Assistant Director of Security

Empire State Realty Trust•New York, NY

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Security supports the Director of Security in developing, implementing, and managing safety and security programs for the Empire State Building, its Observation Deck, and assigned ESRT properties. The role operates in a 24/7 environment and coordinates with contracted security personnel, Property Management, Engineering, IT, Observation Deck Operations, tenants, vendors, and public-safety partners to maintain consistent procedures, reliable security systems, prompt incident response, effective project execution, and coordinated event coverage. The position may serve as the Director of Security’s operational delegate when assigned or established by management, exercising delegated decision-making and escalation authority under company policy. It oversees aspects of contracted security services and Security Operations Center operations; supports incident response, investigations, access control, security technology, procedures, training, events, external relationships, and budget administration. The role may respond after hours when business, event, project, or emergency conditions require.

Requirements

Ability to support emergency action and crisis-management plans, assess changing conditions, and make sound operational decisions under pressure within delegated authority.
Demonstrated experience overseeing third-party security services and holding providers accountable for staffing, performance, documentation, training, and corrective action.
Ability to assess incidents, lead or coordinate investigations as assigned, preserve confidential information, and write clear reports, procedures, recommendations, and operational communications.
Practical knowledge of Security Operations Center operations, access control, video systems, visitor management, electronic incident reporting, security analytics, and security technology project coordination.
Strong communication and service judgment with tenants, visitors, executives, contractors, employees, vendors, and public-safety partners.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, approvals, and budget inputs.
Ability to work effectively in a 24/7 operating environment and respond after hours when business, event, project, or emergency conditions require.
Progressive experience in corporate, commercial-property, public-venue, law-enforcement, public-sector, or comparable security operations, including responsibility for security services and cross-functional coordination.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in security management, criminal justice, emergency management, business, or a related field; an equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience may be considered.
Experience supporting a large, high-profile, 24/7 office, mixed-use, public-venue, or comparable operating environment.
Professional training or experience in law enforcement, emergency preparedness, corporate security, or a related discipline.
Relevant security, emergency-preparedness, fire/life-safety, or public-safety certifications and training; these may be preferred or required based on assigned responsibilities and site requirements.

Responsibilities

Serve as the Director of Security’s operational delegate when assigned, exercising delegated decision-making and escalation authority in accordance with company policy.
Assist with oversight of the contracted security program, including account management, supervisors, officers, the Security Operations Center, visitor services, and assigned specialty services such as K9 coverage.
Review staffing, post coverage, shift and incident reports, alarms, operational exceptions, and service performance; address or escalate gaps and confirm corrective follow-up.
Conduct property walkthroughs with management teams, respond to tenant and operational security concerns, and translate findings into actions, service requests, project follow-up, or recommendations.
Support oversight of Security Operations Center staff and maintenance, electronic camera systems, and security equipment; attend meetings with company managers about updated duties and responsibilities.
Conduct daily training regarding x-ray machines, magnetometers, and equipment functionality; ensure personnel wear proper uniforms and conform to ESRT standards.
Respond to security emergencies and support applicable emergency action and crisis-management plans, including timely notification and escalation to the Director of Security and senior property management.
Lead or support assigned security incident reviews and investigations; review surveillance video, preserve authorized evidence, prepare factual reports, and coordinate confidential follow-up with authorized parties.
Ensure incidents are documented in designated systems and required communications; review authorized requests for security records or access data and coordinate resolution of reporting, access, device, or training barriers.
Oversee security aspects of building identification-card processes, visitor access, contractor and freight-entry procedures, related approvals, and verification and communication procedures during system changes or outages.
Oversee Security Operations Center operations and operational readiness of video, alarm, analytics, incident-reporting, and other electronic security systems; reinforce communication and response between SOC operators and field personnel.
Coordinate with IT, Engineering, property teams, and vendors on video management, access control, visitor management, doors, intercoms, turnstiles, electronic locks, elevator-related access controls, and other security technology initiatives.
Support evaluation, implementation, and operational testing of security technologies; track scope, quotations, dependencies, approvals, installation milestones, commissioning, acceptance, and vendor follow-up, distinguishing proposed work from authorized commitments.
Review and maintain security manuals, post instructions, standard operating procedures, SOC duty descriptions, and escalation protocols; recommend changes and implement approved updates.
Coordinate supervisor and officer training on approved procedures, systems, screening processes, and site-specific requirements; maintain records of distribution, training, and acknowledgment.
Support security participation in fire and life-safety activities, emergency preparedness, exercises, external assessments, and public-safety training according to site requirements and assigned responsibilities.
Coordinate security planning for tenant events, Observatory activities, VIP and dignitary visits, media or lighting events, and other scheduled operations, including staffing, contacts, arrival procedures, access, communications, and escorts as appropriate.
Maintain working relationships with law-enforcement, fire, emergency-management, government security, property, tenant, and vendor partners; share actionable information through approved channels and coordinate follow-up.
Support Property Management during demonstrations, protests, public-space conditions, or other emerging concerns by documenting observations, coordinating proportionate operational responses, and escalating issues as appropriate.
Support periodic review of contracted security services, including service levels, compliance, recurring needs, performance issues, and recommended revisions.
Review and approve contractor timecards, invoices, service records, purchase requests, and other authorized expenses within expressly delegated authority; document discrepancies and escalate items outside assigned approval limits.
Support recurring-cost forecasts, capital planning, vendor-quote review, and project budgeting; maintain contact lists, project records, approved procedures, decision histories, and handoff documentation in company-approved systems.

Benefits

Competitive base salary and discretionary annual bonus
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Company-sponsored life, AD&D, short-term disability (with salary continuation), and long-term disability insurance
Voluntary enhanced long-term disability program
Voluntary hospital, accident, and cancer programs
401(k) with 100% match up to 5%
Paid parental leave
Pre-tax transit accounts
Employee Assistance Program for emotional, financial, and legal support
Generous paid time off
Flex Summer Fridays
Employee engagement programs
Volunteer time off
Continuing education
Complimentary Empire State Building Observatory access
Complimentary gym membership and other wellness benefits
Employee discount programs