Senior Director, Safety & Security

Rip City•Portland, OR

4d•$155,000 - $165,000

About The Position

As employees of the Portland Trail Blazers at the Rose Quarter, we do more than basketball. We are blazing trails toward winning championships on and off the court . We are pioneers and innovators. We look for people who push boundaries, who dream, who are committed to inclusivity – who want to contribute to Rip City! As our Senior Director of Safety & Security , you will provide strategic leadership for all campus-wide safety, security, and event operations across the Rose Quarter, including the Moda Center, Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and Rose Quarter Commons. In this role, you will help create and sustain a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for our guests, artists, athletes, employees, and partners — ensuring every event and workday is supported by thoughtful planning, strong operational execution, and a people-first approach to safety. Reporting to the Assistant General Manager, Event Operations, you will lead 24/7 safety and security strategy, including emergency preparedness, risk management, training, vendor oversight, and compliance with league, regulatory, and industry standards. Serving as the primary liaison with the NBA and local, state, and federal public safety partners, you will play a critical leadership role in protecting people, assets, and the reputation of the Rose Quarter while enabling world-class events to happen safely and seamlessly.

Requirements

Bring 8+ years of experience in large-scale venue safety & security or a closely related field, including leadership of complex, high-volume operations
Have at least 3 years of experience in a senior supervisory or management role with accountability for security strategy and execution
Have successfully led event security operations in high-profile, high-capacity environments
Demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and lead emergency preparedness programs, including drills and exercises
Have experience conducting or overseeing investigations with sound judgment and attention to detail
Maintain composure, professionalism, and decisive leadership in high-pressure or emotionally charged situations
Possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted partnerships across departments and with external stakeholders
Are proficient in security technologies and systems, including video management platforms and standard business applications
Are able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and events, based on operational needs
Handle sensitive and confidential information with the highest level of discretion and integrity
Demonstrate a genuine commitment to building, hiring, and fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive team environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice , Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Public Administration, or a related field
DPSST Executive Manager License (or the ability to obtain)
Experience collaborating with professional sports leagues, major event organizers, or large public assembly venues
Advanced training or certifications in emergency management, incident command, or threat assessment (e.g., FEMA, ICS, NIMS, CPP, PSP, or similar)
Experience leading cross-agency coordination with law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and public safety partners
Demonstrated experience developing enterprise-level safety and security strategies or long-term risk mitigation plans
Familiarity with league security standards and best practices (NBA or other major sports leagues)
Experience overseeing security operations for large-scale special events, concerts, or multi-day events

Responsibilities

Provide visible, values -driven leadership for all security operations, setting a tone of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
Lead, develop, and mentor the safety & security team, fostering a high-performing, inclusive, and engaged team culture.
Serve as a trusted senior leader within the Rose Quarter, partnering closely with all departments to ensure a strong culture of safety.
Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within hiring, training, and advancement practices.
Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and feedback processes to drive continuous improvement.
Oversee 24/7 campus security operations and event security for all events.
Lead the development, advancement, and execution of comprehensive event security plans , including coordination with clients, touring teams, and league partners.
Execute and continuously improve NBA Arena Security Procedures & Guidelines , with the goal of operating a best-in-class security program within the league.
Manage the relationships & contracts with external security staffing, including off-duty law enforcement, EMTs, K9, security equipment providers, and third-party event security vendors.
Maintain a visible presence during events and high-impact moments, providing leadership during live operations.
Own and continuously update the Rose Quarter Emergency Management Program , ensuring alignment with best practices and regulatory requirements.
Plan, schedule, and support or lead emergency evacuation drills, tabletop exercises, and field training scenarios across all venues.
Proactively identify security vulnerabilities and operational risks; develop and implement mitigation strategies.
Lead or oversee investigations related to security incidents, injuries, or policy violations as required.
Ensure accurate documentation, reporting, and follow-up for incidents, accidents, and claims.
Oversee the administration and continuous improvement of physical security systems, including access control, video surveillance, alarms, and fire/life safety interfaces.
Ensure timely, appropriate responses to system activations and that all incidents are documented and reviewed.
Stay current on emerging security technologies and innovative methodologies, implementing solutions where practical to enhance safety and efficiency.
Develop and lead a comprehensive internal security training program aligned with industry standards, league requirements, and evolving threat environments.
Ensure all security personnel receive regular, documented training appropriate to their role and responsibilities.
Establish and maintain security standards, post orders, and operating procedures across campus and event environments.
Serve as the primary liaison with the NBA on security matters, audits, and compliance reviews.
Develop and manage the security department budget, forecasts, and staffing models, identifying opportunities for efficiency without compromising safety.
Prepare clear, accurate reports suitable for senior leadership review, including incident trends, risk assessments, and performance metrics.