Manager of Security & Public Safety - Mt. Cuba Center
Hockessin, DE
About the Job
About the Position
Mt. Cuba Center is seeking a skilled and experienced professional to join our organization as the Manager of Security and Public Safety. This role requires a background in security management, crisis response, public safety, and people management. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing and managing safety and security operations of Mt. Cuba Center to ensure the safety and well-being of employees, visitors, and assets. This position will manage the Public Safety Team and will report directly to the Director of Finance & Operations.
Essential Functions of the Role
The Manager of Security and Public Safety is responsible for safeguarding personnel, assets, and the organization's operations, implementing safety protocols, emergency preparedness plans, and coordinating with local authorities to ensure a safe environment. This role will also be responsible for the safety compliance of all personnel under OSHA guidelines. By integrating financial management, technology infrastructure, facilities maintenance, and public safety, this division plays a vital role in the organization's operational success and long-term sustainability:
Security Operations Management & Oversight [40%]
- Design, evaluate, and enhance comprehensive access control systems to monitor and regulate site access for employees, visitors, contractors, and vendors, ensuring only authorized personnel have access to restricted areas through proper identification and credentialing protocols
- Oversee and optimize facility-wide surveillance operations, including CCTV system management, monitoring protocols, and video retention policies while ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and organizational policies
- Develop and implement standardized security patrol protocols, including route planning, checkpoint verification, incident reporting procedures, and emergency response guidelines for both physical and virtual monitoring activities
- Direct daily security operations by establishing clear standard operating procedures, post orders, and shift responsibilities while maintaining appropriate staffing levels across all shifts to ensure continuous site protection
- Manage the maintenance, testing, and upgrading of all security systems and equipment, including access control hardware, surveillance cameras, emergency communication systems, and security vehicles to ensure optimal functionality
Emergency Response & Risk Management [30%]
- Develop, implement, and regularly update comprehensive emergency response plans for various scenarios including security breaches, natural disasters, medical emergencies, and other critical incidents
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services to ensure coordinated response capabilities during security incidents or emergencies
- Design and conduct regular risk assessments of all facilities, identifying potential vulnerabilities in physical security, access controls, and emergency response procedures while developing mitigation strategies
- Create and implement preventive security measures based on risk assessment findings, industry best practices, and emerging security threats to maintain a proactive security posture
- Lead post-incident investigations, including evidence collection, witness interviews, and detailed documentation, while ensuring proper reporting to relevant authorities and maintaining confidentiality
Program Development & Administration [20%]
- Develop and manage annual safety and security operating budgets, including personnel costs, equipment maintenance, system upgrades, and training programs while identifying opportunities for cost optimization
- Create comprehensive safety and security policies, procedures and training manuals that align with organizational objectives and industry standards, ensuring regular reviews and updates to maintain effectiveness
- Design and implement security metrics and reporting systems to track key performance indicators, incident trends, and program effectiveness while generating regular reports for senior management
- Establish and maintain detailed documentation systems for all safety and security operations, including incident reports, training records, maintenance logs, and compliance documentation
- Research and evaluate new safety and security technologies and methodologies to recommend and implement improvements to existing security programs
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication [15%]
- Develop and deliver comprehensive safety and security awareness training programs for all employees, focusing on emergency procedures, security protocols, and best practices for maintaining a secure environment
- Establish effective communication channels with all departments to ensure safety and security requirements and concerns are properly addressed and integrated into organizational operations
- Present regular safety and security briefings and updates to senior management, including incident reports, program status, and recommendations for safety and security enhancements
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with external safety and security agencies, professional organizations, and industry peers to stay current with emerging trends and best practices
- Lead and facilitate organizational a safety committee and working groups to ensure integration of safety and security considerations in all relevant business operations
Major Objectives/Projects for the First 6-12 Months The incoming Manager of Security and Public Safety will be expected to make significant impacts in the following key areas during their first year:
- Security & Safety Program Modernization - Conduct a comprehensive audit of existing security procedures and protocols to establish standardized operating procedures aligned with industry best practices, ensuring both safety and visitor experience excellence.
- Safety Training Program Enhancement - Evaluate and modernize the current security training program through implementation of a new Learning Management System and updated curriculum development.
- Security Technology Integration - Design and implement an integrated security technology strategy, including a new emergency notification system, to create a more robust and responsive security infrastructure.
The ideal candidate for the Manager of Security and Public Safety role will have:
- Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, or related field preferred. Equivalent practical experience in the security field will be considered in lieu of formal education.
- Proven experience (5-7 years) managing comprehensive security operations in public-facing cultural institutions
- Track record of developing and implementing security policies, procedures, and training programs
- Experience with security technology systems including access control, CCTV, and emergency notification systems
- Strong leadership abilities with experience managing security teams and coordinating with multiple departments
- Excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships with various stakeholders
- Experience with emergency response planning and coordination with local authorities'
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to security and public safety as well as industry trends and best practices.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Certification in relevant security and safety disciplines (e.g., Certified Protection Professional, Emergency Management Certification) is a plus.
About the Role: Compensation, Benefits, and Perks
- Salary commensurate with experience, starting range: $75,000 - $80,000 per year
- This is a full-time W-2 role requiring 40+ hours per week with a 5-day work week
- Primarily On-Site with Occasional Remote - Most work is done on-site, but employees may work remotely 1-2 days per month as needed for special circumstances
- Candidates must hold residency and unrestricted right to work in the U.S. without sponsorship at the start of employment.
- Competitive benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance o 401(k) plan with up to 8% employer contribution
- Generous paid time off and leave policies
- Free garden admission
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Professional development opportunities
Application and Hiring Process
To apply, please submit:
- Resume
- Responses to our application questions
- Cover letter (optional)
Interview Process:
- Resume Review
- Position Questionnaire
- Phone screen
- In-Person interview with peers and direct reports
- Complete a take-home work product to be presented at the final interview
- In-person final interview with the Director of Finance & Operations and other Senior Leaders
Timing:
- Application review begins the week of December 13, 2024. We recommend interested applicants submit prior to this date.
- Mt. Cuba is targeting a start date for the final candidate in early to late January - early February 2025.
- All candidates will receive a status update via email after their application has been reviewed.
Commitment to Diversity: Mt. Cuba Center is committed to diversity and inclusivity. We encourage qualified candidates from all cultures and communities to apply. For accommodations, or assistance, with your application please email careers [a] mtcubacenter.org