University of South Florida

Job Description

The Director of Physical Security Systems and Event Compliance leads the University of South Florida’s integrated physical security technology strategy and ensures institutional compliance in the coordination and execution of campus events. This role is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of all safety infrastructure, including surveillance systems, access control, and emergency response technologies, while also supervising the Manager of University Event Strategy & Policy. This integrated structure ensures that both technical systems and public events are managed with the highest standards of safety, consistency, and compliance across all campuses.

Responsibilities

Physical Security Leadership:

• Directs planning, implementation, and maintenance of campus-wide physical security technologies and protocols, including video surveillance, access control systems, Blue Light Phones, and CPTED assessments.

Event Oversight & Integration:

• Supervises the Manager of University Event Strategy & Policy to ensure alignment between safety operations and event execution. Collaborates on university event policies, high-profile event logistics, and large-scale gathering safety measures.

Strategic Planning:

• Develops and leads security master planning efforts in collaboration with University Police, Facilities Management, IT, and Emergency Management. Aligns event and safety infrastructure to support strategic institutional goals.

Infrastructure & Risk Assessment:

• Oversees risk assessments of critical infrastructure and maintains incident prevention plans in coordination with internal and external partners. Maintains and manages key security-related databases.

Policy Development:

• Crafts and revises policies governing the use of security systems, space planning for events, safety compliance for gatherings, and technology procurement and usage.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Serves as the senior liaison for safety-related project coordination with vendors, state and federal agencies, and internal partners. Ensures consistent implementation of a OneUSF strategy across campuses.

Grant & Budget Management:

• Identifies and applies for safety and security grants. Prepares and manages budgets for both security infrastructure and strategic event support.

Special Events & Emergency Support:

• Provides safety-related leadership and direct support for major events, including commencements, athletic events, high-profile speakers, and emergency incident

response.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directly supervises the Manager of University Event Strategy & Policy.
• Provides performance oversight, guidance, and alignment of event strategy with security infrastructure.
• May oversee additional staff related to access control or event coordination processes.
• May oversee technical or IT personnel assigned to support physical security infrastructure, systems maintenance, or related technology projects.
• Has direct supervision of personnel assigned to the key shop and its operations.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Special Skills:

• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and projects.
• Familiarity with public safety technologies and event safety protocols.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in physical security, public safety, or institutional operations.
• Minimum of 3 years in a supervisory/leadership capacity.
• Experience coordinating large-scale institutional events is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASIS certifications (e.g., PSP, CPP).
• Demonstrated experience integrating safety planning with institutional operations.
• Knowledge of higher education security challenges and stakeholder engagement strategies.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

This position requires a Level 2 Criminal History Background Check and a Drug Screen.

Office environment with regular travel between campuses.

Requires some evening or weekend availability to support events.

Occasional physical exertion and lifting up to 20 lbs.

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Contact the USF ADA Lead (hr-ADA-Request@usf.edu) to coordinate your accommodation request.

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Read Full Description