Director of Security & Public Safety | Full-Time | Santa Clara Convention Center

Oak View Group

Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.

Overview

The Director of Security & Public Safety is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing all aspects of the public safety, security, transportation, sheltering, and emergency preparedness programs for Santa Clara Convention Center. Develops, manages and maintains all life safety and prevention plans, including venue and event-specific plans in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and city laws. Oversees and is responsible for the management of all full and part time security employees, involved in the securing of property from pre to post event and securing Santa Clara Convention Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This role pays an annual salary of $125,933 to $163,713 and is bonus eligibleBenefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays)

This position will remain open until May 1, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Plans, develops, organizes, implements, directs and evaluates the Public Safety and security needs of Santa Clara Convention Center. 
• Proactively identifies opportunities to enhance public safety and security operations through continuous evaluation and improvement. 
• Acts as the unifying focal point for all public safety and security related policy, plans, and operations for Santa Clara Convention Center.  
• Establishes the appropriate levels of security for Santa Clara Convention Center and ensures all applicable security protocols are being enforced. 
• Continues to review and update emergency plans and public safety/security policies and procedures. 
• Responsible for evaluating and recommending all electronic security & safety systems for Santa Clara Convention Center that will enhance the overall quality and efficiency of security & safety technology programs. 
• Remains current on issues regarding changes to technology and laws, ordinances, rules and /or procedures affecting the public safety/security industry to ensure compliance and the safety and security of staff, guests, and attendees. 
• Develops establishes standards for public safety/security needs for Santa Clara Convention Center and on an event by event basis. 
• Prior to, during, and following events, works in conjunction with other departments, clients and client contractors related to event security and public safety needs. 
• Interprets public safety/security rules and procedures and directs subordinates in enforcing compliance. 
• Responsible for assigning personnel as lead investigators relating to incidents requiring investigation at Santa Clara Convention Center. 
• Maintains working knowledge of all event related security contracts, approves event security staffing and cost estimates for show management and exhibitors and performs billing reviews. 
• Responds to and/or assists subordinates in responding to emergency calls for service and acts as the Santa Clara Convention Center’s Incident Commander when applicable. 
• Conducts internal Santa Clara Convention Center investigations when necessary and documents findings. 

Emergency Preparedness  

• Engages in and is responsible for all emergency preparedness efforts, directing the entire public safety department and Santa Clara Convention Center in the creation, training and exercise of emergency and life safety plans, procedures and protocols. 
• Establishes and maintains partnerships with neighboring properties and emergency first responders with the Federal, State, and City agencies. 
• Assess and develops emergency procedural plans and presents recommendations to the Santa Clara Convention Center leadership on an ongoing basis. 
• Responsible for the overall development and management of Santa Clara Convention Center Emergency Preparedness strategies, including the training of Santa Clara Convention Center personnel. 
• Responsible for ensuring all Public Safety Department personnel (Full & Part Time) have a detail understanding of the Santa Clara Convention Center’s Emergency Operations Procedures including but not limited to Venue Evacuation Procedures.  
• Develops and enforces a schedule of inspection to ensure that all life safety and medical equipment is inspected in accordance with professional guidelines an