Security Specialist
NJ/NY Gotham FC (“Gotham FC” or “the Club”) is a National Women’s Soccer League (“NWSL”) team representing New Jersey and New York. The team plays at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, NJ. At Gotham FC, we don’t just play soccer; we set trends, challenge the status quo, and lead with bold creativity. While our roots are grounded in the tradition of the beautiful game, everything else about us is fiercely original. We’re here to redefine expectations, break boundaries, and build something that hasn’t been done before. If you’re ready to push the limits and make an impact, you belong at Gotham FC.
About the role
The Security Specialist will support team security operations, providing physical protection and ensuring the safety, privacy, and welfare of players, technical staff, and support staff during training sessions, home matches, away travel, media obligations, and club-related events. This role reports to the Security and Facilities Manager.
Responsibilities
- Close Protection - Provide professional security coverage for players, coaches, and staff during training sessions, matches, travel movements, media appearances, public events, and other club-related activities.
- Facility Operations - Support locker room security, restricted-area access control, credential checks, and coordination with venue security teams to ensure seamless operations at SIS, the training facility, hotels, airports, and other team locations.
- Travel Security - Execute protective advances and assist with safety logistics during domestic and international travel, including airports, lodging, transportation routes, match venues, and team movement coordination.
- Risk Mitigation - Assist in conducting basic threat and vulnerability assessments, identify potential safety concerns, monitor fan interactions, and communicate emerging issues to the Security Manager and/or club leadership in a timely manner.
- Incident Management - Respond to emergencies, de-escalate fan encounters, support crisis response procedures, and complete detailed incident reports for leadership review.
Qualifications
- Prior experience in law enforcement, military, executive protection, venue security, or professional sports security.
- Valid security licensing and successful completion of club pre-employment screening.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, travel days, and matchdays.
- Bilingual preferred.
- Strong communication, judgment, discretion, and de-escalation skills.
- Ability to operate professionally around athletes, staff, executives, media, fans, and families.
- Physical ability to stand for long periods, walk, run, and lift objects up to 50 pounds.
Capabilities & Characteristics
- Ability to work under pressure for non-traditional hours.
- Superb organizational skills and extreme diligence.
- Always have a backup plan and remain adaptable.
- Support the Gotham FC forward vision and community initiatives.
- Maintain a positive attitude and professionalism.
- Work within a multi-disciplinary team and maintain healthy relationships.
- Accept assignments on an as-needed basis based on the Club's operational and event schedule.
- Maintain reliable transportation and be able to report to various team, venue, and travel locations throughout the NJ/NY market with short notice when required.
Location
This position is per diem, based at Gotham FC’s soccer operations office and practice facility in Whippany, New Jersey. The person must be able and willing to attend all Gotham FC home games, away games, and other business-related travel. Gotham FC requires its employees to live within a reasonable commuting distance of its office, practice facility, and Sports Illustrated Arena.
Pay
Salary range: $40–$60 per hour (travel covered only when assigned as part of team travel).
Benefits
- Employee-funded 401(k) option.