Director of Security

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect, and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.

The Director of Security is responsible for leading day-to-day campus security operations. This role ensures a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for guests, staff, animals, and assets, while fostering a culture of preparedness, accountability, and operational excellence. As a departmental leader, the Director contributes to the development and execution of security strategies, manages personnel and infrastructure, and supports cross-functional public safety initiatives. The role also collaborates with public safety agencies to mitigate risk and respond to emergencies, aligning efforts with DZCA’s broader safety and risk management goals. 

Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you're excited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Department Oversight 

• Lead and manage the Security Department, including Security Managers, Coordinators, and frontline staff. 
• Oversee departmental operations, staffing, scheduling, and performance management. 
• Develop and implement departmental goals, strategies, and performance metrics aligned with DZCA’s mission. 
• Manage departmental budget, capital investments, and resource allocation. 
• Support strategic planning and reporting in collaboration with the Senior Director. 

Emergency Response & Incident Command 

• Serve as Incident Commander during emergencies and critical events. 
• Lead the implementation of emergency protocols, drills, and training programs. 
• Coordinate with public safety agencies to establish unified command and ensure effective incident response. 
• Fill in for frontline roles when necessary to maintain operational continuity. 

Security Operations & Risk Management 

• Oversee access control systems, surveillance infrastructure, and physical security measures. 
• Review and approve security plans for special events, construction projects, and other campus activities. 
• Conduct investigations, manage case workflows, and ensure proper documentation and resolution. 
• Partner with law enforcement and regulatory agencies to assess and mitigate threats. 

Training, Development & Culture Building 

• Promote a culture of safety, inclusion, and professional development within the department. 
• Oversee training programs for security personnel and contribute to organization-wide safety education. 
• Mentor leadership staff and support succession planning. 
• Collaborate with the Emergency Preparedness Manager to plan and evaluate emergency drills and exercises. 

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as departmental lead in the absence of the Senior Director or other Security leaders. 
• Collaborate across departments and represent DZCA professionally in the community. 
• Maintain current knowledge of best practices in security and risk management. 
• Assist with snow and ice removal and other campus-wide operational needs. 
• Oversees and manages the Security Department’s budget, including allocations for personnel, overtime, uniforms, equipment, fleet operations, and training. Ensures fiscal responsibility and alignment with operational priorities by monitoring expenditures, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and supporting long-term planning. Acts as a good steward of DZCA resources. 
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance.
• This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.   
• Other assistance, as designated by department leaders, to support the overall goals of the department and organization.  DZCA retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• College degree in business administration, criminal justice, education, or related field, and 5+ year