Thunder Ridge Nature Arena: Mission and Vision Mission and Vision: Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, a one-of-a-kind venue nestled in the breathtaking beauty of the Ozarks, is committed to conservation and celebrating our natural environment. A 20,000-seat nature-amphitheater is located in the heart of the Missouri Ozark Mountains, overlooking Table Rock Lake. Part of the Big Cedar Lodge footprint, this one-of-a-kind venue immerses guests in the Great Outdoors while entertaining them with some of the biggest names and events in the country!
Position Title: Director of Venue Safety and Security Operations
Location: Ridgedale, Missouri
Position Type: Full-Time on-site location
Position Summary:
As the Director of Venue Safety and Security Operations at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, you will play a pivotal role in fostering a strong company safety and security culture. Your primary responsibility will be to develop, implement, and manage comprehensive safety and security strategies to ensure the well-being of all guests, staff, performing talent, and assets at the venue. This role involves overseeing contracted and in-house safety and security personnel, coordinating with local law enforcement and emergency services, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in safety and security management, venue operations, event management, and guest services, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for the general public, company employees, performing talent, and contractors.
Personal Attributes:
High level of integrity and professionalism.Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure.Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.Collaborative, friendly, and approachable demeanor.Ability to work effectively in a team environment.Vigilance.Physical fitness and stamina are important for personal health and company image.The ability to adapt to different situations and environments is key to maintaining safety and security.Key Responsibilities:
Safety and Security Strategy: Develop and implement safety and security policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure the venue’s safety.Team Leadership: Recruit, train, and manage a team of safety and security personnel, including event security guards and surveillance operators, and oversee local, federal, and state law enforcement. This role will also serve as the venue liaison for emergency response personnel.Risk Assessment: Conduct regular risk assessments and vulnerability analyses to identify potential safety and security threats and develop and implement mitigation strategies.Incident Management: Oversee the response to safety and security incidents, including coordinating with local law enforcement and emergency services as needed.Compliance: Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including health and safety standards.Technology & Physical Security Management: Oversee the installation, maintenance, and operation of safety and security at main public entrances, emergency exits, screening protocols, and security technology, including surveillance systems, access control systems, overwatch programs, emergency action plans (EAP), emergency operations plan (EOPs), and alarm systems.Budget Management: Develop and manage the safety and security department’s budget, including forecasting, expense tracking, and financial reporting.Training and Development: Provide ongoing training and education to all departments of the organization, creating a culture of safety and development opportunities for safety and security personnel to ensure they are equipped to handle various situations.Collaboration: Effectively collaborate with other departments, including event management, facilities, and guest services, to ensure a coordinated approach to venue safety and security.Reporting: Prepare and present regular executive summary reports to ownership and senior management on safety and security operations, incidents, and improvements.Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in security management, occupational health and safety, criminal justice, criminology, or a related field.Minimum of 9 years of director experience in safety and security management, preferably in a venue or large-scale mass gathering special event setting.Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.Ability to work under pressure, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and make quick decisions.Proficiency in safety and security in crowd management, technology, and security systems.Knowledge of health and safety regulations, venue operations, budgeting, and forecasting of the security department cost per event.Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.Experience in Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 incident response and management levels.Preferred Qualifications:
Relevant certification in Safety Management, Security Management, Venue Operations, or related fields, such as Certified Venue Executive (CVE) or certifications from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM).Experience with special mass gatherings and large-scale event safety and security.Familiarity with emergency response planning and coordination.Advanced Education: A master’s degree or master’s courses in a related field, such as security management, emergency management, national security intelligence, venue operations, or police administration.Extensive experience in security management, particularly in a venue or event setting. This includes experience with risk assessment, emergency response planning, and crowd management.In-depth knowledge of health and safety regulations and familiarity with the latest security technologies and the industry’s best practices.Relevant experience in parking and traffic management planning.