Director of Security

About the role

Chicago Fire FC is seeking an experienced, strategic, and forward-thinking Director of Security to lead a unique opportunity: building and scaling the Club’s safety and security function during a transformational period of growth.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for security operations for Chicago Fire FC, including players, coaches, team personnel, and Club facilities such as the Endeavor Health Performance Center, Soldier Field, Fire Pitch, Wrigley Building office space, club warehouse, and McDonald’s Park
• Build and lead the Club’s security department, including hiring, training, scheduling, and deployment of personnel to ensure comprehensive security coverage and operational readiness leading up to the opening of McDonald’s Park
• Develop and implement comprehensive safety and security strategies, policies, and standard operating procedures across all Chicago Fire FC locations, facilities, and events
• Evaluate, maintain, and regularly drill emergency action plans (EAPs), incident response protocols, crisis management procedures, for a wide range of scenarios including medical emergencies, active threat, severe weather, fire, etc., for all Chicago Fire FC locations
• Partner with stadium development, architects, consultants, and project teams to shape security and life safety design elements for McDonald’s Park
• Provide operational input into CCTV, access control, credentials, perimeter security, command center design, ingress and egress planning, and emergency management infrastructure for McDonald’s Park
• Support safety and security readiness planning for McDonald’s Park commissioning, testing, and opening, including coordination of stakeholders, procedures, and operational response capabilities
• Create short- and long-term security roadmaps aligned with Club growth, league requirements, and best-in-class security standards
• Serve as the Club’s subject-matter expert on safety, security, emergency preparedness, and incident response
• Develop and maintain strong and effective relationships with local law enforcement, local emergency service organizations, Soldier Field, security vendors, and league partners
• Partner cross-functionally with Football Operations, IT, People & Culture, Legal, the property team, and tenants to deliver security training and foster a culture of awareness, preparedness, and accountability
• Ensure compliance with company policies, MLS policies and security requirements, and applicable regulations
• Accurately document, investigate, and record all safety and security incidents and conduct post-incident analysis to strengthen protocols and continuous improvement efforts
• Serve as the lead planner and security responder for events across locations, such as the Endeavor Health Performance Center and Soldier Field, including security coordination, law enforcement support, medical needs, staffing plans, and incident command readiness
• Develop, manage, and monitor the department budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and fiscal accountability
• Lead post-incident reviews and maintain accurate records of incidents, investigations, and corrective actions
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all law enforcement and security relationships
• Help build a culture of safety awareness throughout the Club and at each location
• Ensure all Fire facilities meet applicable local, state, and federal safety codes as well as MLS facility standards
• Complete other duties as assigned in the best interest of Chicago Fire FC
• Establish and maintain stadium and facility safety and security policies and procedures, including access control plans and systems, CCTV and related surveillance technologies, life safety protocols, emergency action plans, drills, emergency messaging systems, and event action plans
• Evaluate, implement, and maintain all physical security protocols for the training facility, including credentialing systems, access control, perimeter control, and surveillance infrastructure for all staff, players, vendors, and media
• Create and implement effective crowd management and crowd control measures to ensure the safety of all attendees, guests, staff, and participants
• Oversee access control systems to ensure appropriate personnel receive the correct access while maintaining the integrity of secure and restricted areas
• Lead all aspects of travel safety and security planning and risk mitigation, including travel with the team as needed, to support the well-being of players, coaches, and team personnel
• Develop protocols for player privacy, anti-paparazzi measures, and public-facing interactions at the facility and during travel
• Manage security logistics for high-profile arrivals, departures, and visits
• Manage relationships with and oversee integration with third-party security vendors at the facility
• Advise on personal security matters for players and staff as needed
• Conduct regular risk assessments and facility safety audits and address any identified gaps

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7+ years of experience overseeing security operations
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience managing internal and external security teams
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey information effectively to a variety of stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to make quick, informed decisions, assess situations accurately, and act promptly with speed and efficiency
• Proven ability to lead in a team environment with a focus on collaboration, communication, and achieving departmental goals
• Experience exercising sound judgment, discretion in managing sensitive or confidential interactions and matters, and flexibility in shifting priorities
• Ability to conduct oneself in a calm and professional manner and de-escalate conflict when dealing with the public and/or difficult situations
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to think strategically and be resourceful, innovative, and forward-thinking
• Must be able to move and/or lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand, walk, and patrol facilities for extended periods of time
• Ability to travel and work weekends and flexible hours as required
• Ability to work non-traditional hours in non-traditional settings, including all home games, traveling for away games (as needed), or other work events that fall on nights, weekends, and/or holidays