Security Supervisor

Security Supervisor

Under the direction of Security Management and the direct supervision of the Security Manager, the Security Supervisor is responsible for providing day-to-day operational leadership and field supervision to Fire Life Safety Directors, Shift Commanders, and Security Officers throughout the School of Visual Arts campus. The Supervisor plays a vital role in maintaining a safe, secure, and professional environment for students, faculty, staff, residents, visitors, and guests. This is a hands-on supervisory position requiring high visibility, active campus patrols, incident response, post order enforcement, and seamless coordination with emergency services and college leadership.

Shift Supervision

• Provide direct oversight, daily briefings, and guidance to Security Officers to ensure post orders are understood and executed, overseeing teams of up to 30 personnel per shift.
• Conduct routing post-inspections to maintain professional standards, uniform compliance, and attentiveness.
• Offer ongoing coaching, address officer concerns, and document performance or conduct issues for management review and direction.

Staffing and Post Coverage

• Ensure all campus security posts are continuously and fully staffed across shifts.
• Manage attendance changes, call-outs, lateness, and meal-break reliefs, and escalate unresolved coverage shortages to Security management.
• Coordinate security operations and coverage for building openings/closings, special campus events, and peak operational needs.

Incident Response and Emergency Management

• Serve as the primary supervisory responder for emergencies, alarms, medical calls, disruptive behavior, and access issues.
• Exercise scene command until relieved by senior management or emergency services.
• Liaise directly with NYPD, FDNY, EMS, Facilities, Residence Life, and Student Affairs to ensure management is notified of significant events.

Building Security and Patrols

• Perform regular inspections and patrols of academic, residential, administrative, and event facilities.
• Verify physical security (doors, exits, locks), monitor compliance with building access, and ensure opening/closing routines are strictly followed.
• Identify and report maintenance, lighting, or equipment hazards.

Access Control and Campus Operations

• Oversee guest and visitor access control procedures and assist officers and campus visitors with entry issues.
• Enforce departmental policies regarding restricted areas, deliveries, after-hours access, and general campus security rules.

Reports, Documentation, and Timekeeping

• Review, verify, and complete daily activity logs, incident reports, shift summaries, and supervisory paperwork for accuracy and completeness.
• Track officer attendance, punctuality, and timekeeping, ensuring all overtime hours are pre-authorized based on operational necessity.

Security Technology and Systems

• Monitor and operate campus security technologies, including video surveillance (CCTV), electronic access control, and alarm systems.
• Review camera footage as directed, assist in preserving evidence of the incident, and promptly report any equipment or system malfunctions.
• Safeguard departmental equipment, keys, radios, and official property.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated and verified by an accredited credential evaluation service, and candidates must provide official verification during the hiring process.
• Experience: Minimum of three to five years (3-5) of security or public safety experience.
• Certifications: Valid New York State Security Guard Registration.
• Language Proficiency: Strong verbal and written communication skills; must be able to speak, read, and write fluently in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two plus (2+) years of supervisory experience in public safety, security, law enforcement, or military operations.
• Previous experience in a college, university, residential, healthcare, or corporate environment.
• Basic computer proficiency and the ability to learn scheduling, timekeeping, access-control, video surveillance, and reporting systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of physical security protocols, public safety management, and emergency response procedures.
• Strong leadership skills to collaboratively lead, train staff, manage schedules, and coordinate operational priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows desktop environments, Microsoft Excel (data entry, basic spreadsheets, and verification), Gmail (managing attachments, organizing communications), and Google Workspace (Calendar, Docs, Sheets).
• Excellent verbal, written, digital, and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external emergency personnel.
• Ability to remain calm, exercise sound judgment, de-escalate high-tension situations, and make critical decisions under pressure.
• Ability to represent the department with professionalism when interacting with staff, students, and visitors.
• Ability to receive, evaluate, and conduct impartial investigations and maintain strict confidentiality regarding security complaints or safety incidents.
• Ability to maintain accurate electronic records with close attention to detail and quickly adapt to new security software, technologies, and digital reporting tools.

Physical Requirements or Working Conditions

• Location: 209 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010 (with travel across the East, West, and Ludlow campus facilities).
• On-Site Requirement: This is a 100% on-site role with no option for remote or hybrid work.
• Schedule Requirements: Full-time schedule, 3:00 - 11:00 pm, Tuesdays through Saturdays. Available to work varied shifts (days, evenings, overnights, weekends, or holidays) based on operational needs.
• Flexibility: Available for 24/7 emergency response, severe weather coverage, and campus special events as needed.
• Physical Requirements:
• Ability to walk, stand for extended periods, climb stairs, and conduct routine building patrols.
• Ability to move quickly and respond promptly to physical incidents, safety hazards, and emergency situations across campus.
• Ability to travel regularly between SVA facilities across the East, West, and Ludlow campuses.
• Must be capable of responding rapidly to incidents and emergency situations across facilities.
• Ability to perform occasional administrative tasks using a computer and office equipment.
• Ability to safely lift, move, and carry packages or security equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.

Application Instructions

• Cover Letter - Describe your interest in the position and how your qualifications meet the stated requirements.
• Resume - Include relevant experience and key responsibilities.

About SVA

For more than seven decades, the School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, a dynamic curriculum, and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. With more than 7,000 students at its Manhattan campus and over 41,000 alumni across 128 countries, SVA represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. For more information about the College's 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, visit sva.edu/academics.

The School of Visual Arts is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion are core principles of the College. SVA's community includes a significant number of people from historically underrepresented communities, ethnic and religious backgrounds, gender identities, and countries of origin, as well as individuals of diverse abilities — and all are encouraged to apply.