Judicial Branch Security Director

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.•Phoenix, AZ

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Judicial Branch Security Director provides direction for the day-to-day operations of the security, emergency management and threat management functions for the Judicial Branch including Superior Court, Adult Probation, Juvenile Probation, and Justice Courts. This position will also have executive responsibility for developing strategic planning objectives and addressing the ever-changing complexities associated with providing security operations for one of the nation’s largest trial courts. Working as a key member of the executive management team, the position will direct the security efforts of a staff of more than 181 employees who cover 29 locations encompassing 35 entry points throughout the county and provides a safe environment for Judicial Officers, employees, and the public. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in security operations, emergency management, and threat assessment across large, multi-site environments. They should demonstrate confident leadership, excellent communication under pressure, and the ability to build collaborative relationships with law enforcement and justice partners. The ideal candidate also leverages technology and data to strengthen organizational safety, ensure compliance, and drive continuous improvement. About The Judicial Branch: The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County is dedicated to providing a safe, fair and impartial forum for resolving disputes, enhancing access to our services, and providing innovative, evidenced-based practices that improve the safety of our community and ensure the public’s trust and confidence in the Judicial Branch. The Superior Court in Maricopa County, one of the largest, most innovative and progressive trial courts in the nation, seeks innovative individuals to join our team who will embrace our vision of excellence and the principles inherent in the Rule of Law...every person, every day, every time. We fulfill these principles through a culture that values fairness, respect, integrity, innovation, and safety.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Business or Public Administration, Emergency Management or a related field.
Six (6) years of professional-level security, emergency management, and threat management experience, preferably in a judicial or government setting.
Including at least three (3) years of directly related supervisory experience including managing large teams and multi-site operations.
Master’s Degree in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of professional experience but does not substitute for the supervisory experience.
Increasing responsible security, threat or emergency management experience may substitute for the education on a year-for-year basis.
Possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver’s license.
Obtain certification as a First Responder, Basic Life Safety, and CPR provider within six (6) months of appointment.
Obtain certification in defensive weapons tactics within six (6) months of appointment.
Obtain certification as a Court Security Officer pursuant to Arizona Code of Judicial Administration § 5-304 within six (6) months of appointment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Business or Public Administration, Emergency Management or a related field.
Experience in overseeing firearm programs.

Responsibilities

Oversee court security operations, evaluates and analyzes department issues, recommends and implements solutions and strategies to ensure the safety of employees, facilities and the public.
Provide leadership, direction, and coaching to subordinate employees in areas of performance management, problem resolution, planning and work assignments.
Provide direct oversight of the Judicial Branch Threat Management program which includes gathering and assessing information and intelligence about persons who may have the interest, motive, intention, and capability of doxing, targeting or mounting physical attacks directed at our judicial officers, staff and Court facilities. In addition, gauges the potential levels of concern and mitigating vulnerabilities of targeted Judicial Officers, employees, or Court facilities while applying interventions to preventing violence and disruption of the Judicial Branch’s mission.
Direct threat and security assessments, compile and analyze statistical data and write reports to inform and make recommendations to Judicial Branch leadership (Administrator and Presiding Judge).
Develop, implement, and test emergency procedures and evacuation plans for all judicial branch facilities.
Oversee all aspects of armed security operations, including the selection, training, and certification of armed personnel. Ensures compliance with Arizona Code of Judicial Administration (ACJA) § 5-306 regarding arming standards, qualification requirements, and ongoing proficiency. Develops and enforces policies for safe handling, storage, and use of firearms, and monitors adherence to legal and organizational guidelines for armed security practices.
Lead enterprise-wide risk assessments and implement mitigation plans.
Coordinate multi-agency emergency response drills and tabletop exercises.
Coordinate crisis management relating to emergencies and develops, maintains and tests business continuity plans for disaster recovery and other crisis situations.
Assure effective communications of security issues and strategies.
Champion, design and present security awareness programs and training initiatives for Judicial Officers and employees.
Develop systems and standards for program evaluation, and assures departmental activities are in compliance with all laws, policies, regulations and goals.
Monitor and review trends in court security and criminal justice and recommend operational and policy improvements.
Supervise and participate in complex and high-profile security investigations.
Advise and coordinate with judicial and law enforcement agencies on legal issues of security duties, functions and obligations.
Act as key contact for all federal, state and local public safety, security and intelligence agencies and directs the implementation procedures for federal and state guidelines and directives.
Prepare and present routine security and risk reports to executive leadership and governing bodies.
Attend strategic planning meetings and retreats, budget preparation, and negotiations with the Presiding Judge, Judicial Branch Administrator, and Chief Probation Officers.
Provide regular onsite supervision and employs in-person assessment methods to gauge business needs through direct observation, monitoring group dynamics with face-to-face interaction, and interpreting body language and nonverbal cues. Establishes interpersonal connections, fosters engagement, and exemplifies expected behaviors.