Senior Director, Security Operations

The Senior Director, Security Operations oversees the operations of four Regional Directors and management of the Executive Protection Unit, ensuring comprehensive security coverage across both league-wide operations and executive security functions.

This role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all investigative matters, game integrity and fan conduct programs, and major event security while also managing the protection of Executive Leadership. The Senior Director ensures effective security planning for Executive travel, residences, and public appearances while also directing threat investigations, venue security planning, and emergency response initiatives across the league.

This position requires extensive coordination with law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and NFL executives, balancing operational security priorities with high-level executive protection and investigative responsibilities.

Responsibilities:

Investigations & Security Services:

• Lead and supervise four Regional Directors responsible for investigations, game security, and stadium operations.
• Oversee detailed and complex investigations involving criminal activity, league policy violations, and game integrity concerns, ensuring continuous coordination with the Director of Investigations.
• Direct the implementation of best practices for stadium security, fan conduct, and fair competition initiatives to maintain security and public confidence.
• Develop and oversee major event security planning (e.g., Super Bowl, NFL Draft, International Series) in coordination with clubs and stadium security teams.
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement to enhance security coordination.
• Ensure compliance with NFL Security policies, including Safety Act regulations, stadium security procedures, and emergency preparedness protocols.
• Lead threat assessment and intelligence-gathering initiatives, leveraging public records, social media analysis, and law enforcement resources.
• Provide high-level security briefings to NFL executives, club owners, and security teams.

Executive Protection:

• Oversee the Executive Protection Unit, ensuring comprehensive security for Executive Leadership.
• Direct and approve security planning for Executive travel, including domestic and international assignments.
• Ensure continuous risk and vulnerability assessments are completed for residences, event locations, and public appearances.
• Oversee mail screening, security system evaluations, and background checks for service personnel Executive residence.
• Manage investigations and response protocols related to threats against Executive Leadership, coordinating with law enforcement as needed.
• Select, train, and manage contract security personnel assigned to executive protection, transportation, and additional security needs.
• Ensure discretion and confidentiality in all matters related to executive security.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or at least 12 years of experience in law enforcement, intelligence, or security operations.
• A minimum of 5 years of management experience, leading security teams and overseeing investigative and executive protection functions.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Advanced Degree (Master’s, JD, or equivalent).
• Extensive experience in large event security planning, dignitary protection, intelligence, or counterterrorism.
• Prior experience in sports security, corporate security, or federal law enforcement is highly desirable.

Other Key Attributes / Characteristics:

• Demonstrated expertise in complex investigations, dignitary protection, and stadium security operations.
• Strong background in intelligence gathering and security risk assessment.
• Extensive network of law enforcement and security contacts at local, state, and federal levels.
• Exceptional communication and briefing skills, capable of providing concise, high-level security reports.
• Ability to work under pressure and in high-profile environments, making rapid security decisions as needed.
• Expertise in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and investigative databases.
• Strong interpersonal skills—able to work effectively across all levels of internal and external organizations.
• Must maintain a high level of discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive information related to investigations and executive protection.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Directly manages four Regional Directors and contract security professionals overseeing investigations, game security, and stadium operations.
• Leads and manages the Executive Protection Unit, including full-time and contract security professionals.
• Oversees security personnel selection, training, and performance management for regional and executive protection staff.

Physical Demands:

• Requires long periods of standing, walking, and surveilling in connection with stadium security and executive protection.
• Must maintain physical readiness to respond to security threats as necessary.

Travel:

• Frequent domestic and international travel required (approximately 40%-60%).
• Must be available to travel for major NFL events, investigations, and executive protection assignments as needed.

Terms / Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-time, FLSA-exempt position.
• Requires availability outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• The NFL maintains a Flexible Workplace Policy, prioritizing in-person collaboration while allowing periodic remote work opportunities.
• The NFL is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals.
• This position requires coordination of time off with the Commissioner’s schedule, ensuring security coverage aligns with executive commitments.

The NFL currently maintains a Workplace Policy that provides members of our workforce with opportunities to occasionally work from a location of their choice while maintaining a priority on in-person work at an NFL office, which enables us to more effectively collaborate, connect, and build a workplace culture that will drive our continued success. 

The NFL is committed to building an inclusive work environment that reflects our incredible fan base. We provide an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all employees and applicants without regard to status as protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. 

WHO WE ARE:

NFL Core Values:

• Respect: Everyone matters. We celebrate diverse opinions, honor hard work, and value every contribution.
• Integrity: We do what's right, even when it's tough. We hold ourselves accountable and always follow through.
• Team Responsibility: We support each other and our communities. No one is bigger than the game, and every action impacts others.
• Resiliency: We set high standards, overcome adversity, and adapt to challenges, always striving for excellence.

NFL Leadership Attributes:

• Build Talent: We develop and nurture potential, empowering individuals to grow and succeed.
• Execute: We take action with precision, delivering results that drive our goals forward.
• Inspire: We motivate others through vision, energy, and a commitment to excellence.
• Live Our Values: We embody our core principles in every decision and action.
• Know the Business: We stay informed, understand our industry, and make decisions that strengthen our position.
• Think Big: We challenge the status quo, envision bold possibilities, and strive for transformative impact

WHO YOU ARE:

Talent Attributes:   What we expect for our employees:

• Embody an enthusiastic, proactive can-do attitude 
• Embrace grit, free from ego or entitlement
• Excel as a relationship builder, with the ability to influence
• Eager learner, driven by passion rather than just ambition
• Encompasses an incredible work ethic with an agile mindset