Security Supervisor

Stanford University; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 132,810; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University is seeking a Security Supervisor to oversee daily security operations on campus, including staffing, training, and event security planning.

The role requires a mix of leadership, incident response, and effective communication with diverse stakeholders; a non-sworn, unarmed position with shift work.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree with 3 years of security experience or equivalent combination.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience supervising staff and managing security operations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise security staff and provide direction, training, and counseling.
• Coordinate security for events and daily operations.
• Develop and administer departmental budgets for events.
• Maintain incident reports and perform risk assessments.

Skills

Communication skills

Supervision

Security operations

Incident response

Computer literacy

Education

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Word

Excel

Google Sheets

CriticalArc

Job description

Implement and assist in developing effective site security, traffic management, and emergency management/preparedness programs. Manage the daily operations of a security function. The Security Supervisor is a non‑sworn, unarmed position. Security Supervisors wear a uniform and a duty belt with limited gear. Shift work (days, evenings, weekends, including holidays) and outdoor work are required.

Core Duties

• Supervise security staff; provide direction, train, evaluate and counsel.
• Ensure all security personnel are trained and carry out their duties in accordance with established expectations.
• Participate in the recruiting, hiring and training of security employees.
• Establish performance objectives and conduct performance evaluations.
• Provide regular, direct feedback and implement strategies that enhance efficiency and effectiveness of department operations.
• Ensure day‑to‑day operations run efficiently, including ancillary responsibilities such as the foothills recreation area and the bike abatement program; assign personnel as needed.
• Coordinate security for events, exhibits, and day‑to‑day operations.
• Assist, advise and guide departments regarding security regulations and procedures; recommend improvements.
• Plan, coordinate and evaluate special event security; develop and administer special events departmental budget.
• Track incident reporting, generate associated reports, and conduct risk & event‑based physical security surveys.
• Utilize electronic security systems and cameras; send alert messages to the community or subsets and activate a university lockdown.
• Initiate investigations and develop loss reduction procedures.
• Investigate incident reports, observation reports and daily security assignments; ensure proper procedures are followed by all officers on site.
• May oversee security equipment issuance and maintenance.
• Support and contribute to unit and department objectives; perform the duties of a security officer when needed.

Minimum Requirements

Education & Experience: Associate’s degree and three years of relevant security experience, or a combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to coordinate daily activities including work scheduling, quality assurance, program validation, monitoring of security activities, and supervision of personnel.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to interact with a diverse group of people using tact and discretion.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and use sound judgment and independence in determining priorities.
• Willingness and ability to hold others accountable for meeting performance and conduct expectations.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm and make sound decisions during critical incidents.
• Flexibility and calmness in managing a large work volume with minimal supervision under tight deadlines and pressure situations.
• Ability to keep sensitive information strictly confidential at all times.
• Knowledge and understanding of department policies, procedures and General Orders; willingness to embody and promote the university’s values and operating principles.
• Demonstrated skills in basic computer applications (Word, Excel, Google Sheets, CriticalArc) and ability to adapt to new technologies and processes; retrieve and analyze queried information from databases upon request.
• Ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the responsibilities, including interactions with individuals under arrest, injured or in crisis.
• Ability to use a police radio effectively.
• Desire to learn, model and promote the Department’s Core Values.
• Prior supervisory experience preferred but not required.

Certifications and Licenses

• CPR/First Aid Certification.
• Valid California non‑commercial driver’s license.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand/walk, sit, perform desk‑based computer tasks, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, operate foot and/or hand controls.
• Frequently use a telephone/radio, write by hand.
• Rarely kneel/crawl, climb ladders or scaffolds, reach/work above shoulders, grasp forcefully, use a telephone, sort/file paperwork, scrub/sweep/mop, lift/carry/push/pull objects weighing <40 pounds to a height of 18‑24 inches repeatedly.
• Ability to restrain or move an individual, with assistance.
• Vision no more than 20/100 correctable to 20/30 in each eye with normal color vision.
• Normal hearing abilities in each ear.
• Ability to maintain a valid non‑commercial California driver’s license.

Working Conditions

• Requires 24‑hour response availability seven days; must respond to campus when directed, often with little advance notice.
• Must wear personal protective equipment as defined/required by job assignments.
• Exposure to potentially dangerous and adverse conditions, including persons who pose a danger, active laboratories, outdoor work and inclement weather.

Work Standards

• When conducting university business, comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills and ability to work well with colleagues, clients and external organizations.
• Promote a culture of safety: demonstrate commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety, communicate safety concerns, and use safe behaviors.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures.

Special Requirements

• Pass a detailed police background investigation including a search of local, state and national criminal history files.
• Be able and willing to respond to and work large‑scale special events and unplanned critical incidents, sometimes with little advance notice.
• All personnel will be trained to perform duties outside normal day‑to‑day responsibilities, including dispatching, emergency call taking, and special events logistics support.
• Training includes familiarity with the Incident Command System.

Pay Range

$100,000 to $132,810 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimates. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications, departmental budget, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Base pay is one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards.

Job Duties Disclaimer

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility.

Equal Opportunity

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the university will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.