Director of Security

About Forest Park Forever

Forest Park Forever (FPF) is a nonprofit conservancy that partners with the City of St. Louis to restore, maintain, and sustain Forest Park as one of America’s premier urban public parks. Since its establishment in 1876, Forest Park has played a vital role in the cultural and civic life of St. Louis. Through private fundraising and stewardship, FPF ensures the park remains a vibrant, safe, and accessible destination for millions of visitors each year.

Position Summary

Forest Park Forever is seeking a strategic, experienced, and community-minded Director of Security to establish and lead a comprehensive security program across all operations. This newly created leadership role is responsible for protecting personnel, visitors, volunteers, assets, and facilities across a diverse environment that includes offices, public parkland, and high-profile venues. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of building a culture of safety and security where ownership for safety-first decisions is shared and valued.

The Director of Security will develop and implement forward-thinking security strategies that integrate law enforcement experience with private-sector best practices for cultural and institutional organizations. This role requires a collaborative leader who can build strong partnerships and manage through influence across public agencies, park stakeholders, and internal teams while also cultivating new and strengthening established relationships with first responders and community leaders.

A key responsibility includes oversight of security operations at The Glade, a 22-acre, year-round destination featuring an outdoor rink, pavilion, and large-scale programming with the ultimate goal of fostering a safe, welcoming and service-oriented environment for all park visitors to enjoy.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Program Development

• Design, implement, and continuously evolve a comprehensive, organization-wide security strategy.
• Conduct risk assessments across all FPF operations, including offices, facilities, park areas, and events.
• Develop and enforce policies, procedures, and emergency response plans tailored to both FPF indoor and outdoor environments.
• Develop and update plans for and stand-up emergency response command centers as needed.
• Establish security standards aligned with nonprofit, municipal, and public-space best practices.
• Utilize open-source data and social media monitoring, intelligence gathering, and predictive analysis to assess threats and guide proactive security strategies.
• Evaluate, implement, and manage physical security technologies and systems.

The Glade

• Develop and oversee a site-specific security plan including: crowd control management, access, and guest safety for a high-volume venue.
• Coordinate with FPF staff, police and rangers to ensure a safe and welcoming environment.

Operations & Partnerships

• Lead all security operations for Forest Park Forever facilities, programs, and assets.
• Work closely with internal leadership, including Facilities Management, Land Management, and Glade operations teams, to ensure physical security of:
  • Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center
  • Land Management facilities
  • The Glade
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with:
  • St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
  • St. Louis Park Rangers
  • City of St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry (PRF)
  • Security teams across institutions and venues within and around Forest Park
• Collaborate with public safety partners to address crime trends and park-wide security concerns.
• Serve as a key representative of FPF in regional security and intelligence-sharing networks.
• Convene and serve as Administrator for the Forest Park Security Group, vetting topics and presenters with FPF Executive Director and City PRF.

Event Security

• Lead security planning and execution for FPF events and major park activities.
• Create and implement Emergency Action Plans for all FPF outdoor events.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure safe, well-managed large-scale events.

Leadership & Culture

• Build and lead a team of security staff, ambassadors, and vendors.
• Implement training in de-escalation, emergency response, and customer service.
• Promote a visible, approachable, and professional security presence.

Risk, Compliance & Investigations

• Oversee incident reporting, investigations, and crisis response.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and industry best practices.
• Manage third-party security vendors and contracts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years in law enforcement and/or security operations.
• Proven leadership experience in complex environments (parks, campuses, venues, or municipalities).
• Strong expertise in risk management, emergency planning, and physical security systems.
• Demonstrated ability to build teams, programs, partnerships and manage through influence.
• Experience leading a team of security professionals.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and analytical skills.
• High integrity and professional credibility.

Preferred

• Advanced degree or professional certifications (e.g., CPP).
• Law enforcement experience in the St. Louis region.
• Familiarity with incident command centers.
• Experience working in, with and/or establishing a security operations center and/or emergency response command center.
• Use and/or knowledge of emerging security technology and hardware.
• Knowledgeable of social trends and experience monitoring social media and/or other means to prevent, mitigate or respond to non-permitted events in the park.
• Background in nonprofit, municipal, or public-private environments.
• Familiarity with large urban parks or cultural institution security.

Work Environment

• Office, outdoor park, and event settings.
• Evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Physical Work Requirements / Work Conditions

• Constantly operates computers and other office equipment.
• Frequently works in an indoor office environment.
• Occasionally required to traverse the park over uneven terrain.
• Occasionally performs various duties outside in extreme temperatures.
• Occasionally moves materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Visual ability to see near and distant objects and the ability to distinguish basic colors.
• Ability to hear, understand, and follow oral and written instructions over radio, telephone, and in-person.

License(s): Valid Drivers License

Forest Park Forever is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with state regulations.