Director of Security bei Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance

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+ years related experience and/or training OR equivalent combination of education and experience.   
• Five or more years of experience required in civilian or military security, safety, loss prevention, law enforcement, public safety, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
• Supervisory and Leadership experience is required, in which candidates have directly overseen staff as well as coached, trained, mentored, and provided feedback. 
• Experience working in a high-volume, customer-focused venue or attraction, and/or working in a non-profit, is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Prior experience in military or law enforcement, preferably in a people management role. 
• Prior experience in and/or knowledge of leading 24/7/365 operations in a campus environment. 
• Prior experience managing large teams. 
• Candidates with a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) credential are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Leadership & Communication: Proven ability to lead, coach, and mentor diverse teams across direct and matrixed relationships. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; recognized as a trusted communicator and consensus-builder. Demonstrated ability to motivate staff, lead by example, and supervise effectively, fairly, and efficiently. Exhibits sound judgment and diplomacy when handling sensitive information and complex situations.
• Strategic & Operational Expertise: Experience developing and executing strategic goals, managing large-scale teams or programs, and driving continuous improvement. Advanced organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Results-oriented with a commitment to operational excellence and safety culture.
• Security & Risk Management: In-depth knowledge of security best practices, including access control, emergency preparedness, crisis management, investigations, surveillance, and behavioral assessment. Experience interpreting and applying local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and guidance. Skilled in incident command, emergency response, and collaboration with public safety agencies.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced in Microsoft Office Suite and computer operations. Hands-on experience with CCTV, electronic access control systems, visitor management platforms, and incident documentation tools.
• Training & Development: Ability to design, deliver, and evaluate training programs aligned with operational needs. Comfortable presenting safety and security topics to diverse audiences, including staff and volunteers.
• Additional Qualifications: Adaptable and self-directed, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Fluency in a language other than English is a plus. 

Position Conditions

• To support our security operations, candidates must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check, and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Ability to obtain a Denver Security License.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to move (80 acres) and/or stand up to 8 hours daily in adverse outdoor conditions such as cold, rain, snow, or extreme heat.
• Required to obtain and maintain certification in Stop the Bleed, First Aid, CPR, and AED (Adult/Child/Infant) within 3 months of hire and maintain throughout employment. (Provided and maintained through the organization).
• Schedule Availability: Ability to work a flexible schedule, including one weekend (Saturday/Sunday) day per week. Occasional holidays & evenings as needed. Ability to participate in a rotating on-call schedule.  The Security Department is a 24/7/365 operation that requires flexibility in engaging all team members across multiple shifts.
• Work Location: On campus. 

Compensation
The range for this position is $8,605 - $10,972 (monthly). Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits

Join our One Zoo Team and enjoy a full spectrum of competitive benefits, including:

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
• A Family-Plus DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
• Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking
• And so much more!

Application Process and Timelines

Application Deadline: October 16th, 2025. Review of applications will begin immediately.  DZCA reserves the right to close the position before this date. 

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.denverzoo.org