Security program manager vs security director

The differences between security program managers and security directors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a security program manager, becoming a security director takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a security program manager has an average salary of $133,121, which is higher than the $114,844 average annual salary of a security director.

The top three skills for a security program manager include security program, program management and oversight. The most important skills for a security director are oversight, security operations, and customer service.

Security program manager vs security director overview

	Security Program Manager	Security Director
Yearly salary	$133,121	$114,844
Hourly rate	$64.00	$55.21
Growth rate	16%	6%
Number of jobs	153,693	51,781
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	8	4

What does a security program manager do?

A Security Program Manager is responsible for directing a team in executing security program plans to support business functions and operations. Security program managers supervise the safety and security of the program assets, including the reports, resources, and information stored in the company's database. They also coordinate various projects within the organization to monitor adherence to the business requirements and client specifications. A security program manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills to manage efficiency and consistency in achieving program goals and objectives.

What does a security director do?

A security director is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the organization's assets, as well as the welfare of employees within the company's premises. Security directors enforce security protocols and policies and conducting training and programs to employees for safety and emergency drills. They also investigate suspicious activities in the organization by checking surveillance equipment and coordinating with law enforcement personnel. They review incident reports, develop security process improvements, and handle budgets and allocate resources for security operations.

Security program manager vs security director salary

Security program managers and security directors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Security Program Manager	Security Director
Average salary	$133,121	$114,844
Salary range	Between $97,000 And $182,000	Between $73,000 And $178,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	Alaska
Best paying company	Meta	Conning
Best paying industry	Start-up	-

Differences between security program manager and security director education

There are a few differences between a security program manager and a security director in terms of educational background:

	Security Program Manager	Security Director
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	Carnegie Mellon University	California State University - Bakersfield

Security program manager vs security director demographics

Here are the differences between security program managers' and security directors' demographics:

	Security Program Manager	Security Director
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 77.3% Female, 22.7%	Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 12.6% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%	Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.0% Asian, 7.9% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	11%	10%

Differences between security program manager and security director duties and responsibilities

Security program manager example responsibilities.

Utilize the COBIT framework to properly manage projects and as a best practices guide.
Monitor all the controls, reports, and coordination activities for the security team to achieve PCI compliance.
Manage development of all internal and external vulnerability scanning products including PCI scanning.
Manage and provide direct security oversight for contract requirements supporting all functions of clear facilities operations and management e.g.
Manage the stage and promotional operations for all security personnel, including staffing, payroll processing, and general entertainment organization.
Aid in preparing the institution for GLBA, SoX and third-party audits.

Security director example responsibilities.

Manage and coordinate all securities lending and match book business within RCap.
Work for and in Devops teams to automate cloud deployments and system processes.
Achieve market leadership, resulting in the top ranking of inter-dealer securities brokers on the street.
Manage supervisors and security officers including selection, scheduling, payroll, development and support.
Maintain full accountability for managing all aspects of day-to-day safety and security activities in accordance with organizational goals and objectives.
Monitor month-end process for global MBS financial reporting group.

Security program manager vs security director skills

Common security program manager skills

Security Program, 13%
Program Management, 10%
Oversight, 8%
Cloud Security, 7%
Cloud, 7%
Project Management, 5%

Common security director skills

Oversight, 7%
Security Operations, 6%
Customer Service, 6%
Risk Management, 6%
Cloud Security, 5%
Security Program, 5%

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Security Program Manager
Security Program Manager vs Security Director

Updated January 8, 2025

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