Senior Director, Safety & Security

Become a part of the team behind the team.

As employees of the Portland Trail Blazers at the Rose Quarter, we do more than basketball. We are blazing trails toward winning championships on and off the court.

We are pioneers and innovators. We look for people who push boundaries, who dream, who are committed to inclusivity – who want to contribute to Rip City!

As our Senior Director of Safety & Security, you will provide strategic leadership for all campus‑wide safety, security, and event operations across the Rose Quarter, including the Moda Center, Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and Rose Quarter Commons. In this role, you will help create and sustain a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for our guests, artists, athletes, employees, and partners — ensuring every event and workday is supported by thoughtful planning, strong operational execution, and a people‑first approach to safety.

Reporting to the Assistant General Manager, Event Operations, you will lead 24/7 safety and security strategy, including emergency preparedness, risk management, training, vendor oversight, and compliance with league, regulatory, and industry standards. Serving as the primary liaison with the NBA and local, state, and federal public safety partners, you will play a critical leadership role in protecting people, assets, and the reputation of the Rose Quarter while enabling world‑class events to happen safely and seamlessly.

• Provide visible, values
  -driven leadership for all security operations, setting a tone of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
• Lead, develop, and mentor the safety & security team, fostering a high-performing, inclusive, and engaged team culture.
• Serve as a trusted senior leader within the Rose Quarter, partnering closely with all departments to ensure a strong culture of safety.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within hiring, training, and advancement practices.
• Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and feedback processes to drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee 24/7 campus security operations and event security for all events.
• Lead the development, advancement, and execution of comprehensive event security plans , including coordination with clients, touring teams, and league partners.
• Execute and continuously improve NBA Arena Security Procedures & Guidelines , with the goal of operating a best-in-class security program within the league.
• Manage the relationships & contracts with external security staffing, including off-duty law enforcement, EMTs, K9, security equipment providers, and third-party event security vendors.
• Maintain a visible presence during events and high-impact moments, providing leadership during live operations.
• Own and continuously update the Rose Quarter Emergency Management Program , ensuring alignment with best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Plan, schedule, and support or lead emergency evacuation drills, tabletop exercises, and field training scenarios across all venues.
• Proactively identify security vulnerabilities and operational risks; develop and implement mitigation strategies.
• Lead or oversee investigations related to security incidents, injuries, or policy violations as required.
• Ensure accurate documentation, reporting, and follow-up for incidents, accidents, and claims.
• Oversee the administration and continuous improvement of physical security systems, including access control, video surveillance, alarms, and fire/life safety interfaces.
• Ensure timely, appropriate responses to system activations and that all incidents are documented and reviewed.
• Stay current on emerging security technologies and innovative methodologies, implementing solutions where practical to enhance safety and efficiency.
• Develop and lead a comprehensive internal security training program aligned with industry standards, league requirements, and evolving threat environments.
• Ensure all security personnel receive regular, documented training appropriate to their role and responsibilities.
• Establish and maintain security standards, post orders, and operating procedures across campus and event environments.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the NBA on…