Director, Public Safety & Security

This individual will work with all internal organization departments, third party groups, law enforcement and public safety agencies in the development and implementation of security strategy designed to provide a high level of security protection for the ballpark. This individual must be a results-oriented individual who can achieve tangible improvements in the ballpark security arena. Excellent technical and communications skills are a must, as well as proven security leadership abilities.

The Nationals are a military-friendly organization actively recruiting veterans and spouses.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as the primary member of the MLB travel security professional program for the organization.
• Directs and manages safety and security for VIPs and celebrity visits, meets with security teams to strategize arrivals and departures, safe shelter locations, emergency medical procedures and on-site public safety coordination.
• Manages safety and security policies, standards, procedures and plans for baseball and non-baseball events at the Nationals Park, including compliance with MLB Best Stadium Operating Practices (BSOP)
• Authors and directs safety and security-related communication and training with all internal staff, building partners and related external partners. Collaborates with public safety officials to provide training curriculum, employee safety presentations, table top and practical exercises to ensure our plans are in a constant state of readiness.
• Directs and discreetly oversees safety and security operations during employee terminations as needed.
• Establish and monitor formal “best practice” professional development certification programs for the Special Police Officer Program; such as First Aid, CPR, CERT, Crowd Manager, Department of Homeland Security Training, etc.
• Conducts proper investigations/inquiries into all security matters and accidents related to employees and team members (in coordination with Human Resources) or other situations that adversely impact the facility or Club’s assets or interests. Maintains proper records of all such matters from initial contact through resolution and follow-up, and provides briefings and/or detailed reports to Senior Leadership, when appropriate.
• Oversees security and safety compliance with organizational objectives including 24/7 Ballpark Security Staff, Event Security Staff, and other third-party contracted relationships.
• Responsible for directing the activities of the Special Police Office Program, Event Crowd Management Contract and the Off-Duty Uniform Metropolitan Police Augmented Security Force.
• Seeks out relevant security information and training materials to distribute on the premises, via company Intranet postings and though other approved methods of communication to employees. Conducts internal safety and security training to employees as needed.
• Assists with security audit functions which may include facility inspections of public, restricted, back of house areas to identify security vulnerabilities and safety concerns.
• Maintains accountability for all security and safety files, logs and reports for the required period of time in a manner to quickly and accurately recall any required/requested information.
• Assists with annual budget, strategic business plans and performance metrics for the Public Safety & Security Department.

• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or related field, or equivalent military experience; or equivalent demonstrated work experience in the field of Law Enforcement, Public Safety, Physical Security Industry or be a former leader/advisor in the Military.
• Minimum of 15 years of security and safety related experience that demonstrates initiative, leadership, effective communication, problem solving skills, conflict resolution and solid project management.
• Minimum of 10 years of management experience.

• Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Certified Sports Safety Professional (CSSP) or other industry related certifications a plus. Industrial safety experience and/or working knowledge of OSHA regulations strongly preferred.
• Authorized to carry a firearm under HR-218, the Law Enforcement Officer’s Safety Act of 2004, as amended, and ability to fulfill all of the firearms requalification requirements of HR-218.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities necessary to perform essential functions

• Ability to interface with top management, as well as, excellent staff management skills.
• The ability to advise top management on the operational requirements related to security and compliance with all District of Columbia, Security Management Branch, Major League Baseball and Washington Nationals Baseball Club rules, regulations, and policies.

• Must be experienced in managing, designing and working with physical security systems.

• Consensus-builder, while still results-oriented and commitment focused
• Business-based attitude; i.e. the recognition that no policies can be implemented without demonstrable business, safety or security concern benefit.

• Proficient to advanced computer skills in Microsoft-based software (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Knowledge and skill in operation of ISS Incident Management software is a plus.

• Customer Service Experience & Skill Sets:
  • Knowledge/demonstrated experience with large crowd security procedures.
  • Knowledge/demonstrated experience of basic supervision and management with large crowd environments.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with event participants, especially where alcohol is served.
  • Knowledge of legal methods, security equipment, policies and procedures of law enforcement, investigations, and court proceedings in such venues.
  • Ability/demonstrated experience with evaluating situations, making decisions, and reacting quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
  • Ability to administer the enforcement of laws and Nationals policies firmly, tactfully, and with respect to the right of others.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with a diverse group of individuals, both internal and external.

• Able to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays and extended hours as needed.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) a plus

• Uphold Core Values: Excellence, Performance, and Accountability. These core values set the tone in everything we do, help us succeed on and off the field, make a difference in the community and provide the best guest experience in sports. It is important that the person in the position commits themselves to these core values so that we can constantly move forward in the same direction – Together.

Physical/Environmental Requirements

• Office: Working conditions are normal for an office environment. Work may require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
• Gameday: Job requires employee to function in a high activity and heavily crowded outdoor professional sports venue. May work at heights. Employee will be exposed to inclement weather of varying degrees. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand for long periods of time, walk long distances, and climb up/down stairs. The employee is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or sit and must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.