Director, Physical Security

Director Of Physical Security

The Director of Physical Security leads the development, implementation, and governance of enterprise-wide physical security systems, standards, and programs for the University of Rochester. This position ensures the protection of students, faculty, staff, patients, visitors, assets, research, and infrastructure across all University campuses and medical facilities. The Director provides strategic leadership over physical security technology, risk-based planning, policy development, and systems lifecycle management while aligning initiatives with University goals, regulatory requirements, and ASIS best practices.

The role collaborates with the AVP of Public Safety, the Physical Security Improvement Committee, IT, Facilities, and campus stakeholders to maintain a safe, resilient, and technologically advanced physical security environment.

• Enterprise Security Strategy & Policy Development
• System Architecture & Technology Oversight
• Program & Project Management
• Supervision & Personnel Leadership
• Budget Development & Resource Management
• Emergency Response & 24/7 Operational Readiness
• Compliance, Auditing & Continuous Improvement

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Engineering, Information Technology, Emergency Management, or related field required
• Master's degree in Security Studies, Public Administration, Emergency Management, Information Security, or related field preferred.
• Or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in physical security, law enforcement, campus safety, or public safety operations equal in scope to this role required.
• 5-7 years of supervisory/managerial experience leading staff in a security or law enforcement environment required
• or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience managing security in higher education, academic medicine, research facilities, athletics, museums, libraries preferred.
• Experience developing and implementing risk-based enterprise security programs aligned to ASIS CSO/CPP guidance preferred.
• Experience administering and financially managing enterprise physical security systems: access control, CCTV/VMS, alarms, panic/duress preferred.
• Experience directing campus security officer programs (non-sworn) in academic settings preferred.
• Experience leading strategic initiatives and responding to emerging trends preferred.

• High integrity, emotional maturity, and discretion with confidential information required
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; effective work with diverse communities required
• Coalition-building across departments and external partners; strong influence skills required
• Clear written and verbal communication; concise presentations to leadership required
• Expert knowledge of enterprise physical security systems (access control, CCTV/VMS, alarms/duress, PSIM/integrations) required
• Understanding of ASIS standards, CPTED, risk assessment, architecture, and lifecycle planning required
• Experience supporting Clery Act and HIPAA-related security requirements (PCI-DSS not in scope) required
• Vendor/contract management, budgeting, and multi-project oversight required

• Adult CPR/First Aid/AED (within 60 days of hire) required
• Certified Protection Professional (CPP) preferred on hire; required within 12–18 months of employment
• NCS4 Certified Sport Security Professional (CSSP) preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics).

This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.