Associate Director, Office of Public Safety

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the oldest and best zoos in the nation. At its core lies an abundance of biodiversity, featuring over 400 species of animals and 3,000 plant species. It is also a world-renowned leader in the areas of endangered species reproduction, groundbreaking education collaboratives, and green practices.

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden's Office of Public Safety is the primary entity responsible for the safety and security of the institution's visitors, staff, animals, and assets. We are seeking a seasoned and creative professional to join our agency as Associate Director, Office of Public Safety.

Exercising wide latitude in discretionary decision making and with minimal supervision, the successful candidate will be a solution-oriented, collaborative leader with direct supervisory and management experience. The Associate Director will exercise active oversight of daily operations and provide leadership and support during emergencies.

The position is best suited for candidates who thrive in dynamic settings, are comfortable managing shifting priorities, working in ambiguity, and can consistently deliver high-quality results under time-sensitive conditions. Ideal candidates are those seeking a challenging, growth-oriented position with ongoing operational and strategic responsibilities.

Position Summary: This is a salaried, exempt, full-time position that reports to the Director, Office of Public Safety. This position is responsible for ensuring adherence by public safety supervisors and officers to public safety-related policies and managing all aspects of patrol operations for the overall safety, protection, and safeguarding of Zoo employees, visitors, and assets. The incumbent will collaborate and support the director in reviewing/devising/evolving security strategies, manage a team with 6 direct reports and a variable number of indirect reports, assist with annual budget formulation, and perform other duties as assigned. The successful candidate will demonstrate an effective leadership style that embodies the Zoo's Core Values.

Schedule: 40 hours per week

Specific Duties & Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Supervise and manage the day-to-day operations of the Office of Public Safety.
• Provide guidance and oversight for all public safety supervisors and officers and perform those respective duties if necessary.
• Participates in the personnel processes for full-staff and leads in the selection and hiring of part-time staff. Duties include, but are not limited to: hiring, training, coaching, and supervision of said staff.
• Active member of the Zoo's ACERT (Animal Containment Emergency Response Team) program.
• Investigate and report all noted incidents, hazards, and accidents.
• Oversee the scheduling of public safety coverage, including special duty police if needed, for daily operations and all special events in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Observes and pinpoints patterns in guest activity, first aids and incidents and applies that information to promote enhanced security response/deployment.
• Manage video surveillance, card access control, and key control systems.
• Understand and observe regulatory criteria under USDA and AZA physical perimeter standards.
• Assists with follow-up investigations of previously reported Zoo incidents.
• Participates in training programs, attend industry conferences, and complete special assignments as needed.
• Assist the director in building and cultivating internal stakeholder and community relationships.
• When directed, attend regular meetings with internal and external stakeholders to report on security activities and to listen to participant concerns and formulate strategies to resolve their problems.
• Connect with internal department partners to resolve common issues.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Maintain First Aid, CPR, & AED certification.
• Assume the duties and responsibilities of the director in their absence.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position will be considered.

Education & Experience:

• Associate's degree or at a minimum of 30 college credits required; bachelor's degree preferred in any discipline, preferred.
• Prior direct supervisory/people management experience (not process management) of at least five (5) years required.
• Ability to legally purchase, receive, and handle firearms and is not a prohibited person as outlined in 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) is required.
• Previous experience working in a physical security protection role at a zoo, museum, or library, and/or employee/internal investigations preferred.
• Membership with the Cultural Safeguard Alliance and/or professional security associations is a plus.
• Industry certifications (e.g., ASIS APP/CPP/PSP, IFCPP CIPM) are preferred.
• Strong familiarity around technology including proficiency with MS Office Suite and web platforms.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to develop and maintain respectful relationships with visitors, staff, and the community.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with an insurable driving record.

Working Conditions/Other Requirements: Employment is contingent upon passing a drug & nicotine screen and background investigation. Physically demanding working conditions are inherent in this job while performing the duties of the job. The incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk, drive a patrol vehicle, and utilize manual dexterity to use computer mouse and keyboard and other office equipment. The incumbent may be exposed to outside weather conditions for several hours a day and must be able to lift/move/carry up to 50 pounds without assistance. Schedule variation and extended hours to be expected on occasion.

Key Details & Benefits: This position is full-time/exempt, and eligible for the Zoo's benefit programs for non-union employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package in support of our employees' Total Well-Being including affordable medical, dental & vision coverage; free mental health counseling and coaching, 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; generous paid time off banks; company-paid disability & life insurance; park discounts and free passes.

To Apply: Cover letter and resume should be attached to your online application