Head Security Supervisor

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the primary department charged with creating a safe and secure environment at Princeton University. DPS operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is comprised of 159 staff members.   The department consists of professional University police, security officers, dispatchers, and administrators dedicated to providing best-in-class service to the community.

DPS was originally recognized and awarded Law Enforcement Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in July 2015, and subsequently awarded reaccreditation status in July 2018 and July 25, 2022. CALEA serves as the “International Gold Standard for Public Safety Agencies” and oversees a rigorous accreditation process.  In addition, DPS was awarded accreditation status by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (NJLEAC) on March 14, 2019, and subsequently awarded reaccreditation status in March 2022, and March 2025. These awards are a mark of professional excellence and signify that we have earned these distinguished honors through continued compliance with CALEA/NJLEAC Standards. Throughout these processes, we established and implemented policies and practices that meet or exceed the National and State standards, to serve both the Department and the community well in the future.

Non-sworn security officers work in several areas, including the main campus, the James Forrestal Campus, Firestone Library, the Princeton University Art Museum, and their off-site storage facility.

To read the Princeton University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report click here. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Security Operations Manager (SOM) or the Assistant Security Operations Manager (ASOM), the Head Firestone Library Security Supervisor (HSS) provides administrative and management oversight of 5 Cultural Property Security Supervisors (CPSS) who supervise 58 security officers.

The HSS schedules, trains, and supervises appropriate staff to secure the Princeton University Firestone Library (Library), as well as provide for the safety and comfort of visitors during the operating hours and at special events. The HSS is the primary on-site staff member providing day-to-day supervision for Firestone Library’s security operation and assuring a positive customer service experience for all Library visitors.

This position provides guidance and monitors the work assignments of, and provides training to, all security staff in Firestone Library.  Supervision of the security staff includes establishing posts, post orders, and function of the control room. Control room supervision includes monitoring alarms and video, badging visitors, key control, dispatching, coordination with Department of Public Safety (DPS) staff at DPS Headquarters located at 200 Elm Drive, and other coordinating functions as required. The HSS takes a lead role in serving the Firestone Library’s visitors and making them feel safe and welcome during their time in the Library.

The HSS works closely with the SOM/ASOM in preparing staffing and training plans and establishing priorities to meet institutional goals with the most effective and economical utilization of personnel, technology, and equipment. 

DPS is a 24/7, 365-day operation. The successful candidate must be able to work ALL shifts, including weekends, holidays, and overtime shifts, as required.

Patrol Operations – 30%

• Exercises operational command responsibility over Firestone security personnel and supervises patrol within guidelines set by the Assistant Vice President of Public Safety, the Associate Director (AD) of Support Services, SOM/ASOM, and in consultation with the Library Director/designee.
• Supervises Firestone security staff members, administering policies and procedures for a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week operation.
• Conducts daily briefings and debriefings of Library security staff as appropriate.
• Plans, directs, prioritizes, and organizes operational resources to accomplish department goals and objectives for security at the Library.
• Reviews daily operations, ensuring consistent applications of departmental policies and procedures for security at the Library.
• Coordinates with DPS for centralized administrative functions, including payroll, training, uniform needs, etc.
• Consult with the SOM/ASOM, and Library Director/designee in the administration of Library public safety operations and matters relating to special events and equipment.
• Coordinates overtime assignments for Library operations and special events.
• Oversees regular inspections of Library facilities, noting safety hazards and maintenance needs and submitting work requests to address issues as needed.
• Advises Library administration, curators, and volunteers in areas of security.
• Schedules and assigns personnel, considering such factors as time off, incident rates, overtime, and other special requirements.
• Coordinates, assigns and reviews all incident reports.
• Participates in recruitment and candidate selection processes, including updating position descriptions and recommending candidates for selection.
• Monitors the performance of all Library security officers and conducts and/or reviews annual performance appraisals. 

 Staff Development & Performance Management – 20%

• Evaluate the performance of all staff and work with the CPSS and the SOM/ASOM to recommend or develop training in response to community and DPS needs.
• Works closely with the SOM/ASOM and the Library Director/designee to provide leadership for the Library’s security environment, including people and systems.
• Supervises, trains, cross-trains, and evaluates employees appropriately.
• Schedules and assists with officer onboarding and training for new and continuing security staff, including in areas such as customer service, first aid, automated external defibrillator (AED), other Library experience, and other professional development.
• Collaborates with other Library staff to ensure a positive community relations experience.
• Documents officer misconduct and makes referrals to the SOM/ASOM for further action.  

Administration – 15%

• Serves as liaison with various campus stakeholders/representatives. (e.g., Site Protection, Facilities, etc.)
• Administers Library access database.
• Approves time collection for bi-weekly employees and coordinates payroll with the DPS Budget Manager/designee.
• Notifies Library Facilities Manager of any observed building repair needs. 

 Event Management – 15%

• Participates in the Firestone Events Team relative to event planning, programming, and staffing.
• Coordinates with Transportation and Parking Services (TPS) to provide parking assistance to staff, volunteers, donors, and visitors, including for special events.
• Manages and coordinates security efforts for Library events, including liaison with requesting parties, staffing, and event supervision, with an emphasis on customer service without sacrificing safety or security. 

 Control Room Management – 10%

• Responsible for overall supervision of all control room activities:
• Monitors, revises and enforces key control and visitor access and badging processes and makes policy suggestions as needed.
• Monitors Library alarms (fire, environmental, security, etc.).
• Monitors Library camera system.
• Supervises control room dispatching and coordinates response with the DPS Communication Center at 200 Elm Drive

Emergency – 5%

• Participates in Firestone’s Risk Management Committee
• Supports the Library's After-Hours emergency communications in cooperation with DPS supervisors.
• Responds to University emergencies such as security and fire incidents and building evacuations.  

Other responsibilities as assigned by the SOM/ASOM – 5%

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible security experience, including customer service and supervisory experience, preferably in a higher education or library environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Expertise in written, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills, including competency in English language, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary. 
• Active listening skills to develop relationships and build trust and credibility with a diverse set of stakeholders.
• High emotional intelligence, judgment, astuteness, and strategic thinking.
• Advanced time management and prioritization skills. Must be well organized and efficient, and maintain consistent and high attention to accuracy.
• High self-motivation and demonstrated capacity for independent judgment, planning, evaluation, and decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability:

• To collaborate, lead, and work as a part of a complex team, including strong people skills, excellent judgment, and tact.
• To plan and coordinate multiple aspects of events.
• To work under significant time constraints and pressure to meet deadlines.

• Must keep a flexible schedule, including additional hours outside the normal University/Library business hours, including work periods and emergencies.
• Must be able to respond to emergencies.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite – Intermediate level (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) 

PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience in a library, museum, or art gallery
• Associate or bachelor’s degree or equivalent 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS)

• Physical demands are more than those for sedentary work. Must be able to remain on feet for periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, carry, push, pull, climb, balance, walk, and run; must be able to restrain individuals and lift varying weights.
• Moderate physical activity. Must be able to exert moderate force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment, including fire extinguishers, automobiles, inspection equipment, radios, telephones, etc.
• Involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures and loud noises.
• Work environment involves moderate exposure to hazards and physical risks to personal safety.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.