SUMMARY
The Director of Security leads all Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo security functions within the Operations Division. The role develops and executes comprehensive security strategies; directs day-to-day security operations, staffing, and physical security; and implements security measures that support safe Showtime and non-Showtime operations.
The position oversees the Show’s First Responders designation and partners with law enforcement and first responders and the Medical and Safety Committee to coordinate emergency response, medical services, and safety initiatives. The role helps minimize risk, strengthen access control, and maintain a safe, welcoming environment for guests, volunteers, and staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:
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Direct security staffing and operations for Showtime and non-Showtime related events, including post orders, briefings, incident response, and after-action improvements.
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Implement and continuously improve security measures across venues and events, including ingress/egress, perimeter controls, parking, and transportation interfaces.
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Develop, maintain, and exercise emergency action and response plans (e.g., EMS, evacuation/relocation/lockdown, crisis communications, business continuity), including committee-specific plans.
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Maintain readiness, ensure post-event corrective actions, drive continuous improvement and establish measurable and meaningful performance metrics for all areas of security and safety performance.
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Serve as primary contact and relationship holder with local, state and federal public and private law enforcement and emergency services including: HPD, HCSO, METRO PD, TxDPS, HFD, HCFD, DHS, FBI, FEMA, etc.
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Oversee credentialing and access controls, including background checks and investigations as appropriate.
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Serve as primary liaison with internal stakeholders (including the Medical and Safety Committee) and public/private partners to coordinate security and first-responder operations and unified response.
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Lead annual and ongoing threat, vulnerability, and risk assessments; develop mitigation strategies; and partner with law enforcement and public safety agencies on pre-event assessments.
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Deliver recurring safety training for staff, volunteers, and contractors (e.g., workplace violence prevention, de-escalation, first aid/CPR/AED, incident reporting).
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Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations; stay current on industry standards and recommend updates.
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Manage the annual Security and Safety budget, including procurement and contract-related needs.
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Provide security planning and support for all Rodeo divisions, departments, and committees.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
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Directly supervise one or more full-time employees and temporary/seasonal employees.
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Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.
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Responsibilities include training, planning and assigning work, directing day-to-day activities, and addressing personnel complaints and resolving problems.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university is preferred or 4 years of directly related relevant work experience in the place of a degree.
5-7 years of relevant experience in law enforcement, security operations, public facilities and or event security are required.
5-7 years of relevant experience working directly with local/state/federal law enforcement leadership.
Requires previous security experience in an outdoor facility, fair, festival, or sporting event environment.
Must possess experience in the following areas to include operational characteristics:
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Public facility and/or corporate operations, security and safety.
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Large scale public event security experience.
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Crowd management and crowd control experience.
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Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
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Experience in corporate, law enforcement or criminal investigations.
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Ability to supervise and effectively direct large-scale staffed security operations.
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Certification in National Incident Management System (NIMS) 100/200, 300/400, and 700/800.
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Proficient in written and oral communication and comfortable with public speaking and providing direction in emergency response situations.
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Ability to recognize potential security threats based on information from law enforcement agencies.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
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Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
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Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
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Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
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Requires proficiency in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and Outlook. Netsuite experience is helpful but not required.
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Requires the ability to manage multiple tasks and shift of focus on a regular basis.
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Prior supervisory or management experience and negotiating skills preferred.
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Must possess the ability to interact with all levels of people, both within and outside of the organization, and demonstrate a high level of customer service skills.
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Must possess excellent organizational and communication skills, oral and written, and the ability to be flexible and productive in a fast-paced environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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The employee may be required to sit, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. During the Show, the employee may be required to frequently walk to various places on the grounds.
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The employee may be required to lift and/or move 25 or more pounds.
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Extended work hours required, especially during peak periods. The employee may be on feet for up to sixteen hours per day during set-up and the Show.
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While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to dust, chemicals, and animals at various times.
