Vice President Security
Responsible for creating, implementing, maintaining, and evaluating security and guest safety standards across all 24/7 and front-of-house staff. Responsible for the overall direction and management of the Security department. Plans, directs, and oversees ongoing development and implementation of comprehensive crowd management and security programs and processes for American Airlines Center to ensure the safety of the facility, employees, and guests.
Essential Functions:
- Creates a framework for guest safety and security by assembling organizational leaders to act as champions and decision makers regarding prioritization of key initiatives, both short-term and long-term.
- Develops programs, policies and procedures to consistently provide a safe and secure experience to guests and assure effective coordination of all guest experience and crowd management functions.
- Directs the development and implementation of comprehensive Security Plan to assess and mitigate risk, maintain continuity of operations and safeguard arena guests, staff, and property.
- Manages customer security concerns and provides solutions and service recovery. Deals directly with internal and external clients in regard to guest issues, events, and feedback.
- Works closely with Director of Guest Services to create, develop, and maintain comprehensive evaluation tools related to guest service philosophy and service standards for security personnel. Solicits feedback and creates benchmarks to improve the fan experience.
- Builds a positive work relationship with all departments to work together towards an organization-wide safety and security mindset.
- Works closely with the Guest Services team to lead, coach, train, mentor and manage front-of-house security staff.
- Directly supervises 1 full-time employee (Director of Security and indirectly oversees 50 + public safety employees to ensure the safety, security and enjoyment of guests and staff in accordance with company policies as well as state and federal laws (e.g. ADA).
- Facilitates a strong working relationship with HR to ensure the Security department can recruit, interview, hire, and train capable and energetic employees according to established guidelines and par levels.
- Oversees compliance with NBA, NHL, and 3rd party (promoter) rules and regulations as it relates to fan experience and building security. Develops, executes, and continually monitors/evaluates training programs for game day staff so training is effective and meets building, team, and league standards.
- Develops and reviews emergency response and crisis management procedures and oversees training related to such procedures.
- Stays current with security concerns/trends at all professional sports arenas, including local and national security threats, and processes information as necessary.
- Develops and maintains relationships with high-level local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure current intelligence information regarding potential threats and coordinates tactical programs for counter terrorist activities.
- Acts as liaison to Dallas Police and Fire departments and EMS. Creates, plans, executes, and facilitates the policies and procedures for security officers, police, fire marshal, and paramedics in compliance with agency directives.
- Develops risk management plan to ensure proper investigations and inquiries are conducted into all matters that may adversely impact the safety and security of employees, the public or the arena. Ensures all Incident Reports are properly processed and maintained.
- Interfaces with all Security Officers and Dallas Police Department officers to ensure the safety of facility perimeter, including unauthorized ticket sellers, promotions, protestors, etc. Distributes information regarding these matters as necessary.
- Prepares, reviews, and updates cost analysis of staffing and event activities. Forecasts monthly data to determine departmental stated goals and objectives.
- Works with the Director of Guest Services to develop motivational programs to build enthusiasm and reward event security for work accomplishments.
- Performs other duties as required.
The qualified individual personifies our core values of INTEGRITY, TEAMWORK, PASSION, and EXCELLENCE at all times.
Education/Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Associate's Degree in business administration, hospitality or related field.
- 10 years of progressive security experience, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role, preferably in sports, entertainment or a large scale venue of 15,000 or more.
- 7 years of operational experience at a Director/Manager level.
- Exceptional oral & written communication skills, with experience in giving presentations to people at all levels, including staff, vendors, government officials, and C-suite executives.
- Practical experience in developing training courses and guides to meet the diverse needs of a large hourly staff as well as the ability to measure the success of the training.
- An understanding of feedback analysis to create actionable operational training.
- Demonstrated ability to build and develop professional relationships and influence senior leaders.
- Demonstrated knowledge of security operations, risk management and emergency preparedness.
- Ability to pass licensing exam to acquire Company Manager license for the Class B Private Security Company within 3 months of hire
- Experience working with law enforcement and government agencies
- The ability to multitask and handle a broad spectrum of events simultaneously.
- A high-energy, client-service attitude.
Physical Demands/Work Environment:
- Position requires extensive mobility to walk and to stand for up to 6 hours without a set break.
- Position requires extensive mobility to walk up and down aisles and stairs for up to 6 hours per event, and to move quickly between floors.
- Position requires the ability to walk, talk, see, and hear to communicate with internal and external customers, vendors, and business associates, and access the full range of facilities.
- Position requires the ability to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds unassisted.
- Exposure to large crowds, loud environments, and high-energy public events.
- Fast-paced, high-pressure environment with frequent extended hours during basketball and hockey seasons
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed, and to be present to respond to emergencies within a reasonable time and be present for events.