Security Director

American Dream, developed by Triple Five Group, is an unparalleled mix of world-class entertainment, retail, and dining, comprising more than 3 million square feet just minutes away from New York City in East Rutherford, New Jersey. American Dream is home to leading attractions, including DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Big SNOW Ski Hill, Dream Wheel – a 300-foot observation wheel overlook the NYC skyline, as well as attractions debuting soon such as The Game Room Powered by Hasbro and G.I. Joe Laser Tag. American Dream’s immersive luxury shopping and dining experience – The Avenue – features Saks Fifth Avenue, Hermès, Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana, Carpaccio, a fine-dining Italian restaurant, and much more. The retail collection is further expanded with flagship locations for Aritzia, H&M, PRIMARK, Uniqlo, Sephora and Zara; as well as the Toys R Us global flagship, the only standalone location in the U.S, and the world’s first and only “candy department store,” IT’SUGAR. 

For more information on American Dream, visit www.americandream.com or find us on Instagram @americandream and TikTok @americandream_official.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the shopping center’s comprehensive security and safety strategy.
• Lead, mentor, and evaluate security management staff, officers, and contracted security teams.
• Establish security policies, procedures, and post orders aligned with industry best practices.

Operations & Risk Management

• Oversee daily security operations, including patrols, access control, CCTV monitoring, and crowd management.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and vulnerability analyses; recommend mitigation strategies.
• Manage incident response for emergencies including medical situations, theft, active threats, severe weather, and evacuations.
• Ensure proper documentation, reporting, and follow-up for all incidents.

Emergency Preparedness

• Develop and maintain emergency response plans, business continuity plans, and evacuation procedures.
• Coordinate and lead emergency drills and training exercises for staff and tenants.
• Serve as the primary security liaison during critical incidents.

Tenant & Guest Relations

• Partner with tenants to address security concerns and support loss prevention efforts.
• Ensure security operations enhance the guest experience while maintaining a visible and professional presence.
• Respond to escalated tenant, guest, and employee safety concerns.

Law Enforcement & External Partnerships

• Maintain strong working relationships with local police, fire departments, EMS, and homeland security agencies.
• Coordinate joint operations, special events security, and investigations as needed.
• Act as the primary point of contact for external security agencies.

Budget & Administration

• Develop and manage the security department budget, including staffing, technology, and training.
• Oversee contracts for third-party security vendors and technology providers.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as company policies.

Technology & Systems

• Oversee security technology systems including CCTV, access control, alarms, radios, and incident management platforms.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5–10 years of progressive security management experience, preferably in retail, shopping centers, hospitality, airports, stadiums, or large public venues.
• Proven experience leading large teams and/or contracted security providers.
• Strong knowledge of emergency management, risk assessment, and incident command principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree or professional certifications (CPP, PSP, CEM, or similar).
• Experience working closely with law enforcement or public safety agencies.
• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Background in crowd management, special events security, or large-scale venue operations.
• Familiarity with retail loss prevention and customer-focused security environments.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong operational execution
• Calm, decisive leadership under pressure
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Ability to balance safety, security, and guest experience

 Key   Physical job requirements 

• Sitting-Frequently
• Stand and walk-Frequently

• Perform repetitive motion (using keyboard)-Frequently
• Kneel and bend-Occasionally
• Reach at or above shoulder level-Infrequently
• Reach at or below shoulder level-Infrequently
• Lift/Carry up to 50 lbs.- Infrequently

American Dream is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment or discrimination. All employment decisions are to be made without regard to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, pregnancy, national origin/ancestry, citizenship, physical/mental disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.