Assistant Director of Security

POSITION SUMMARY
 
The Assistant Director of Security will support the Director of Security to develop, implement, and manage safety and security programs for the Empire State Building, the Empire State Building Observation Deck, and assigned ESRT properties. The position supports a 24/7 operating environment and works with contracted security personnel, Property Management, Engineering, IT, Observation Deck Operations, tenants, vendors, and public-safety partners to maintain consistent procedures, reliable security systems, prompt incident response, effective project execution, and coordinated event coverage.

RESPONSIBILITIES

SECURITY, LEADERSHIP, AND DAILY OPERATIONS:

- Serve as the Director of Security's operational delegate when specifically assigned or when established by management, exercising delegated decision-making and escalation authority in accordance with company policy

- Assist the Director of Security in overseeing the contracted security program, including account management, supervisors, officers, the Security Operations Center, visitor services, and assigned specialty services such as K9 coverage

- Review staffing, post coverage, shift and incident reports, alarms, operational exceptions, and service performance; address or escalate gaps and confirm required corrective follow-up

- Conduct property walkthroughs with management teams, respond to tenant and operational security concerns, and translate findings into assigned actions, service requests, project follow-up, or recommendations to the Director of Security

- sion of the staff and maintenance of Security Operations Center and the electronic camera systems

- Attend meetings with company managers on updated duties and responsibilities

- Daily training regarding the x-ray machines and magnetometers and functionality of equipment

- Ensure that all personnel are dressed in proper uniform and confirm to ESRT standards

EMERGENCY RESPONSE, INVESTIGATIONS, AND REPORTING:

- Respond to security emergencies and support applicable emergency action and crisis-management plans within assigned responsibilities, including timely notification and escalation to the Director of Security and senior property management

- Lead or support security incident reviews and investigations as assigned and within delegated authority; review surveillance video, preserve authorized evidence, prepare factual reports, and coordinate confidential follow-up with Security leadership, Human Resources, Legal, insurers, law enforcement, or other authorized parties as appropriate

- Ensure incidents are documented in designated reporting systems and required communications; review authorized requests for security records or access data, validate business purpose and approval, and coordinate resolution of reporting-access, device, or training barriers

ACCESS CONTROL, SOC OPERATIONS, AND SECURITY TECHNOLOGY:

- Oversee the security aspects of building identification-card processes, visitor access, contractor and freight-entry procedures, and related approvals; maintain workable verification and communication procedures during system changes or outages

- Oversee SOC operations and the operational readiness of video, alarm, analytics, incident-reporting, and other electronic security systems; reinforce effective communication and response between SOC operators and field personnel

- Coordinate with IT, Engineering, property teams, and vendors on video management, access control, visitor management, doors, intercoms, turnstiles, electronic locks, elevator-related access controls, and other security technology initiatives

- Support evaluation, implementation, and operational testing of security technologies; track project scope, quotations, dependencies, approvals, installation milestones, commissioning, acceptance, and ongoing vendor follow-up, clearly distinguishing proposed work from authorized commitments

PROCEDURES, TRAINING, AND PREPAREDNESS:

- Review and maintain security manuals, post instructions, standard operating procedures, SOC duty descriptions, and escalation protocols; recommend changes and implement approved updates

- Coordinate supervisor and officer training on approved procedures, security systems, screening processes, and site-specific operating requirements, and maintain evidence of distribution, training, and acknowledgment

- Support security participation in fire and life-safety activities, emergency preparedness, exercises, external assessments, and public-safety training in accordance with site requirements and assigned responsibilities

EVENTS AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

- Coordinate security planning for tenant events, Observatory activities, VIP and dignitary visits, media or lighting events, and other scheduled operations; confirm staffing, operational contacts, arrival procedures, access requirements, communications, and escorts as appropriate

- Maintain working relationships with law-enforcement, fire, emergency-management, government security, property, tenant, and vendor partners; share actionable information through approved channels and coordinate required follow-up

- Support Property Management during demonstrations, protests, public-space conditions, or other emerging concerns by documenting observations, coordinating proportionate operational responses, and escalating issues as appropriate

ADMINISTRATION AND BUDGET SUPPORT:

- Support periodic review of contracted security services, including service levels, compliance, recurring needs, performance issues, and recommended revisions

- Review and approve contractor timecards, invoices, service records, purchase requests, and other authorized expenses within expressly delegated authority; document discrepancies and escalate items outside assigned approval limits

- Support recurring-cost forecasts, capital planning, vendor-quote review, and project budgeting; maintain current contact lists, project records, approved procedures, decision histories, and handoff documentation in company-approved systems to support continuity of operations

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

- Reliable daily security operations in a 24/7 environment, effective support to the Director of Security, and readiness to exercise clearly delegated operational authority when required

- Timely response, notification, documentation, follow-up, and closure or escalation of incidents, alarms, service faults, project actions, and corrective measures

- Consistent contractor and SOC performance, complete incident records, approved procedures, training acknowledgments, and compliance with contractual and company standards

- Coordinated event and visitor operations, responsive tenant service, productive public-safety relationships, dependable vendor follow-through, and accurate project, cost, approval, and acceptance records

REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES

- Ability to support emergency action and crisis-management plans, assess changing conditions, and make sound operational decisions under pressure within delegated authority

- Demonstrated experience overseeing third-party security services and holding service providers accountable for staffing, performance, documentation, training, and corrective action

- Ability to assess incidents, lead or coordinate investigations as assigned, preserve confidential information, and write clear reports, procedures, recommendations, and operational communications

- Practical knowledge of SOC operations, access control, video systems, visitor management, electronic incident reporting, security analytics, and security technology project coordination

- Strong communication and service judgment with tenants, visitors, executives, contractors, employees, vendors, and public-safety partners, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, approvals, and budget inputs

- Ability to work effectively in a 24/7 operating environment and respond after hours when business, event, project, or emergency conditions require

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

- Bachelor's degree in security management, criminal justice, emergency management, business, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience may be considered

- Progressive experience in corporate, commercial-property, public-venue, law-enforcement, public-sector, or comparable security operations, including responsibility for security services and cross-functional coordination

- Experience supporting a large, high-profile, 24/7 office, mixed-use, public-venue, or comparable operating environment strongly preferred

- Professional training or experience in law enforcement, emergency preparedness, corporate security, or a related discipline preferred when relevant to the role

- Relevant security, emergency-preparedness, fire/life-safety, or public-safety certifications and training may be preferred or required based on assigned responsibilities and site requirements

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

At ESRT, like our tenants, our employees come from everywhere. We foster a collaborative work environment that captures top talent and cultivates the best ideas. As a Great Place to Work® Certified employer, we are committed to maintaining our positive work culture where employees are engaged and can grow and develop. In addition, ESRT employees embody our Company Culture & Success Factors -

- Adaptable – you are a self-starter who’s able to quickly digest and execute new processes to work both collaboratively and independently

- Dynamic – you are solutions-oriented, aim to improve processes and implement efficiency, and offer insightful feedback to improve ESRT

- Dependable – you take a strong sense of ownership and accountability over your work

- Passionate – you keep up with industry trends and are excited about the potential to propel the industry forward with a “roll-up-your-sleeves” attitude

- Curious – you consistently look for new ways to work smarter, not just harder

- Ethical – you treat others with respect, act with integrity in how you perform your work, and embrace our collaborative culture

- Positive – you possess a service-oriented attitude with excellent follow through

BENEFITS

- Competitive base salary and bonus

- Health/Dental/Vision insurance

- Company sponsored Life, AD&D, STD (with Salary Continuation), and LTD Insurance

- Voluntary Enhanced LTD Program

- Voluntary Hospital, Accident, and Cancer Programs

- 401(k) with 100% match up to 5%

- Paid parental leave

- Pre-tax transit accounts

- Employee Assistance Program for emotional, financial, and legal support

WELL-BEING

- Generous paid time off

- Flex Summer Fridays

- Employee engagement programs

- Volunteer time off

- Continuing education

- Complimentary Empire State Building Observatory access

- Complimentary gym membership and other wellness benefits

- Employee Discount Programs

ESRT is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because they drive curiosity, innovation, and the success of our business. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, reproductive choices, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, caregiver status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue hardship for the Company are available for applicants and employees with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs.

Salary is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, job location, size of property where applicable, and/or certifications. In addition to your base salary, ESRT provides discretionary annual bonuses.