Security Manager II

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect, and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.

The Security Manager II ensures a safe and secure environment for all guests, employees, animals, and assets at DZCA while delivering exceptional guest service. This role provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and people-centered leadership. This role is responsible for managing day-to-day departmental functions, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and developing team capabilities. Through collaboration, accountability, and innovation, the Security Operations Manager II ensures the consistent delivery of high-quality security services that protect the Zoo’s people, property, and reputation.

Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you're excited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and coach the Security Manager I, Security Coordinators (Shift Supervisors), and frontline staff across all shifts.
• Oversee the performance, conduct, and effectiveness of the entire campus Security Team, ensuring 24/7 safety for guests, staff, animals, property, and assets.
• Manage daily operations of the Security Department, ensuring timely and accurate execution of zoo-wide security support requests.
• Develop and implement departmental goals, strategies, and performance metrics aligned with organizational values and business needs.
• Approve and oversee all staffing decisions, including recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, payroll, training, and offboarding.
• Conduct regular audits of dispatch logs, patrol reports, site inspections, and departmental documentation.
• Ensure accountability and consistency in supervisory practices, training delivery, and policy adherence.
• Provide administrative support to the Director of Safety & Security and contribute to strategic planning and departmental reporting.

First Responder & Incident Command

• Serve as Manager-on-Duty for the Security Department, supervising frontline operations and responding to incidents as needed.
• Act as on-scene Incident Commander during emergencies, establishing unified command with public safety agencies and operating within the Incident Command System.
• Fill frontline roles when necessary to maintain operational continuity and ensure guest and staff safety.

Security Operations & Risk Management

• Lead the development and execution of the Campus Security Operations Plan and other security-related policies and procedures.
• Respond to all zoo emergencies in accordance with established protocols.
• Review and approve security plans for special events, construction projects, and other campus needs.
• Collaborate and fill in to manage departmental systems, including access control, CCTV, and physical security infrastructure.
• Conduct investigations, manage case workflows, and ensure proper documentation and resolution.
• Partner with public safety agencies to gather and analyze intelligence related to potential threats or hazards.

Training, Development & Preparedness

• Oversee departmental training programs, ensuring content is current, effective, and aligned with operational needs.
• Mentor staff in training, delivery, and support the development of Coordinators and Officer III staff as trainers.
• Collaborate with the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator to plan and evaluate emergency drills and exercises.
• Deliver presentations on safety and security topics to zoo staff and volunteers.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Support other members of the Security leadership team and act as lead in their absence. Contributes to team planning and goal setting; acts as a role model to specialists and officers; supports and participates in departmental professional development; actively participates in schedules and leads meetings as appropriate.
• Uses skills of leadership to lead-the-way for frontline team members and shift supervisors. Is a designated Leader for the department and is expected to perform in a way that motivates and inspires staff.
• Collaborates closely and communicates effectively while partnering with Security leaders as well as leaders from other Zoo teams.
• Represent DZCA to the community in a professional and positive manner.
• Comply with all zoo policies and perform other supportive duties as needed.
• Maintains knowledge of best practices and trends in private security, security management, risk management, training, drills, and exercises.
• As needed, fills in for Security Specialist or Security Officer positions to ensure campus coverage.
• Assist in snow and ice removal.
• Oversees and manages the Security Department’s budget, including allocations for personnel, overtime, uniforms, equipment, fleet operations, and training. Ensures fiscal responsibility and alignment with operational priorities by monitoring expenditures, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and supporting long-term planning. Acts as a good steward of DZCA resources.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
• This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.  
• Performs all other various duties as assigned.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• College degree in business administration, criminal justice, education, or related field and 5+ years of experience required in civilian or military security, safety, loss prevention, law enforcement, public safety, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
• Supervisory and Leadership experience is required in which candidates have directly overseen staff as well as coached, trained, mentored, and provided feedback.
• Experience working in a high-volume, customer-focused venue or attraction, and/or working in a non-profit is preferred.
• Prior experience in military or law enforcement, preferably in a people management role, preferred.
• Prior experience in and/or knowledge of leading 24/7/365 operations in a campus environment, preferred.
• Prior experience managing large teams, preferred.
• Candidates with a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) credential are strongly encouraged to apply.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:

• Proven ability to lead, coach, and mentor diverse teams across direct and matrixed relationships.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in fast-paced environments
• Experience developing and executing strategic goals, managing large-scale teams or programs, and driving continuous improvement.
• Flexible, self-motivated, and collaborative, with experience working in dynamic teams.
• Skilled in managing sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Effective communicator and leader, experienced in engaging and supporting diverse teams across various reporting structures.
• In-depth knowledge of security best practices including access control, emergency preparedness, crisis management, investigations, surveillance, and behavioral assessment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with CCTV, access control, visitor management, and incident documentation systems required.
• Capable of quickly assessing situations, making informed decisions, and maintaining composure under pressure.
• Knowledgeable in local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and policies.

Position Conditions

• To support our security operations, candidates must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check, and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Ability to obtain a Denver Security License.
• Ability to lift to 50 lbs.
• Schedule Availability: Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including at least one weekend day (Saturday or Sunday), with occasional evening and holiday shifts. Participation in a rotating on-call schedule is required. As a 24/7/365 operation, availability across all shifts is essential.
• Must be able to walk (80 acres) and/or stand up to 8 hours daily in adverse outdoor conditions such as cold, rain, snow, or extreme heat.
• Must obtain and maintain certification in Stop the Bleed, First Aid, CPR, and AED (Adult/Child/Infant), including Instructor-level, within three months of hire and throughout employment. Provided and maintained by the organization.
• CompensationThe range for this position is $6,935 - $8,669 (monthly).
• A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits
• Join our One Zoo Team and enjoy a full spectrum of competitive benefits, including:
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
• A Family-Plus DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
• Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking
• And so much more!

Application Process and Timelines

Application Deadline: October 22, 2025. Review of applications will begin immediately.  DZCA reserves the right to close the position prior to this date. 

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status, or any other characteristic protected by law.