Job Title: Director of Security and Public Safety
Job Code: 0923 Temporary Exempt, Category 18 (3-year duration)
Location: The War Memorial & Performing Arts Center
Application Opening: November 4, 2025
Application Deadline: Apply Immediately. Application filing will be open through Tuesday, December 2, 2025 and will close thereafter.
Salary Range: Compensation for this classification is dependent on experience and may range from $144,560 - $213,512.
Recruitment ID: RTF0161123-01120754
ABOUT THE SAN FRANCISCO WAR MEMORIAL & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER:
The San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, a monument to San Francisco veterans and the birthplace of the United Nations, is the civic home of the arts in San Francisco. Our mission is to provide access to the arts for the community, generating fond memories and a desire to return for all.
Comprised of the War Memorial Opera House, Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, Herbst Theatre, The Green Room, The Wilsey Center (Atrium Theater, Education Studio), and Harold L. Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall, the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center is a landmark cultural institution owned and operated by the City and County of San Francisco. These uniquely beautiful performing arts venues have a combined capacity of over 7000 seats, and make the War Memorial a primary destination for world class entertainment in the Bay Area.
Overview: The Director of Security and Public Safety is a strategic leader responsible for the comprehensive oversight and administration of security operations for a prestigious, world-class performing arts center. This role requires a visionary approach to security management, ensuring the safety and security of the campus through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships. Position requires a demonstrated work ethic, and a significant level of professionalism, trust, discretion and integrity. The Director will engage with a diverse array of stakeholders, including the public, arts organizations, tenants, staff, trustees, outside contract partners, and city departments.
Please read all information thoroughly before applying
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Security Leadership: Develop and implement a forward-thinking security strategy for all buildings, grounds, and events. Lead a diverse workforce, including Permanent Civil Service, Temporary Exempt, Part-Time/As-Needed, and Contract staff.
Risk Management and Emergency Preparedness: Design and enforce advanced safety protocols and emergency procedures. Lead comprehensive risk assessments, investigations, and incident resolution initiatives.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Act as the principal liaison for public agencies, dignitaries, board members, and private security details. Build and maintain strategic relationships with key external partners, including SFPD, SFFD, and Veteran's Affairs.
Operational Excellence: Ensure the operational readiness of security personnel, oversee scheduling, and manage the security division's budget. Develop and enforce robust safety and security policies and procedures.
Talent Management: Supervise, evaluate, and develop security staff. Implement standard operating procedures and training programs. Together with Human Resources, address employee relations and labor management issues with strategic insight.
Innovative Project Management: Lead and oversee critical projects such as integrated radio communication systems, campus-wide video monitoring, emergency response systems, and advanced patron screening technology.
Impact on Operations:
Operational Continuity: Ensure seamless operations by maintaining a secure environment, allowing performances and events to proceed without disruption.
Enhanced Safety: Implement proactive measures to mitigate risks, enhancing the safety and well-being of patrons, staff, and performers.
Crisis Management: Provide strategic leadership during emergencies, ensuring swift and effective responses that minimize operational impact.
Reputation Management: Uphold the campus's reputation by ensuring high standards of security, fostering trust and confidence among stakeholders and staff.
Efficiency and Productivity: Optimize security operations to support overall campus efficiency, contributing to a positive and productive environment.
Crisis Management:
Emergency Response Leadership: Act as the Incident Commander during emergencies, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure a unified and effective response.
Crisis Communication: Develop and implement crisis communication plans to ensure timely and accurate information dissemination to all stakeholders, including staff, patrons, and media.
Training and Drills: Conduct regular emergency response drills and training sessions for security personnel and other staff to ensure preparedness for various crisis scenarios.
Resource Coordination: Mobilize and coordinate resources, including personnel, equipment, and external support, to manage and mitigate the impact of crises.
Post-Incident Analysis: Lead post-incident reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of the response, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions.
Business Continuity Planning: Develop and maintain business continuity plans to ensure the campus can quickly resume normal operations following a crisis.
Financial and Budget Acumen:
Strategic Financial Planning: Develop and manage the security division's budget, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and financial constraints.
Cost Management: Implement cost-effective measures and strategies to optimize resource allocation and reduce operational expenses without compromising security standards.
Financial Analysis: Conduct detailed financial analyses to forecast budgetary needs, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure efficient use of funds.
Reporting and Compliance: Prepare comprehensive financial reports and ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and policies.
Vendor and Contract Management: Oversee contracts with external vendors, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality service delivery.
Unique Aspects of the Role:
World Class Performing Arts Center: Operate within a renowned performing arts campus with a rich history and cultural heritage.
Strategic Leadership: Lead a multifaceted team of security professionals and collaborate with a wide array of stakeholders.
High-Profile Interaction: Engage with public agencies, dignitaries, and high-profile patrons, ensuring seamless security operations.
Innovative Initiatives: Drive the implementation of state-of-the-art security projects and technologies.
Integrate radio communications to improve coordination across security staff, ushers, external staff and licensee companies.
Install Comprehensive campus-wide video monitoring system (security cameras).
Implement Campus-wide emergency response system.
Evolv Patron Screening System Implementation.
Update comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures.
Fully implement and integrate Power DMS System.
Minimum Qualifications
These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. May include additional duties as assigned.
Education: Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; AND
Experience: A minimum of five years of professional security management experience. Experience in residential security cannot be used to qualify.
Education Substitution: Additional experience may be substituted for the required degree on a year-for-year basis (up to a maximum of two (2) years). One (1) year is equivalent to thirty (30) semester units/forty-five (45) quarter units.
Experience Substitution: Possession of a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or master's degree may substitute for one (1) year of the required professional experience.
Verification: Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process.
License and Certification:
Valid California driver's license.
Physical Requirements:
Agility and Stamina: Ability to enforce security regulations and apprehend individuals involved in acts of vandalism or seeking illegal entry.
Mobility: Ability to stand (up to 75% of shift), walk (up to 75%), climb stairs (up to 25%), bend and twist (up to 25%), and briskly jog during emergencies (5%).
Strength: Ability to twist, push, pull, or lift at least 50 lbs.
Emergency Response: Capability to perform strenuous physical activities related to responding to emergencies or alarms, such as building evacuations during fires, and assisting injured persons.
Working Conditions:
Consistent, reliable, and predictable on-site presence. Availability for evening and weekend events, as well as emergency response outside regular hours.
Desirable Qualifications:
Performing Arts, Sports, or Entertainment Venue Experience: Previous supervisory experience working in a large Performing Arts, Sports or Entertainment Facility
Supervisory Experience: A minimum of 5 years' supervisory experience managing greater than 2 Direct Reports.
Advanced Education: Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or master's degree.
Extensive Management Experience: 5+ years of complex employee management experience.
Public Policy Expertise: Two years of senior-level public policy experience.
Union Relations: Experience managing unionized employees and navigating complex labor relations.
Technical Proficiency: Experience with Evolv or comparable patron screening systems. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel. Proficiency using Word and PowerPoint. Successful completion of the 40-hour P.O.S.T. certified course in Penal Code, Section 832 Arrest & Control
Financial Acumen: Extensive experience in budget management, financial analysis, and cost projections.
Public Relations: Proven ability to present information to boards, trustees, and high-profile patrons.
Verification of Education and Experience:
Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Review SF Careers Employment Applications for considerations taken when reviewing applications.
Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/experience-education/.
Note: Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
What else should I know about the Selection Process?
After application submission, candidates deemed to meet minimum qualifications must successfully complete all subsequent steps to advance in the selection process, which includes but may not be limited to the following:
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Supplemental Information Questionnaire
Microsoft Teams Panel Interview
In-Person Panel Interview
Meet & Greet with Direct Reports
Final Interview with Managing Director
Fingerprinting and Background Check
Medical Exam
Reference Checking Process
Terms of Announcement:
Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations. Clerical errors may be corrected by the posting the correction on the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.sf.gov/.
Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:
Information About The Hiring Process (https://sfdhr.org/information-about-hiring-process)
Conviction History
Employee Benefits Overview (https://sfdhr.org/benefits-overview)
Equal Employment Opportunity (https://sfdhr.org/equal-employment-opportunity)
Disaster Service Worker (https://sfdhr.org/disaster-service-workers)
ADA Accommodation
Veterans Preference (http://sfdhr.org/information-about-hiring-process#veteranspreference)
Right to Work
Copies of Application Documents (https://sfdhr.org/information-about-hiring-process#copies)
Diversity Statement
Where and How to Apply:
All job applications for the City and County of San Francisco must be submitted through our online portal. Please visit https://careers.sf.gov/ to begin your application process.
Applications must be filled out thoroughly and completely. Please do not state "See Resume" on the application. Resumes cannot be a substitute for the Application. Please make sure it is absolutely clear in your application exactly how you meet the minimum qualifications. Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. Please be aware that any misrepresentation of this information may disqualify you from this recruitment or future job opportunities.
Computers are available for the public (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday) to file online applications in the lobby of the Dept. of Human Resources at 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor and at the City Career Center at City Hall (https://www.sf.gov/city-career-center) , 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 110.
Ensure your application information is accurate, as changes may not be possible after submission. Your first and last name must match your legal ID for verification, and preferred names can be included in parentheses. Use your personal email address, not a shared or work email, to avoid unfixable issues.
Applicants will receive a confirmation email from notification@smartrecruiters.com that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.
If you have any questions, you may contact Kate Gagnier at Kate.Gagnier@sfgov.org
The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
