Director, Security

This is a Full Time Job

Department: Stadium Operations

Reports to: Vice President, Stadium Operations

Classification: Full-Time/Exempt

Please note, as a condition of employment, COVID-19 vaccination (at least the initiation of the process) is required prior to start date. Accommodations for medical or religious reasons will be considered.

Summary/Objective:

This position is responsible for establishing, implementing, and providing coordinated leadership and direction in all aspects of security operations, procedures and policies to protect staff, reputation, facility and other assets of the Houston Astros. This includes the management of 24-hour building/parking lots and event security operations, the planning and execution of emergency preparedness and response protocols and maintaining relationships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Develops, implements and manages security policies, standards, procedures and plans for baseball and non-baseball events at Minute Maid Park. This may include but is not limited to: creation of security awareness programs, crisis management, business continuity, workplace violence prevention, disaster preparedness plans, and Major League Baseball Best Stadium Operations and Practices.
• Maintains the Houston Astros DHS Safety Act Certification through SOP development, training, audits/assessments, document retention and frequent security briefings.
• Ensures that all MLB regulations, requirements and best stadium security operations practices are enforced and maintained on game day and throughout the year.
• Directs and oversees security and safety compliance with organizational objectives including 24/7 Ballpark Security Staff, Event Security Staff, and other third-party contracted relationships.
• Develops, facilitates and maintains relationships with the City of Houston Police and Fire-Rescue Departments, Metropolitan Transit System, Parking, local, state and federal law enforcement and other emergency management-related government agencies to ensure compliance with statutes and regulations. Utilizes business relationships to provide external public safety resources for critical incident training and real-time assistance in times of need.
• Plans, recommends and implements the layout of security operations and support systems at Minute Maid Park. This may include but is not limited to electronic card reader facility access, closed circuit security camera systems, critical incident and emergency planning strategies and other security/safety plans as needed.
• Develops, prepares and implements annual budgets, strategic business plans and performance metrics for the Houston Astros and accepts responsibility for operating performance against annual budget and business plan goals.
• Conducts proper investigations/inquiries into all security matters and accidents related to employees and team members (in coordination with Human Resources) or other situations that adversely impact the facility or Club’s assets or interests. Maintains proper records of all such matters from initial contact through resolution and follow-up and provides briefings and/or detailed reports to Senior Leadership, when appropriate.
• Coordinates monthly safety committee meetings, annual front office staff safety trainings and facility safety assessments. Maintains OSHA compliance for the facility to include specific equipment training and MSDS online.
• Directs and discreetly oversees safety and security operations during employee terminations as needed.
• Performs security audit functions which may include facility inspections of public, restricted, back of house areas to identify security vulnerabilities and safety concerns. Conducts internal audits to test and verify compliance with established security plans. Develops management reports identifying opportunities for further security and safety improvements and implements action items to resolve deficiencies or improve service delivery.
• Directs and oversees research, installation, maintenance and repair of all physical security equipment, including metal detection devices, Closed Circuit TV, electronic access control and alarm systems. Approves and directs the work of internal technicians or vendor-provided personnel assigned to security equipment projects.
• Maintains accountability for all security and safety files, logs and reports for the required period in a manner to quickly and accurately recall any required/requested information.
• Serves as the Astros head point of contact to the third-party security team to present a well-trained, service-oriented and efficient team performance. Ensuring the expectations of the Club are met in a positive and professional manner while continually building on the Club’s positive image within the community.
• Oversees warehouse/loading dock operations to include managing screening procedures for deliveries and packages/parcels into the facility.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Administration of Justice, Special Events and/or Emergency Management, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of professional education and work experience.
• Experienced in Public Assembly facility management, safety and security operations.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional security experience in a corporate, government, military, consulting, law enforcement, sports or entertainment facility with an emphasis on transportation, security, crowd management and public safety.
• Proficient to advanced computer skills in Microsoft-based software (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Extraordinarily proactive, organized and in a constant state of readiness and preparedness.
• Experience in leading security and public safety personnel, motivating and coaching event staff in a public assembly, including security processes and equipment, combined with technical knowledge in the installation, expansion and integration of physical security systems is strongly preferred.
• Strong personnel management, collaboration, communication, time management and organizational skills. Proven ability to multi-task and manage projects on strict deadlines.
• Excellent written verbal and presentation skills. Proven ability to correctly use punctuation and grammar.
• Minimum physical requirements: able to travel to and gain access to various areas of the ballpark for prolonged periods of time during games and events; able to lift and transport up to 50 pounds.
• Must have extensive safety and security experience that demonstrates initiative, leadership, effective communication, problem solving skills, conflict resolution and solid project management.
• Ability to analyze and articulate policy and procedures as this position regularly interacts with senior executives, members of the media, players, security personnel, law enforcement, fans and employees of the club.
• Candidate must be experienced in managing, designing and working with physical security systems.
• Advanced experience using various forms of technology; Access Card systems, CCTV (data analytics), IOS and Android devices, QR/2D coding software.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience in counterterrorism, cyber security, and detective skills a

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