Ilitch Sports + Entertainment

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment

Director of Security Training, Venue and Cyber Investigations

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment - Director
Detroit · MI
Security · Facility/Venue Management · General Management/Profit & Loss
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Amaze, Inspire, Unite

Job Summary:

The Director of Venue Security and Training is responsible for the management and day-to-day Venue Security operations at Comerica Park. In this capacity, the Director will plan, develop and implement department goals, strategy, policy and procedures for the Comerica Park Venue Security Program.

The Director of Venue Security and Training will also design, develop, implement and administer security training programs for colleagues at various levels throughout the organizations (IS+E, DTI, 313 Presents, DRW, ODM, ODMP and IHI). The Director of Venue Security and Training will work with business and security leaders to understand specific security learning and development needs, provide recommendations and develop training programs to address needs. Finally, the Director of Venue and Training will coordinate and investigate incidents involving Cyber or Social media threats against the organization, including business entities, executives, colleagues, players and staff. The Director will establish liaison relationships with public and private partners to assist in the investigation and prosecution of these matters.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement security training programs that support and promote the organization’s and security department’s mission, value statement and guiding principles.

  • Works with business and security leaders to identify security training and development needs and effectively translates those needs into learning and development strategies.

  • Recommend security learning programs to address capability gaps and colleague development needs.

  • Develops, delivers or sources security training programs across the organization.

  • Prepares and implements all exercises and external training with law enforcement partners.

  • Conducts training and development on targeted topics including guest screening, prohibited items, vehicle screening, improvised explosive device recognition, seven signs of terrorism, leadership development, technologies, compliance related topics, and security policies/ procedures, using adult learning theory and techniques.

  • Develops and conducts new security colleague orientation/onboarding for full-time and event staff that provides a solid foundation on the security organization’s essential functions, core values and culture.         

  • Maintains tracking system and/or learning management system (LMS) to ensure accurate colleague training records, track training needs and collect evaluation results.

  • Physical protection responsibilities include asset protection, workplace violence prevention, access control systems, video surveillance, and more (as well as documenting policies and procedures around the same).

  • Assist in the creation and oversee crisis and emergency management practices including training and frequent revisions and updates.

  • Oversee access control system and procedures.

  • Demonstrate compliance with professional sports leagues requirements, professional sports leagues SAFETY Act Requirements, Venue SAFETY Act Requirements.

  • Oversees patrol of Comerica Park and associated District Detroit properties, parking lots and parking structures to provide a safe/security environment for guests, colleagues, visitors.

  • Develop and recommend policies, procedures and programs designed to enhance the safety and security for all venues.

  • Lead and direct investigations of accidents, thefts, property loss and unlawful activities.

  • Direct, manage and supervise full-time and part-time venue security managers, supervisors and security representatives.

  • Reviews and investigates cyber and social media-based incidents utilizing appropriate methods to identify and mitigate such incidents. Ensures that the incidents are documented in a thorough and timely manner and referred to appropriate legal action.

  • Maintains accurate and complete investigative file until the investigation is completed and the incident is closed.

  • Conducts database checks, web-based searches and technical searches in support of cyber and social media investigations.

  • Establishes liaison relationships with private and public entities to assist in the identification, mitigation, and potential legal action against cyber and social media-based threat actors.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

  • Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the security field.

  • Works on special projects and other duties assigned by supervisor and upper-level management.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, business administration or related field.

  • Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible and relevant experience supporting needs of a diverse organization

  • Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

  • Possess the highest integrity and ethical standards.

  • Demonstrate professionalism, outstanding judgment, and superior customer service in a positive demeanor in the performance of all duties.

  • Ability to use advanced security technologies as well as medical equipment.

  • Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.

  • Detail oriented – ability to keep accurate and detailed records.

  • Ability to perform a wide variety of supervisory responsibilities with time-sensitive deadlines.

  • Establish priorities and organize work; plan and direct the work of subordinate staff.

  • Highly organized, self-directed business style, with strong ability to prioritize.

  • Outstanding interpersonal skills are required to manage a large and diverse staff.

  • Demonstrated staff development skills to properly train and develop staff to meet objectives.

  • Ability to analyze procedures to ensure effectiveness.

  • Solutions oriented, problem-solving mentality and ability.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Experience working in the sports and entertainment industry.

  • Executive level experience in law enforcement.

  • Certifications in F.A., CPR, AED, APCI-2, Anti-Terrorism and Homeland Security Defense Course, CERT Infrastructure, CCW, IAAM Crowd Management.

  • Certifications in Cyber-based investigations.

  • Existing liaison relationships with federal, state and local law enforcement, including cyber investigative task forces.

Working Conditions:

  • Irregular and extended hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.

  • Exposure to moderate - high noise level.

  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

  • Frequent visual/auditory attention.

  • Exposed to all types of weather conditions (heat, rain, snow).

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The Company has the right to change, modify, suspend, interrupt or cancel in whole or in part any job functions outlined in a job description at any time and without advance notice to the employee.

All items listed above are illustrative and not comprehensive.  They are not contractual in nature and are subject to change at the discretion of Olympia Entertainment.


Olympia Entertainment  is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to that individual’s race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.                                   


The Company will strive to provide reasonable accommodations to permit qualified applicants who have a need for an accommodation to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a job interview) if so requested.

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