Director, Security Operations Center

Job Summary

The Director of the Security Operations Center (SOC) will establish and lead DPSS's new SOC, creating a centralized hub for campus safety, security, and situational awareness. This senior leader will manage the planning, development, and management of SOC infrastructure, staffing, operational procedures, technology integration, and 24/7 operations. The role also involves close collaboration with key campus partners, including Facilities, IT, Emergency Management, Campus Operations, and Public Safety.

In addition, the Director will ensure strong alignment with the DPSS Intelligence Unit to support an information-driven security approach. While the Intelligence Unit is led by its own supervisor, it reports operationally to the Director to ensure coordinated direction and seamless integration of intelligence functions with the SOC's monitoring and response mission.

Why Work at Michigan?

Benefits

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive Health insurance including "Other Qualified Adult" coverage
• Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
  
  
  

Responsibilities*

Strategy & Build-Out

• Develop and execute SOC implementation plan
• Responsible for the design and integration of physical, technical, and operational elements
• Align SOC capabilities with university needs and growth
  
  
  

Policy & Governance

• Develop and maintain SOC policies and procedures
• Ensure compliance with university standards and regulations
• Manage governance, incident command, and post-incident review processes
  
  
  

Leadership & Team Management

• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate SOC staff
• Guide Intelligence Unit integration and collaboration
• Foster a high-performance, 24/7 operational team culture
  
  
  

Technology & Systems

• Manage integration and maintenance of security systems (video, access, fire/life-safety, analytics)
• Collaborate with IT, Facilities, and vendors for system reliability and upgrades
• Evaluate new technologies for campus fit
  
  
  

Budget & Resource Management

• Manage SOC budget, resources, and vendor contracts
• Optimize expenditures and support funding proposals
• Provide regular reports on performance and needs
  
  
  

Incident Response & Coordination

• Serve as senior contact during major incidents, supporting EOC and campus leadership
• Lead after-action reviews and process improvements
• Coordinate with external agencies as needed
  
  
  

Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Seven years in a progressively responsible leadership role in a 24/7 operation, with a minimum of 6 years in a security operations or command center environment, physical security technology integration, or campus security operations.
• Experience setting up or transforming a SOC or similar operation
• Strong understanding of physical security systems (video surveillance, access control, fire/life-safety, duress), monitoring technologies, analytics, building/facility infrastructure, and operational workflows.
• Experience leveraging intelligence in security operations
• Proven leadership and staff development skills
• Superior written and verbal communication skills: able to engage executive leadership, campus partners, vendors, and operational teams.
• Experience managing large-scale budgets, resource allocation, vendor/contractor oversight, and capital projects.
• Flexibility for 24/7 scheduling
• Successful completion of a comprehensive background check and drug screen
  
  
  

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

All members of the DPSS team are considered Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) under The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. As such, you are required to report offenses that come to your attention.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.