Director of Security

Director of Safety & Security

The Classic Center & Akins Ford Arena | Athens, GA Full-Time | Exempt

The Classic Center is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Safety & Security to lead all safety, security, emergency preparedness, and risk management operations across our entire campus, including The Classic Center, Akins Ford Arena, and associated facilities. This role serves as the primary liaison with local, state, and university law enforcement agencies and is responsible for ensuring a safe and secure environment for guests, employees, clients, performers, and visitors.

Reporting to the General Manager of Theatre & Ancillary Services, the Director will oversee all in-house security personnel, contracted security staff, law enforcement partners, EMT services, and event security operations.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead all safety, security, and emergency management initiatives across The Classic Center campus and Akins Ford Arena.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve security policies, emergency response plans, and safety procedures.
• Coordinate security staffing and operational plans for events of all sizes.
• Serve as the primary contact for ACC Police, University of Georgia Police, state agencies, fire services, and emergency responders.
• Manage incident response, investigations, documentation, and follow-up reporting.
• Oversee risk management efforts, safety drills, OSHA compliance, CPR/AED training programs, and emergency preparedness exercises.
• Manage CCTV, access control systems, facility security technology, and key/card access programs.
• Supervise security staff, scheduling, hiring, training, performance management, and departmental budgeting.
• Collaborate with Operations, Event Services, and Venue Management teams to ensure event safety and crowd management.
• Provide leadership during critical incidents utilizing Incident Command System (ICS) principles

What We’re Looking For:

• Minimum four (4) years of supervisory experience in law enforcement, venue security, public safety, emergency management, or a related field.
• High School Diploma or GED required; additional education in Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Public Safety, or related fields preferred.
• Experience developing security procedures, emergency response plans, and safety training programs.
• Working knowledge of CCTV systems, access control systems, OSHA standards, and incident management best practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Windows-based computer systems.
• Ability to walk large venues, work flexible schedules including nights and weekends, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

The candidate who is selected for this position will have to successfully pass a drug screening and a criminal background check.

The Classic Center's EOE Statement

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), and consistent with this policy, The Classic Center makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities unless such accommodations would cause the employer an undue hardship. The ADA defines a disabled person as an individual who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

The Classic Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local law, including, but not necessarily limited to, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information. The Classic Center is committed to maintaining a work environment that is free of inappropriate or unlawful conduct. In keeping with this commitment, The Classic Center will not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or the unlawful treatment of employees or applicants. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.