LJA Mission Statement:
The mission of Lake Junaluska is to be a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body.
Located in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, Lake Junaluska Assembly (LJA) plays a vital role by providing a location for training, gathering and personal renewal. Each year Lake Junaluska will host over 200,000 guests who are engaged in spiritual training, recreation or renewal events and activities. Our guests include religious, non-profit and secular groups. We are also a residential and vacation community.
Position Summary:
The Chief Security Officer is responsible for overseeing all aspects of LJA’s security operations and strategy. This role provides strategic guidance and leadership to ensure the safety and security of staff, visitors, assets, and property. The Chief Security Officer provides strategic direction, leads the security team, ensures compliance with laws and protocols, and fosters a culture of safety throughout LJA. The Chief Security Officer may also cover security shifts as needed, respond to on-call requirements, and provide hands-on supervision and training in support of security staff during operational needs, functioning as a working supervisor.
Essential Functions
Develop and implement a comprehensive security strategy aligned with business objectives.
Partner with executive leadership to address security concerns and collaborate across departments for effective solutions.
Responsible for overseeing all aspects of LJA’s security efforts; establishing and enforcing security protocols to prevent crime on LJA property.
Respond to emergency situations in order to provide appropriate solutions and provide crisis management guidance.
Partner with the Director of Assembly Public Works to interview, hire, onboard, train and develop a qualified and effective team of security staff.
Supervise a team of security professionals, both armed and unarmed; to include scheduling, time card approvals, effectively managing overtime, and staff training/development efforts.
Delegate and coordinate complicated tasks with appropriate staffing levels and direction.
-
Cover security shifts as needed, respond to on-call requirements, and provide hands-on supervision during operational needs, functioning as a working supervisor.
Partner with the Director of Assembly Public Works to develop and manage the department’s security budget, ensuring efficient and effective use of resources.
Monitoring security systems; alarms, surveillance cameras, and access control systems to ensure they are working properly.
Reviewing physical security measures for adequacy; locks, gates, fences, and lighting.
Ensure all security personnel receive proper training and remain certified in their duties.
Promote continuous learning and readiness across the security team; including safety procedures and certifications, situational awareness, and emergency protocols.
Developing security plans for major events such as concerts or conventions and determine the best course of action to keep the organization and all personnel safe.
Conducting ongoing risk assessments to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities in the workplace, and developing security measures to mitigate them.
Develop emergency response protocols and ensure they are tested and understood by relevant personnel.
Maintain positive relationships and open lines of communication with local law enforcement.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must have completed NC Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) or be certified through NC Private Protective Services (NCPPS).
At least 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in security operations, law enforcement, or military service; with a preferred minimum of 2–3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Demonstrated understanding of physical security systems, emergency response protocols, and threat assessment methodologies.
Demonstrated familiarity with local, state, and federal laws related to security, privacy, and workplace safety.
Demonstrated understanding of financial planning, cost control, and procurement related to security and staffing.
Strong skills in crisis management; risk assessment, emergency response, and interagency coordination.
Must be able to interact with guests as well as staff from other departments
Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.
Must be flexible and work well under pressure.
Must have demonstrated good communication skills, client relation skills, and a commitment to providing responsive and conscientious customer service.
Able to prioritize tasks, organize daily activity and to be able to multi-task projects/tasks.
Must be flexible and able to adapt to changing needs, multiple task demands, and work structures.
Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, emails, and memos.
Ability to effectively present job related information upon request to guests, residents , and employees of the organization.
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule; including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
Performance/Success Factors
Be punctual to work and other related functions; perform well in a team environment; complete work in a timely, accurate and thorough manner; conscientious about assignments and be able to prioritize daily tasks and events.
Must be a team player and cooperate with all staff.
Must be a self-starter, and able to work both independently and within the framework of a team.
Ability to receive guidance with respect to general objectives; in the majority of tasks and projects assigned, occasionally determine methods, work sequence, scheduling and how to achieve objectives of assignments; operate within specific policy guidelines.
Strive for excellence in service with all tasks and/or duties.
Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals.
Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill in a positive, professional manner
Maintain all required certifications for the role.
Working conditions
Performing moderate to extensive physical activities primarily of a law enforcement/security nature.
Working outdoors exposed to extreme elements (ex. heat/cold/wind/rain. snow), at times will be in an enclosed vehicle protected from extreme weather conditions.
Work in wet or humid conditions, near moving mechanical parts, in high precarious places, with potential exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and very loud noises.
Manual dexterity sufficient to reach/handle items, using hands/fingers to perceive attributes of objects and materials.
Ability to communicate and hear staff and customer requests or complaints.
Must be in good physical condition; able to lift, carry, drag or otherwise move and position objects weighing up to 100 pounds.
Be able to see up close (at 20 inches or less) and at a distance of 20 feet or more, good peripheral vision and depth perception required to coordinate work.
Work around guns and other weapons; also driving in hazardous traffic conditions.
Lake Junaluska is an Equal Opportunity Employer
