EOE STATEMENT:

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reports to VP & COO • Manages Security Supervisors, FLSDs, Bag Checkers

Full-time • On-site • Nights and Weekends Required

Since 1943, New York City Center has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life, bringing the best in music, dance, and theater to all New Yorkers. From the acclaimed Fall for Dance Festival to the Tony-honored Encores!, our iconic midtown Manhattan venue has welcomed legends and rising stars alike to its stage.

We’re seeking a seasoned Director of Security & Safety to lead and oversee the safety and security of our historic theater and the thousands of artists, patrons, staff, and partners who bring it to life. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires strategic thinking, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to service, safety, and accessibility.

What You’ll Do:

• Ensure a secure, welcoming environment for all employees, artists, patrons, and visitors at City Center.
• Lead and manage all security operations, including third-party vendors and frontline staff, with an emphasis on professionalism, hospitality, and efficiency.
• Oversee life-safety systems, including access control, CCTV, fire command, and emergency response procedures.
• Direct the planning and staffing of all security needs for daily operations and events, coordinating closely with internal teams and external partners.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures and emergency protocols, ensuring compliance and regular staff training.
• Serve as a visible, proactive presence during performances and events—supervising security staff and responding to real-time needs.
• Provide strategic counsel to the VP & COO on safety-related issues, budgeting, and long-term planning, including capital improvements.
• Lead safety committees and manage the CPR/AED/First Aid certification program.
• Foster a culture of preparedness, customer service, and accountability across all levels of security staff.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

What We’re Looking For:

• 10+ years of progressive security and safety management experience, preferably in a performing arts or cultural institution.
• Background in law enforcement or similar field is a strong plus.
• Experience leading teams in a unionized environment with a people-first approach.
• Excellent communication skills, sound judgment, and calm under pressure.
• Strong budgeting and administrative capabilities.
• Commitment to upholding anti-racist practices and equity in security operations.
• FLSD license (or willingness to obtain one upon hire).

Why Join Us?

At City Center, you’ll play a vital role in supporting the safety and vitality of a beloved institution. We offer:

• Salary: $120,000 - $140,000
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and life insurance
• Generous paid time off
• Pension plan (fully vested after 5 years) and 401K
• Pre-tax commuter and dependent care savings
• Access to performances, rehearsals, and professional development
• A culture grounded in collaboration, excellence, and care

Ready to take the lead in securing the future of New York’s performing arts?
Apply now and help create a safe, welcoming space for the artists and audiences of tomorrow.

*Please include a cover letter*

FULL-TIME/PART-TIME: Full-Time

SHIFT: -not applicable-

RATE OF PAY: $120k-$140k

NUMBER OF OPENINGS: 1

EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT: Exempt

OPEN DATE: 6/12/2025

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

New York City Center has played a defining role in the cultural life of the city since 1943-making the best in the music, theater, and dance accessible to all audiences. Championed by a staff of passionate arts lovers, this commitment continues through celebrated dance and musical theater series including the Fall for Dance Festival, the Tony-honored Encores!, and the newest series Artists at the Center and City Center Dance Festival. The distinctive neo-Moorish theater in midtown Manhattan welcomes over 300,000 annual visitors to experience internationally acclaimed artists on the same stage that legends like George Balanchine, Leonard Bernstein, Barbara Cook, Martha Graham, and Paul Robeson made their mark. Home to a roster of renowned companies including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Manhattan Theatre Club, City Center's dynamic programming, art exhibitions, studio events, and master classes, are complemented by education and community engagement programs that bring the performing arts to over 11,000 New York City students, teachers, and families each year.

Apply Here


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