protection, GSOC, Risk Intelligence, and other internal teams to ensure alignment and coordination of travel-related security protocols
• Establish and maintain relationships with external vendors, travel management companies, and intelligence providers to enhance travel risk visibility
• Conduct travel risk assessments and provide pre-trip advisories for executive and high-risk travelers
• Develop and maintain travel security policies, procedures, and escalation protocols
• Coordinate response efforts for travel-related incidents, including medical emergencies, natural disasters, civil unrest, and geopolitical threats
• Support crisis management and incident response efforts related to travel disruptions or threats
• Provide regular briefings and reporting to senior leadership on travel risk trends, incident metrics, and program performance
• Ensure compliance with international travel regulations, data privacy laws, and duty-of-care obligations
• Lead training and awareness initiatives for travelers, travel coordinators, and executive teams
• Continuously evaluate and improve travel security technologies, platforms, and data integration capabilities

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in corporate security, travel risk management, or global operations
• 3+ years in a leadership role
• Experience working with Executive Protection, GSOC/Operations Center, and intelligence teams in a corporate setting
• Familiarity with travel risk platforms, itinerary management systems, and emergency communication tools
• Demonstrated understanding of global threat environments, geopolitical risk, and travel-related security challenges
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams and influence senior stakeholders
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear, concise briefings to executive audiences
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven experience standing up or managing enterprise-level travel security or traveler tracking programs

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $110,200 to $188,800 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.