Senior Public Safety Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Status: Exempt

Reports to: Director of Public Safety

Department: Safety and Security

Summary/Objective
The Senior Public Safety Manager provides comprehensive leadership and oversight of public safety operations for the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC), including Legacy Arena, Protective Stadium, Uptown, CityWalk BHAM, and associated venues. This position ensures the safety, security, and compliance of all facilities through proactive strategic planning, policy development, and team leadership. The Senior Manager is responsible for managing both administrative and operational functions within the Public Safety department, focusing on staff management, training, and the development of policies, procedures, and standard operating protocols (SOPs).

This role bridges day-to-day operational management with long-term strategic initiatives, supporting the Director of Public Safety in maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and ensuring guest and visitors have a safe and secure experience. The position is responsible for departmental policy and procedure creation to meet regulatory requirements for the safety of patrons such as ADA and crowd control plans. The position will assist the Director of Public Safety with the day-to-day safety and security operations functions including, hiring, supervisor, training and 3rd party subcontractor liaison and coordination.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Demonstrates understanding and full performance ability in each of the following:

LEADERSHIP & STAFF MANAGEMENT

• Lead, coach, train and mentor public safety managers, supervisors, and staff to ensure professional conduct, operational readiness, and superior service delivery.
• Oversee daily scheduling, supervision, and performance evaluations of department employees, ensuring adequate coverage across all venues and events.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement across all safety and security operations.

• Builds and maintains good relationships with the City of Birmingham (BPD), Traffic Engineering Department and the Street Department. Coordinates support for events that will have an impact traffic flows around the facility. Manages traffic plans with BPD accordingly.
• Manage incident report writing protocols and training for the BJCC and subcontractor staff.

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT & POLICY DEVELOPMENT

• Develop, implement, and manage departmental policies, procedures, and SOPs aligned with BJCC’s mission, goals, and compliance requirements.
• Manage the maintenance of the departmental records including incident reports, staff certifications, training logs, and safety audits.
• Assist with overseeing and monitor departmental budgets, payroll, and vendor contracts related to public safety services.
• Prepare regular reports, analysis, and after-action reviews to inform leadership of operational effectiveness and areas of improvement.
• Exceptional understanding of organizational mission, policies, procedures and programs to deliver strategic comprehensive safety risk assessment and loss prevention efforts.
• Maintains data base for safety and security incidents cases; works closely with Human Resources.
• Proficient in incident reporting, incident management software and platforms and computer savvy.
• Produce after action reports and assists the Director with analysis from day-to-day operations and events.

SAFETY, SECURITY, AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

• Lead comprehensive safety and risk assessments across all venues and operations.
• Assist with developing and maintaining emergency response plans, evacuation procedures, and incident command systems.
• Serve as a key liaison between BJCC and local law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical agencies.
• Oversee implementation and management of physical security systems, including access control, CCTV, and radio communications.
• Support the Director in the development of large-scale event safety plans, ensuring appropriate staffing, communication, and contingency planning.

• Responsible for identifying and reporting high-risk areas that could cause harm to customers, visitors and employees, makes recommendations regarding prevention.

• Demonstrates an ability to assist with the development of emergency evacuation programs and evacuation training.

STRATEGIC PLANNING & COMPLIANCE

• Collaborate with the Director of Public Safety to develop and execute long-term public safety strategies and goals. Participates in disaster recovery planning for the facility.
• Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA standards, ADA requirements, NFPA codes, and other regulatory obligations.
• Research and recommend new technologies, best practices, and training programs to enhance departmental efficiency and safety outcomes.
• Develop and administer department and company-wide training programs to improve readiness, including emergency response, active threat, and crowd management training.
• Actively participates on the BJCC safety committee.
• Assist with assessing, designing and implementing alternative safety risk management and mitigation techniques, strategies and measures. Monitors the effectiveness of techniques and makes changes as required.

EVENT OPERATIONS & COORDINATION

• Participate in pre- and post-event planning meetings, review event safety plans and documentation.
• Manage event-day safety and security operations, ensuring clear communication between staff, contractors, and external agencies. Reviews event documents and follow-up to resolve issues.
• Evaluate incident trends, identify vulnerabilities, and implement corrective action to mitigate future risk.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external partners on traffic management, pedestrian safety, and venue ingress/egress.
• Manages essential event day safety and security functions. Coordinates operations with BJCC and contractors. Directs facility command centers to ensure public safety and security.
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies
Accountability, Interpersonal Skills, Customer Service, Communication, Active Listening, Conflict Management, Risk Assessment, Project Management, Safety Focus, Strategic Thought, Job Knowledge, Problem Solving, Employee Development, Fiscal Accountability, People Management, Business Alignment, Training and Development.

Work Environment
This position may have a moderate to extensive stress level associated with responding to emergency situations, dealing with the public and prioritizing responses. The environment is mainly indoors, however position may be required to work outdoors and exposed to the elements (heat, rain, etc.).

Physical Demands

Position requires calm and professional response in a crisis or stressful situation. Must have the ability to hear and communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. Duties require extended periods of sitting. Limited amount of physical effort such as walking, standing, climbing, bending, stooping, squatting and kneeling. Ability to lift up to 30lbs with or without assistance, while maintaining good balance. Must be flexible enough to reach above shoulder level and be able to push and pull for brief periods of time.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position; hours of work must be flexible and varied to meet the demands of the events of the facility. Must be able to work extended and/or irregular hours including day, nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

Required Education and Experience

• Minimum of ten (10) years related knowledge, experience and skills in related work, risk management, emergency services, security, law enforcement or military with at least three (3) years in a supervisory capacity preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with an emphasis Criminal Justice or other undergraduate degree such as Public Administration preferred.
• Certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC) preferred.
• Graduation from IAVM’s Academy for Venue Safety and Security (AVSS), Venue Management School (VMS at Oglebay), or Venue Management School Graduate Institute is a plus.
• Valid State of Alabama Driver License.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Alabama Criminal Codes; City of Birmingham Ordinances; safety and security procedures
• Must possess superb verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly speak and write English
• Knowledge of rules and regulations governing vehicle traffic movement, parking, control of visitor traffic/crowd management, parking, safety and fire and disaster control procedures.
• Ability to react calmly, quickly and efficiently in emergency situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, the public, show promoters, other groups using the BJCC facilities and other law enforcement agencies.
• Ability to give clear, accurate and precise directions to subordinate personnel.
• Skills in investigative procedures and report writing.
• Visual acuity to see and monitor multiple cameras
• Ability to use good judgment, problem solve and think critically in all matters
• Ability to independently initiate, plan, meet deadlines and coordinate multiple projects and programs ranging from routine to more complex. Makes decisions independently and as a part of the group decision-making process.
• Ability to identify hazards and analyze risk sources to mitigate and respond to potential liabilities.
• Exceptional leadership skills and strategic decision-making skills.
• Must have excellent computer skills to include Microsoft office including Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher and PowerPoint.