The Chattanooga Convention Center is seeking a dedicated and experienced Security and Safety Director to oversee all security and safety operations across the facility. This role ensures the protection of guests, employees, clients, and property while maintaining a professional, customer-focused approach. The Director will lead the Center’s security vendor, internal initiatives, develop policies and procedures, and work collaboratively with local law enforcement, fire officials, and emergency management agencies.
This position requires excellent leadership skills, a proactive mindset, and a thorough understanding of industry best practices for security and safety within large-scale event and public assembly facilities.
What This Role Will Do
· Policy Compliance: Partner with the Executive Director and other departments to ensure compliance with all security and safety policies, procedures, and local, state, and federal laws.
· Oversee 3rd party Security Vendor ensuring maximized effectiveness.
· Access Control: Oversee the secure entrance and departure of employees, contractors, visitors, and vendors; implement credentialing systems to maintain security integrity.
· Venue Surveillance: Conduct and supervise regular patrols of all areas of the Convention Center to identify and address irregularities, risks, or potential threats.
· Incident Management: Respond to and investigate security-related incidents; de-escalate conflicts and provide professional guest service while resolving safety concerns.
· Reporting: Document and maintain records of daily activities, incidents, property damage, theft, unauthorized access, or unusual occurrences.
· Staff Management: Recruit, train, supervise, and manage security personnel; conduct evaluations, discipline as needed, and ensure high standards of professionalism.
· Budget & Cost Control: Manage departmental budget, ensuring staffing levels align with operational demands while controlling overtime and costs.
· Team Collaboration: Conduct regular staff meetings to share updates, train on new procedures, and reinforce safety protocols.
· Policy Development: Continuously review, update, and recommend improvements to security and safety procedures.
· Ensure OSHA 360 policies and procedures are followed.
· Emergency Preparedness: Develop and oversee fire/life safety programs, evacuation procedures, and emergency response plans in coordination with local agencies.
· Sustainability Participation: Support the Center’s sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction, recycling, and guest education on environmental programs.
· Event Support: Oversee security for all events, ensuring pre-event briefings, on-site coverage, and post-event reviews are completed effectively.
What This Person Will Bring
Required:
· Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive security and safety management experience, preferably in a convention center, arena, stadium, or similar public assembly venue.
· Strong knowledge of security, safety, and emergency management procedures.
· Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams of 20–40+ staff members.
· Excellent judgment, composure under pressure, and ability to de-escalate challenging situations.
· Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
· Proven ability to collaborate with staff, clients, and external stakeholders including law enforcement and first responders.
· Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and event days.
Preferred:
· Prior experience within Military, Police, First Responder sectors.
· Preferred experience convention centers, arenas, or large hospitality/event venues.
· Preferred Certification(s) in security or safety management (e.g., CPP, PSP, CEM, or equivalent).
· Experience with electronic access control systems, CCTV, and incident reporting technology.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, walk long distances across paved and uneven terrain, climb stairs, and perform security patrols.
Must be able to lift or move up to 50 pounds using proper techniques.
Requires close and distance vision, with ability to work in environments with varied lighting including low-light or strobe conditions.
Exposure to varied weather conditions and noise levels ranging from moderate to loud during events.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Work Location: In perso

Please refer the Job description for details