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Vice President, Safety and Security

Newark, NJ

WHO WE ARE:

Founded by Josh Harris and David Blitzer, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) includes in its portfolio the Philadelphia 76ers, the New Jersey Devils, Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., the Delaware Blue Coats, the Utica Comets and a variety of other sports and entertainment properties. Led by some of the best and brightest minds in the industry, HBSE positions itself as a pioneering and innovative global sports and entertainment business enterprise. We also strive to positively impact the local communities in which we operate through the powerful platform of sports. HBSE offers an energetic work environment built on collaboration, growth and a quest to excel in everything we do.

As part of its portfolio, Prudential Center in downtown Newark, N.J. annually hosts more than 200 games, concerts, family shows and special events and is a top-5 ranked sports and entertainment venue in the U.S. by Pollstar and Billboard. It is home to the New Jersey Devils, a renowned NHL franchise with three Stanley Cup championships and a proud, passionate fan base. HBSE also owns the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, one of the most storied franchises in American sports, having won three championships led by some of the most iconic athletes in NBA history.

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION:

At HBSE, we are dedicated to hiring the best talent from the communities where we live, work and play – across all groups and levels; supporting and developing every employee to reach their potential; and creating an inclusive environment that allows team members to bring their true authentic selves to work.

Job Description

WHO WE ARE:

Founded by Josh Harris and David Blitzer, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) includes in its portfolio the Philadelphia 76ers, the New Jersey Devils, leading venue Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., the Delaware Blue Coats, the Utica Comets, and renowned esports franchise Dignitas. Led by some of the best and brightest minds across a diverse spectrum of industries, HBSE positions itself as one of the most pioneering, innovative global sports and entertainment businesses to date. HBSE also strives to positively impact the local communities in which it operates through the powerful platform of sports.

HBSE offers an energetic work environment built on collaboration, growth, and a quest to excel in everything we do. Prudential Center in downtown Newark, N.J. hosts more than 175 concerts, family shows and special events annually and is the fourth-ranked sports and entertainment venue in the U.S. by Pollstar and Billboard. It is home to the New Jersey Devils, a renowned NHL franchise with three Stanley Cup championships and a proud, passionate fan base.

The Philadelphia 76ers organization is one of the most storied franchises in American sports, led by some of the best and brightest minds across a diverse spectrum of industries, HBSE positions itself as one of the most pioneering, innovative global sports and entertainment businesses to date. The 76ers have attracted the industry’s top leadership talent from the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, MLS, UFC and NCAA, resulting in one of the most exciting, rewarding, and dynamic work environments within the sports industry. The 76ers offer a best-in-class workplace culture built on collaboration, growth, and a quest to excel in everything we do.OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:

At HBSE, we engage, represent and reflect diverse voices of employees, players fans and communities. We are dedicated to hiring the best talent that is reflective of where we live, work and play – across all groups and levels; supporting and developing every employee to reach their potential; and creating an inclusive environment that allows team members to bring their true authentic selves to work.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Vice President, Safety and Security is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing all safety and security strategies for Prudential Center. This role ensures the protection of guests, employees, performers, athletes and physical assets while maintaining compliance with local, county, state, and federal regulations. The VP will lead a team of security professionals and collaborate with law enforcement, emergency services, and internal departments to deliver a safe and secure environment at Prudential Center for all events and daily operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE BELOW:

Strategic Leadership:

+ Develop and execute a comprehensive safety and security plan for the arena, including event operations and non-event activities.

+ Establish policies and procedures aligned with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

+ Manage, schedule, direct and develop FT staff (2 Directors / 2 Supervisors).

+ Serve as subject matter expert for HBSE projects as necessary

Risk Management & Compliance:

+ Conduct regular risk assessments and vulnerability analyses of arena during event and non-event times.

+ Ensure compliance with OSHA, DHS, NFPA, and other applicable standards.

+ Maintain emergency preparedness plans, including evacuation, shelter-in-place, and crisis response protocols.

+ Work with all vendors to ensure all fire/life safety systems and equipment are always code compliant

Operational Oversight:

+ Create and manage the annual security operating and capital expenditure budgets.

+ Manage all security operations, including access control, credentialing, surveillance systems, fire safety and crowd management for inside facility and outside perimeter of our property line.

+ Oversee contract security personnel and internal staff training programs.

+ Manage in-house 24/7 staffing schedules, post-orders, performance and overhead costs

+ Evaluate the event security contractor SOP’s, contractual obligations, on-site management/supervisors/staff and overall performance. Make the necessary adjustments to ensure high quality execution.

Event Operations:

+ Coordinate with event operations to ensure security measures and staffing levels are integrated into event planning.

+ Coordinate with all local / state / federal agencies and police departments on their staffing levels, positioning, duties and responsibilities for all events

+ Plan and manage owner and VIP (Governor, Mayor, celebrities) arrival, path of travel and departure from arena.

+ Gather intel from appropriate agencies and other arenas for high-risk events

+ Review and audit security screening procedures at all entrances

+ Understand and scrutinize security expenses from 3rd party event security contractor and agency personnel.

Incident Response & Investigation:

+ Lead response efforts for security incidents, emergencies, and critical events including investigations, interviews and camera system review.

+ Conduct post-incident reviews and implement after-action reports.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

+ Serve as primary liaison with local law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, and homeland security agencies.

+ Partner with internal departments to align safety initiatives.

Technology & Innovation:

+ Evaluate and implement advanced security technologies, including surveillance, screening, and threat detection systems.o Stay current on emerging trends in venue security and public safety.

+ Oversee arena access control systems (hard keys and key cards credentials)

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

+ Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in security operations, preferably in sports, entertainment, or large public venues.

+ Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance, emergency management, and risk mitigation strategies.

+ Proven ability to lead large teams and manage vendor/agency relationships.

+ Excellent communication, crisis management, and decision-making skills

+ Certifications such as CPP (Certified Protection Professional), PSP (Physical Security Professional) or comparable certificates are highly desirable.

Core Competencies

• Leadership, team development and nurture relationships with staff (FT/PT).• Strategic thinking and problem-solving.• Crisis and emergency management ability.• Relationship building with law enforcement and regulatory agencies.• Commitment to guest safety and exceptional customer service.• Ability to work long and varied hours including nights, weekends and holidays.• Must have well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to relate to a wide variety of audiences and demonstrate strong communication skills.• Possess strong organizational and time management skills.

KPIs & Performance Metrics to Achieve

• Incident Reduction:o Achieve a year-over-year reduction in security-related incidents by 10–15%.• Compliance Score:o Maintain 100% compliance with OSHA, DHS, NFPA, and local regulations during audits.• Emergency Preparedness:o Conduct quarterly emergency drills with a minimum 95% staff participation rate.• Training Completion:o Achieve 100% completion of annual safety and security training for all staff and contractors.• Technology Implementation:o Beta Test at least one new security technology or system enhancement per year.• Guest Safety Satisfaction:o Maintain a guest safety satisfaction score of 90% or higher in post-event surveys.• Partnership Engagement:o Hold monthly coordination meetings with local law enforcement and emergency services.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

+ Travel Requirements: May be required to travel occasionally, including between HBSE’s various offices; trips may require air travel and/or overnight stay.

+ Work Environment: This position generally requires that work primarily be performed from the Prudential Center and its offices.

+ Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift 50 pounds

BENEFITS:

This position will be an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.The benefits package for the position may include the following, subject to the terms of the then-in-effect Company policies, plan documents and other eligibility criteria:• Medical/Dental/Vision/Flexible Spending Accounts• Pretax Transportation Benefit• Generous Parental Leave policies• 401K (with a company match after 1 year of service)• Generous Paid Time Off policies• 13 Paid Holidays• ½ Day Summer Fridays• Complimentary or Discounted Sports & Concert Tickets• On Site Fitness Rooms• Other League & Partner DiscountsDetails of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

Skills & Requirements