Associate Director, Safety + Security

• Location 120 6TH AVE N STE 100,Seattle, WA, ,United States

Job Title:

Associate Director, Safety + Security

Reports to:

Chief Operating Officer

Department:
Safety + Security

Work Schedule:

40 hours per week, 5 days per week, hybrid work eligible. This role requires evening and weekends to support onsite events.

The Associate Director, Safety + Security provides strategic leadership for MOPOP's organization-wide approach to safety, security, risk management, and emergency preparedness, serving as a key advisor to the COO and executive leadership. T his role establishes division strategy and priorities, owns the organizational risk management program, and ensures effective standards, systems, and procedures are in place to protect people, collections, facilities, operations, and guest experience.

Serving as a key decision-maker during critical incidents and major events, the Associate Director leads crisis management and 24/7 incident response, oversees regulatory compliance and emergency preparedness, and provides leadership with clear reporting on emerging risks, trends, and mitigation strategies. The role balances strategic leadership with operational readiness, financial stewardship, and strong partnerships across MOPOP , Seattle Center, public safety agencies, contractors, and community partners.

The Associate Director builds the leadership capability of the Safety + Security team through coaching, mentorship, accountability, and staff development. This position supports a 24/7 operation and requires flexibility to respond to incidents, events, and operational needs outside of standard business hours.

Lead MOPOP's emergency management and preparedness program, including emergency action planning, crisis management, business continuity, fire-life safety, active threat preparedness, drills, exercises, and after-action reviews.

Serve as the senior incident lead for significant safety, security, and emergency events, providing decisive leadership, coordinating resources, escalating issues, and supporting organizational recovery.

Maintain 24/7 incident-response readiness and ensure appropriate leadership coverage, communication, escalation, and decision-making protocols.

Lead risk-based safety and security planning for exhibitions, programs, high-attendance periods, special events , VIP visits, and other complex museum activities.

Build and maintain strategic relationships with Seattle Center, law enforcement, fire and emergency services, public agencies, external security providers, and community partners.

Lead, coach, and develop Safety + Security leaders; establish clear expectations, strengthen decision-making capability, build succession readiness, and foster accountability and continuous improvement.

Own the department's annual business plan and budget, including labor planning, forecasting, vendor and contract oversight, expense management, and resource allocation.

Develop and manage the department’s operating and capital budgets, ensuring resources are aligned with organizational priorities .

Evaluate staffing models, technology, equipment, contracted services, and other resources to ensure capabilities remain aligned with organizational risk and operational needs.

Lead change within the division by translating strategy into operating practices, communicating expectations, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring effective adoption of new systems and procedures.

Partner with People + Culture and organizational leaders on workplace safety, training, employee matters involving safety or security, and organizational change.

Champion a proactive, service-oriented safety and security culture grounded in preparedness, sound judgment, accountability, equity, and respect.

Serve as a strategic advisor to leaders across MOPOP, providing guidance on safety, security, risk, emergency preparedness, and resource decisions.

Build organizational understanding and accountability for safety and security by ensuring leaders and teams understand their roles in prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, and guest-centered culture that supports MOPOP’s mission and creates welcoming experiences for colleagues, partners, and guests.

Progressive leadership experience in…