Director, Security and Public Safety

Security serves as the backbone of safety, ensuring a secure environment for all individuals within the Center. From patrons to performers, guests, and staff, Security is dedicated to maintaining a safe and welcoming atmosphere, alongside efficient emergency response protocols.

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Theater Operations and Facilities, the Director of Security & Public Safety oversees all aspects of the Security Department’s administration and performance. This role involves leading the department, managing personnel, developing, and enforcing security and safety/emergency response plans and protocols, liaising with external stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with workplace safety regulations. Oversight of dept. staff includes two (2) FT exempt Managers, one (1) FT Coordinator, three (3) FT Supervisors, seven (7) PT Supervisors, two (2) FT Officers, and approx.

eighty-five (85) PT Event officers, ten (10) Center Patrol officers, & fourteen (14) Stage Door Desk officers, totaling approx. 120 staff including both exempt and non-exempt positions. Annual department budget responsibility includes the development and management of a Labor budget of $1.226M and an Operating Expense budget of $94K reporting quarterly justifications, year-end forecasts, and variances to Finance and the area V.P. Acts as a key member of the Center’s Crisis Communication and Management team and is responsible for the Center’s Emergency Preparedness planning, training, annual drills, and readiness response levels.

Provides leadership and planning for the Center’s Safety Committee. Regularly acts in the Center’s Security Manager On-duty being responsible for the full campus-wide security operations. And DOD (Director On-Duty) programs.

• Hands-on Management of all operations and personnel of the security and public safety department consisting of two Managers, an Assistant Manager, a team of Shift Supervisors and both full and part-time Security Officers in a 24-hour, 7-day rotation of over 120 staff members.
• Responsible for the development of and adherence to all security & safety policies, programs and procedures designed to prepare Center staff, safeguard the campus, and limit liability exposure.
• Responsible for all policies and procedures of the security department as they pertain to supporting performances, staff, special events and restaurant operations.
• Responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising all security staff. Accountable for staff development and training materials and programs, to ensure high morale and consistent performance in adherence to department policy and protocols in alignment with the human resources policies and guest service expectations of the Center.
• Serves as primary contact for all event organizers, tour managers and company staff in all matters related to show security, traffic, parking and safety. Develops and plans the security and safety needs for each show and produces cost estimates when needed. Liaise with private security for performers, dignitaries, and VIP attendees of the Center.
• Responsible for leading the Center's emergency preparedness system by updating procedures as necessary, establishing and maintaining contacts with local and county emergency preparedness personnel, and acting as the primary onsite lead in the event of an emergency during performances and special events.
• Assists in the development and oversight of the department's budget and capital projects in coordination with the Security Managers and the Directors of Theater Operations and Engineering.
• Establish proper staffing levels, monitor staffing costs, and demonstrate effective management and control of limited resources.
• Responsible for maintaining security software and equipment relating to communications systems/two-way radios, facility access control systems, CCTV system and emergency paging system.
• Oversight and administration of electronic and hard key access systems and distribution.
• Establish and maintain contacts with local law enforcement CMPD, City of Costa Mesa, CMFD, and area security professionals including OCIAC.
• Represent the Center as the…