Director of Security and Event Operations

This is a Full Time Job

Director of Security – Event Operations & Planning

Phoenix, Arizona

Player 15 Group

Job Summary:

Player 15 Group is seeking a results-driven and forward-thinking Director of Security – Event Operations & Planning to lead the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of all event-related security operations at PHX Arena. This individual will be directly responsible for overseeing security protocols and planning NBA, WNBA, concerts, and other public or private arena events. The role also includes future security operations strategy-ensuring a high level of readiness for evolving risks, technologies, and venue priorities. This position requires a blend of on-the-ground event management, strategic foresight, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver safe, seamless, and engaging guest experiences.

Key Responsibilities:
• Event Security Planning & Execution
• Lead the planning and oversee operational execution of security for all arena events, including NBA and WNBA games, concerts, and other large-scale gatherings.
• Serve as the primary lead for event security logistics: pre-event walk-throughs, access control, credentialing, screening procedures, and incident command coordination.
• Collaborate with game-day operations, guest services, and law enforcement to align event-specific security postures and deployment strategies.
• Develop, brief, and execute comprehensive security plans for high-profile events including playoffs, celebrity appearances, and sold-out shows.
• Conduct post-event debriefs to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary adjustments for future events.

Future Planning – Future Operations
• Own and lead the development of long-term security operational plans focused on emerging threats, technologies, and scalability.
• Evaluate and redesign security procedures in response to industry trends, threat intelligence, and internal performance assessments.
• Integrate emergency preparedness, crowd management, and access technologies into a forward-looking operational framework.
• Support planning and the review and implementation of the arena's OSHA compliance, documentation and training.
• Work with internal stakeholders (IT, HR, Legal, Facilities) to ensure future security enhancements align with enterprise goals.
• Lead the planning and oversee the execution of Part Time employee training.

Leadership & Team Development
• Direct a team of Senior Security Managers and Event Security Managers responsible for specific event verticals (NBA, WNBA, Non-NBA/WNBA).
• Mentor, coach, and empower frontline leaders to take ownership of event execution and performance outcomes.
• Implement training programs and operational drills to prepare the team for a variety of emergency scenarios.

Stakeholder Engagement
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external security entities, including local and federal law enforcement, league security offices, private contractors, and emergency services.
• Partner with league officials to ensure compliance with NBA/WNBA security standards.
• Regularly communicate with executive leadership on event risk assessments, major incident summaries, and mitigation strategies.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in security management, Emergency Management, Criminal Justice or a related field; Master's preferred.
• Minimum 10 years (preferred) of leadership experience in event security or venue operations in a professional sports, entertainment, or public venue setting.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute operational security plans for major events with 10,000 attendees.
• Deep knowledge of NBA/WNBA or other major sports team's league security requirements and industry best practices in large event security.
• Proven strength in staff leadership, risk management, and multi-agency coordination.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and under pressure in a fast-paced live event environment.
• Preferred certifications: CPP, NCS4, FEMA ICS, CPR/First Aid, Crowd Management.

What You Can Expect:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by a teammate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Flexible schedule to include weekends, evenings, and some holidays to meet business needs.
• Ability to transit throughout the arena for extended periods of time.
• Occasional travel from time to time for professional development.
• This position works mainly indoors, removed from extreme weather; exposure to weather is <15%.
• S-Sedentary Work – Exerting up to twenty pounds of force occasionally.
• Position is predominately computer-based, requiring the use of a monitor.
• Must be able to carry on a conversation both on the phone and in-person.
• Fluent ability to Read, Write & Speak in English
• Wide range of fulltime benefit options including
• Medical, Dental and Vision coverages
• Life and Disability options
• Vacation, sick and holiday leave programs
• In-arena work requirements with the potential of hybrid schedules based on each role and department.
• Perks:
• Discounts at Fanatics Team Shop
• Tickets available for Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury games
• Visit our Culture page learn more about our culture and work environment.

Player 15 Group is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact our People & Culture Recruiting team at Recruiting@suns.com

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.