Director of Security | Full Time | Ryan Field at Northwestern University

Company Overview

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world‑class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents.

Position Summary

The Director of Security is responsible for managing a team of Guest Services & Security managers and all part‑time Security Supervisors, Guards, Guest Services Supervisors, and Event Staff. The primary responsibility is ensuring a safe, secure, welcoming, and comfortable entertainment experience for our guests by planning, monitoring, directing, delegating, controlling, and managing all functions of the guest services & security department. Responsibilities include personnel management, risk management, loss prevention, fire/life safety, security/safety training, guest services oversight, investigations, working with show touring Security counterparts, budgeting, lost and found, customer service, emergency preparedness, and disaster prevention. The role offers a yearly salary of $110,000–$120,000 and is bonus eligible.

Benefits (Full‑Time)

Health, Dental and Vision insurance; 401(k) savings plan with matching; paid time off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays). The position will remain open until September 18, 2026.

About The Venue

The new Ryan Field will create a world‑class home for Northwestern University Athletics and a best‑in‑the‑nation football experience for fans, players, and a year‑round asset for the community.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all physical security systems in the venue, including camera systems, access control, radio communications, and security software systems.
• Hire and effectively manage a team of full‑time and part‑time employees providing 24/7 building security coverage and event needs.
• Develop and maintain security and guest services policies and standard operating procedures.
• Establish positive and collaborative relationships with all internal departments and government entities, including Police, Fire, EMS, etc., and schedule services as necessary.
• Schedule security and guest services vendors (equipment, K‑9, patrols, lost and found) as necessary.
• Review and update the facility Emergency Response Plan manual and quick guide, and lead and manage all aspects of emergency preparedness programs and training.
• Manage budget, approve purchases, and negotiate vendor contracts for security programs. Evaluate requests for security support or supplies.
• Manage guest inquiries and respond to guest complaints and security concerns to prevent future issues.
• Serve as primary security contact to event management personnel during assigned events.
• Adopt a customer service philosophy and public relations approach to the performance of all duties and establish and promote this philosophy to guest services and security staff.
• Plan and provide comprehensive training for guest services and security staff.
• Responsible for managing and developing employee performance with the assistance of HR.
• Track attendance of staff according to attendance policy.
• Oversee all aspects of employee personnel, including but not limited to hiring, disciplining, scheduling, and payroll.
• Be present for events and other major events/games at Ryan Field.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university/school.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience managing security operations in an arena, stadium, or similar public assembly facility.
• Previous law enforcement experience is preferred but not required.
• Experience communicating and working as a liaison with government resources, including police and fire departments, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and other local/state/federal resources.
• Thorough knowledge of physical security systems, including CCTV, access control systems, walk‑through metal detectors, and radio communication systems.
• CPR/AED/First Aid Certification preferred.
• Ability to function in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment and must possess strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including overnights, weekends, and holidays, as required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Must be self‑motivated and have excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while also fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to lift and move objects and perform physical tasks as required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.