Event Security Specialist & WNBA Security Director

WORK OPTION: Remote

The NBA is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace. To safeguard our employees and their families, our visitors, and the broader community from COVID-19, and in consideration of recommendations from health authorities and the NBA's own advisors, any individual working onsite in our New York and New Jersey offices must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The NBA will discuss accommodations for individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to a medical reason or sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance.

Position Summary:

As an Event Security Specialist, you will develop, lead, and implement security plans and logistics for global events. Creativity, planning, problem-solving, and the ability to navigate budget implications will ensure that the department provides appropriate and scalable security resources at various events. Your coordination with partners will maintain the safety of NBA staff, vendors, guests, and fans. Additionally, you will conduct investigations relating to on-court issues and operations supporting league games.

As the Director for WNBA Security, you will be responsible for assessing, planning, and executing industry-leading security programs to protect the safety of employees, players, and fans at league-sponsored games and events both domestically and internationally. The Director for WNBA Security will conduct comprehensive security-based assessments and define, manage, and analyze strategic metrics to accurately measure the security program's effectiveness in controlling and mitigating risk. You will also be responsible for budget management and reconciliation. You will build and sustain relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization and law enforcement and security professionals on the federal, state, and local levels. You may manage/mentor direct reports. You will be a trusted and respected advocate for the security department while firmly grounded in security operations prowess regarding budget, assessments, and timelines.

You are a results-oriented team member with experience in personal and physical security strategies and investigative skills. You have a strong work ethic as we encourage and support ambitious self-starters with strong social skills and the ability to work cohesively. We expect you to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and sensitivity while positively engaging with various partners. You also embody the league's core values of integrity, teamwork, respect, and innovation.
We are a nimble organization and look for leaders with a player-coach mindset and a willingness to roll up their sleeves and dig into the details. We advocate for those collaborating on contemporary ideas when building new innovative processes and strengthening existing protocols. This role is for a creative individual passionate about navigating the future with us!

Major Responsibilities:

• Build and execute security plans with internal and in-market resources.
• Identify event vulnerabilities and develop analytical feedback through critical thinking regarding security needs in challenging and emerging markets.
• Create effective staffing and risk mitigation strategies while ensuring contingency plans are in place.
• Build a network of vendors who fully comply with national and international laws and regulations as well as professional standards, accepted business practices, and internal standards.
• Conduct periodic reviews and cost-benefit analyses to identify event staffing efficiencies, providing senior executives with valuable insight that improves business planning and future strategic initiatives.
• Implement department standard methodologies and incorporate innovative protocols that improve overall planning processes in a fast-paced environment. Guarantee established league incident and crisis management notifications are proactive and provide visibility to senior leadership
• Oversight in performing assessments and reviewing security planning documents for events globally.
• Develop proficiencies and security standards that are aligned with industry benchmarks.
• Responsible for the management and execution of assigned special projects across the Event Security
• Responsible for the security operations, oversight, and management of WNBA teams, security representatives, team travel security, and arenas.
• The primary focus is to provide proactive/preventative security measures and contingency planning.
• Assure security is properly integrated into the overall planning process for all games and/or special events.
• Oversee implementation of WNBA Arena Security Standards by teams and arenas.
• Establish and manage WNBA security protocols and processes for team travel security.
• Create and conduct player orientation and team-level awareness training.
• Conduct investigations involving game incidents, WNBA players, staff, and others as necessary and directed.
• Participate in the security planning and on-site management of security at selected special events, including the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League Playoffs and Finals, All-Star Games, Global Games, basketball camps, NBA/WNBA Draft, and other special events.
• Serve as a liaison with all relevant domestic and international law enforcement and national security agencies.

Required Education/Professional Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required. An advanced degree is desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years of previous relevant experience in global event security planning and a thorough grasp of crowd control and management strategies.
• Minimum of 10 years of law enforcement experience.
• Formal education/training in security-related matters is a plus (i.e., ASIS, CPP)

Required Skills/Knowledge Attributes

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills and ability to prepare clear, comprehensive, and significant reports.
• Ability to identify, establish, and maintain positive, constructive working relationships with business groups, law enforcement, and intelligence contacts..
• Ability to multi-task while maintaining attention to detail.
• You have experience in mentorship and development of internal and external team members.
• Confirmed knowledge and proficiency with various computer applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint); ability to learn bespoke League applications.
• Flexibility to travel as needed (scheduled and for unplanned critical incident management); willingness to work flexible off hours.
• Ability to organize data and prepare detailed reports of investigative findings.
• Strong background in intelligence gathering, including familiarity with and use of online resources, investigative databases, subscription services, and public record checks.
• Ability to maintain extreme confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Proven expertise in conducting complex and varied criminal investigations.
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with internal business groups, law enforcement contacts, and security services.
• Great communicator and solid project manager, able to effectively prioritize and advance many projects happening simultaneously, often on tight deadlines
• Strategic thinker with a service attitude, constantly working towards satisfying the needs of our constituents.

Salary Range: $165,000 - $190,000

Job Posting Title: Senior Director

We Consider Applicants For All Positions On The Basis Of Merit, Qualifications And Business Needs, And Without Regard To Race, Color, National Origin, Religion, Sex, Gender Identity, Age, Disability, Alienage Or Citizenship Status, Ancestry, Marital Status, Creed, Genetic Predisposition Or Carrier Status, Sexual Orientation, Veteran Status, Familial Status, Status As A Victim Of Domestic Violence Or Any Other Status Or Characteristic Protected By Applicable Federal, State, Or Local Law.