Director of Security

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

The Director of Security is responsible for the development and implementation of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance security plan. This role is responsible for the strategic planning of the security plan through interdepartmental collaboration. This position reports to the Vice President & Deputy Directors, at the Safari Park and San Diego Zoo.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Responsible for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance organizational security plan to include San Diego locations (San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Rancho Bernardo Warehouse, etc.)
• Through the direct supervision of security managers, provide oversight of departmental operational programs to ensure effective delivery of services, meaningful collaboration, project management, and communications.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with local/state/federal law enforcement, government agencies and first responders to stay aware of security trends, threats, and resources.
• Through active partnership with Risk Management and cross-departmental collaboration, develop emergency action plans and SOPs to ensure the security and safety of team members, guests, and wildlife.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Must have 10 years of experience in security or law enforcement, preferably in a visitor attraction, government agency or course work in business administration, hospitality management, recreation management, or a related field or equivalent specialized training.
• Experiencing managing multiple departments and/or work sites required.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, related field or equivalent experience required.
• Master's Degree in related field preferred.
• Guard Card within 90 Days
• Current valid driver’s License in good standing
• CPR/First Aid Upon Hire

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Excellent leadership abilities to oversee multiple functions or departments through subordinate managers and professional staff and the ability to establish metrics for department and employee goals which measure effectiveness of contributions to efficient operations of the department.
• Ability to have a thorough and deep understanding of the organization’s highest security risks.
• Knowledge and experience utilizing and sourcing security systems, such as electronic access control, security cameras and emergency notification systems.
• Ability to write emergency plans and security and safety policies and procedures.
• Relationship with and knowledge of local law enforcement personnel and operations preferred.
• Knowledge of first aid and emergency response procedures.
• Knowledge of cash control, key control, and loss prevention best practices.
• Able to respond and act as a leader/first responder in emergency situations.
• Able to effectively lead diverse teams.
• Able to handle highly complex, volatile situations with a high level of professionalism, tact, and diplomacy.
• Knowledge of local statutes, regulations, laws, and law enforcement agencies.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles, methods, and techniques within the areas of physical security.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Ability to gather facts and data for technical proposals and to expand upon them or develop alternatives and to evaluate emerging techniques and identify their potential impact within the existing environment.
• Able to effectively oversee key strategic areas: Security, Disaster Awareness and Preparedness, Incident Response and Threat Detection and Identify and Access Management.
• Able to communicate effectively (verbal and written).
• Able to operate moderately computer systems.

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Salaried Full-Time Exempt Position
• Starting Salary Rate: $149,984

About The Salary Ranges

Please note that the salary range mentioned in this job posting should serve simply as a guide. The final compensation offered may vary based on a variety of factors, including bonuses and/or incentives, or a candidate’s experience and skills. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is committed to providing a fair, equitable, and competitive package that reflects the value an individual brings to the organization.

Fraudulent Recruiting

Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.