JOB TITLE: VP, Safety & Security
DEPARTMENT: Safety & Security
LOCATION: New York, NY
POSITION OVERVIEW:
To lead safety and security operations for New York City Football Club across our sites, including our pre-existing City Football Academy training facility in Orangeburg, NY (CFA), and the new Etihad Park, our soccer specific stadium which is anticipated to open in 2027 in Queens.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this role will collaborate across the Club including with our Infrastructure & Facilities and Event Operations teams, providing guidance and recommendations to enhance safety measures within the stadium’s design, build and operations. Additionally, this role will lead the ongoing review and refinement of safety protocols at the CFA, working with the Sporting Operations team to establish clear protection protocols for player travel and match participation.
The role will oversee all safety and security aspects for players, staff and guests, across Club facilities ensuring compliance with regulations, while fostering a secure and positive work and guest experience and culture.
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WHAT YOU’LL DO:
- New Stadium Operational Planning: Develop and execute comprehensive safety and security operational plans, risk assessments and policies specific to the new stadium's launch and operations.
- Matchday and Event Security: Work closely with the Event Operations team and oversee security operations for matchday, event, and non-event days, ensuring protocols align with league and regulatory standards.
- Player, Staff, and Guest Safety: Safeguard players, guests, and staff through effective crowd management, threat mitigation, and emergency response planning.
- Horizon Scanning: Constantly review and research developments in stadium and event safety & security so that a long-term strategy is in place to remain at the forefront of best practices.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Coordinate with local law enforcement, emergency responders, and third-party security providers to manage risks and ensure a seamless operation.
- Security Infrastructure: Manage security systems, including CCTV, access control, and incident tracking, to monitor and respond to security events effectively.
- Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and inspire a large team of security staff (both full-time and part-time), ensuring they are trained and motivated to maintain high safety and security standards. Devise wider staff training so that all New York City Football Club staff members can play their part in maintaining a safe environment.
- Compliance and Reporting: Ensure compliance with local and league safety regulations, conducting regular audits and creating after-action reports to drive continuous improvement.
- Networking: Work with other stadium safety & security leads from venues in New York City and across the MLS to understand best practices.
WHO YOU ARE:
- Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Facilities Management, or related field, and/or law enforcement experience.
- Proven experience in safety and security management within high-profile sports, entertainment, or venue environments.
- Experience in vendor contract negotiations and management relating to third-party security providers, including budget controls.
- Background in risk assessment and operational planning, specifically within sports or event settings.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as effective interpersonal skills and conflict resolution skills
- Trained on ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 or be willing to complete with 6 months of employment
- Knowledge of Major League Soccer security protocols and standards.
- Experience in opening new venues or managing large-scale event security.
- Proficiency in strategic planning and budget management.
- Certifications in emergency management (e.g., ICS training).
- Additional language skills (e.g., Spanish) are advantageous but not required.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING:
- Expertise in emergency management, incident response, and critical incident planning.
- Proficiency in security technology, including CCTV and access control systems.
- Excellent leadership skills with experience managing diverse security teams.
- Ability to work collaboratively with law enforcement, security providers, and internal stakeholders.
- Knowledge of crowd management techniques.
- Ability to think strategically and be resourceful, innovative, and forward-thinking.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Applicant must be able to comply with MLS Next Safety and Well-Being policy and any other applicable child safety policies provided to applicants by NYCFC
- Ability to successfully pass a pre-employment background check.
- Must be able to work games scheduled which may be at night and on weekends and holidays
COMPENSATION:
This exempt position has an estimated annual base salary range of $170,000 to $190,000. Final compensation offer amounts are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to demonstrated skill set and years and depth of relevant experience. We welcome direct conversations with each candidate about compensation in all of our initial calls.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Excellent health, dental & vision insurance, with options to fit you and your family’s needs
- Comprehensive and competitive benefit programs, including maternal & paternal leave
- Ancillary benefits: Commuter, gym membership, and Citi Bike discounts
- Your health is important! Our wellness strategy focuses on mental and physical wellbeing through in-office and virtual programs
- Four complementary tickets to every NYCFC home match
- Team outings, happy hours, and annual staff gatherings to celebrate our co-workers
- A dynamic, ambitious, and fun work environment
NEW YORK CITY FOOTBALL CLUB OVERVIEW:
At New York City FC, we are on a mission to build this city into one of the soccer capitals of the world. The Club was announced as Major League Soccer’s 20th franchise and is the first and only MLS team located within the five boroughs of New York City. The Club has qualified for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs eight times over the past nine seasons, winning MLS Cup in 2021. Games are broadcast through MLS Season Pass, the unprecedented subscription service from Apple and Major League Soccer that will have every match of the MLS regular season, Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, and Leagues Cup all in one place and with no blackouts. New York City FC is building New York City’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium, set to open for the 2027 MLS season. For more information, please visit:
www.newyorkcityfc.com.
New York City FC is also one of 13 clubs comprising City Football Group and counts Manchester City FC, Melbourne City FC, Yokohama F-Marinos, Girona FC, Montevideo City Torque, Shenzhen Peng City FC, Mumbai City FC, Lommel SK, ESTAC Troyes, Palermo FC, Bahia, and Club Bolívar among its sister clubs.
We are 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 veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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