Event Security Manager

Rip City•Portland, OR

About The Position

The Event Security Manager oversees security operations for all events hosted at the Rose Quarter, ensuring the safety of attendees, staff, and assets during event planning and execution. The role works closely with the Event Management Team, local authorities, and security personnel to develop and implement event-specific security plans. It leads and develops security staff, guides standard operating procedures, and supports high-quality customer service across security operations. The position also serves as the primary contact for event security matters and maintains DPSST Certification. The manager plans and leads event security operations, coordinates event-specific requirements, directs security personnel during events, assesses and mitigates risks, and monitors security incidents in real time. The role oversees security and safety vendors, prepares event staffing estimates and budgets, ensures accurate logs and incident reports, and develops and implements team post orders. It also leads pre-event briefings and post-event reviews, communicates safety matters to staff and senior management, and uses lessons learned and feedback to improve future security planning. This position requires flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, according to event schedules. Offers are conditional on successful completion of an individual background check. The company provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities and is committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in event security, law enforcement, or a related field.
Proven leadership experience managing security teams or personnel in high-traffic event environments.
Strong knowledge of safety regulations, crowd management, emergency response protocols, and security best practices.
Experience coordinating with law enforcement, medical responders, and third-party security vendors.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to lead briefings and write clear, accurate incident reports.
Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure.
Demonstrated experience in budget creation and staffing estimates.
Familiarity with security technologies, including surveillance systems and radio communication tools.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and incident reporting systems.
Commitment to continuous improvement through debriefs, feedback, and after-action reviews.
Familiarity with ADA requirements and inclusion best practices as they relate to security planning and guest experience.
DPSST Certification, or ability to obtain it upon hire.
Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, based on event schedules.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Emergency Management, Security Administration, or a related field.
Prior experience leading event security at a sports or entertainment venue.
Advanced certifications in emergency preparedness or crowd management, such as NIMS, ICS, or FEMA certifications.
Experience with ticketing platforms and access control systems, such as Ticketmaster, Evolv, or Lenel.
CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
Demonstrated success in developing security policies and training programs.

Responsibilities

Foster a positive team culture and lead with a high level of integrity.
Lead the planning and execution of security operations for all events and ensure a security plan is developed for each event.
Coordinate with the Event Management Team to identify security needs and requirements specific to each event.
Provide leadership and direction to the security team during events, ensuring smooth operations and timely resolution of issues.
Produce detailed reports on incidents, security audits, and risk assessments.
Assist with overseeing security and safety vendors, ensuring best practices and compliance with company safety policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
Build estimates and budgets for event-related staffing with vendors and facility security staff.
Ensure the quality and accuracy of logs and incident reports, and create and implement post orders for the security team.
Conduct briefings with staff and senior management on safety matters as needed.
Lead pre-event briefings and post-event reviews to capture and document lessons learned.
Assess potential security risks for each event, including crowd control, alcohol management, and potential threats, and develop mitigation strategies.
Monitor and respond to security incidents in real time.
Serve as the primary contact for event security-related matters.
Maintain clear communication with event teams so security plans align with event goals and schedules.
Maintain DPSST Certification.