Director of Security (Hartford)

Connecticut Transit•Stamford, CT

38d

About The Position

Under the authority of the AGM of Safety, Security, and Technical Training, the Director of Security is responsible for leading, managing, and coordinating all CTtransit & CTfastrak security operations, incident response, fare enforcement support, and security technology systems. This role ensures a fast, coordinated, and professional response to all security-related events while maintaining strong relationships with employees, law enforcement, and community partners. The position provides systemwide leadership for transit security, oversees investigative processes, manages camera and access control systems, and supports frontline staff in both preventative and reactive security operations. Incumbent ensures compliance with federal and state transit security regulations, supports prosecutorial processes, and reinforces a culture of safety and security across ALL DIVISIONS. The position may require off-hours response and on-call availability for security emergencies.

Requirements

Minimum possession of a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public safety, security management, emergency management, public administration, or a related field,
An equivalent combination of education and work experience on a year for year basis can be substituted for the 4-year degree requirement.
A minimum of Seven (7) years of professional, full-time senior leadership experience in the field of law enforcement, security management, or transit/public safety, including four (4) years in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
Demonstrated background in law enforcement, transit security, or military policing preferred, including investigative procedures, evidence handling, and interagency coordination.
Experience in unionized environments, including interviewing, hiring, training, employee development, and discipline.
Knowledge of public transit operations, fare enforcement best practices, safety and security policies, federal/state transit security regulations, workplace violence prevention, and emergency response protocols.
Familiarity with camera/surveillance systems, access control, incident management software, and security technology infrastructure.
Demonstrated ability to analyze security risks, implement mitigation strategies, and lead rapid-response mitigation strategies.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, to multitask, manage multiple employees, ability to conduct training when necessary.
The ability to prioritize projects and have excellent oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy, demonstrated ability to present information in a clear, well-organized manner, to provide step-by-step instructions and constructive feedback, and excellent written communications skills are essential.
The ability to make tough/timely decisions, working closely with the senior leadership and executive team as a key member and advisor within it.
The ability and willingness to work various shifts and respond to emergencies as needed that may be outside of typical business hours.
Proficient in software programs (word processing, spreadsheet and database), Internet applications and utilization of all relevant office equipment. The ability to learn quickly internal software programs.
A valid drivers' license is required. Individual may be required to travel in the course of their daily work.

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications (CPP, PSP, or related security credentials) preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages the assessment of organizational security needs and develops strategies, policies, programs, and security plans to mitigate risks and improve security performance across all divisions including CTfastrak.
Oversees day-to-day security operations, including rapid response to employee assaults, passenger disturbances, vandalism, fare disputes, and other security-related incidents.
Coordinates and supports fare enforcement operations, ensuring consistency, professionalism, and safety in all inspections and enforcement activities.
Designs, implements, and evaluates security training programs, including de-escalation, situational awareness, conflict management, emergency response, and incident prevention for operators, supervisors, and security personnel.
Regularly assesses and recommends improvements to security systems, technology platforms, operational procedures, and security plans to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
Manages systemwide camera, video surveillance, and access control systems, including maintenance, troubleshooting, upgrades, and vendor coordination.
Oversees retrieval, review, preservation, and secure storage of video evidence for investigations, disciplinary actions, insurance claims, and prosecutorial support.
Leads or assists in investigations involving criminal activity, fare disputes, workplace violence, harassment, vandalism, theft, or other security-related incidents.
Supports employees, supervisors, and operators in documenting incidents and coordinating with law enforcement and legal partners for criminal prosecution or administrative follow-up.
Develops, maintains, and implements emergency response protocols, incident reporting procedures, security plans, and escalation processes to ensure consistent, effective, and timely responses across all divisions.
Coordinates with local, state, and federal law enforcement, emergency responders, and security partners to enhance response capabilities and ensure operational continuity.
Participates in interagency initiatives, community outreach, and public safety partnerships to reduce risks, enhance visibility, and promote positive relations between CTtransit and the community.
Supports after-action reviews and lessons-learned exercises following critical incidents to identify improvement opportunities and implement corrective actions.
Collects, analyzes, and reports security-related data, trends, and performance metrics to leadership to inform decision-making and resource allocation.
Provides post-incident support to employees affected by security incidents, including coordination with HR, Safety, and law enforcement for guidance, counseling, or advocacy.
Maintains security compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including PTASP, TSA BASE, and FTA security standards.
Participates in planning and implementation of security capital projects, including upgrades to camera systems, access control, and other infrastructure.
Supports the development, updating, and communication of security policies, handbooks, security plans, and operational guidelines to all divisions.
Provides coaching, mentorship, and guidance to security staff and other personnel on best practices, risk mitigation, and procedural adherence.
Responds to and manages high-level security problems, incidents, and emergencies on a 24/7/365 basis as needed.
Collaborates with Safety, Operations, Training, Maintenance, and HR teams to ensure coordinated approaches to security and operational risk management.
Participates in hiring, selection, and performance management processes for security and fare enforcement personnel.
Attends professional development opportunities, seminars, and training to maintain current knowledge of security trends, technologies, and regulations.
Works cooperatively with all levels of personnel to foster a culture of safety, security, and accountability.
Performs other duties as assigned.