Job Description

To ensure your application is reviewed promptly, please apply directly to our website at : 71-110 Director - Security & Surveillance

Summary/Objective:

The Director – Security & Surveillance is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of all guests, employees, assets, and operations at Ute Mountain Casino Hotel. This position oversees both the Security and Surveillance departments, ensuring compliance with all applicable tribal, state, and federal gaming regulations. Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Director provides strategic leadership, supervises departmental operations, and fosters a professional, approachable presence throughout the property.

The objective of the Director – Security & Surveillance is to protect people, property, and UMCH assets by leading a highly trained, well-disciplined team that balances firm security standards with exceptional customer service. The Director will ensure the property is prepared for foreseeable emergencies, that staff are properly trained to respond consistently and professionally, and that both departments maintain a visible, customer-service centric and non-intimidating, presence. Success in this role is defined by strong leadership, operational readiness, organization and archival, regulatory compliance, and a culture of accountability, professionalism, and respect.

Key Accountabilities:

• Organizational Oversight and Integration: Provide strategic and operational leadership over all Security and Surveillance operations at Ute Mountain Casino Hotel. Ensure coordinated protection of all casino, hotel, and property assets, while maintaining compliance with applicable federal, state, and tribal gaming regulations. Align department goals with organizational strategy and represent both departments in executive decision-making forums.
• Security and Surveillance Program Development: Develop, implement, and continuously evaluate a comprehensive security and surveillance program. This includes the physical protection of guests, employees, assets, and infrastructure, as well as proactive identification and mitigation of threats. Ensure both functions operate in a coordinated manner with clearly delineated roles, responsibilities, and protocols.
• Compliance and Regulatory Integrity: Maintain expert knowledge of tribal, state, and federal gaming laws and surveillance requirements. Ensure compliance with UMUGC (Ute Mountain Ute Gaming Commission), NIGC (National Indian Gaming Commission), and Colorado Division of Gaming regulations. Collaborate with regulators and internal compliance staff to meet or exceed all internal control standards.
• Leadership and Workforce Development: Lead, manage, and mentor a combined workforce of approximately 35-40 employees across both Security and Surveillance. Ensure proper staffing, training, certification, and supervision. Foster a culture of accountability, discipline, professionalism, and responsiveness. Provide coaching, evaluation, and progressive discipline in accordance with policy.
• Emergency Response and Crisis Management: Establish and maintain protocols for emergency response including medical incidents, evacuations, violent or threatening behavior, weather-related events, active threats, and all other foreseeable scenarios. Serve as Incident Commander until relieved by appropriate authorities. Maintain emergency response plans and lead regular drills and scenario training for staff.
• Surveillance Operations and Technology Management: Oversee the operation, maintenance, and strategic upgrade of surveillance technology including cameras, video management systems, access controls, and alarms. Ensure that surveillance staff are properly trained to observe, document, and report violations of policy, criminal activity, cheating, theft, or other regulatory violations within the property.
• Investigations and Intelligence Gathering: Lead or oversee investigations into incidents involving guests, employees, or vendors. Coordinate interviews, evidence collection, incident reporting, and referrals to law enforcement when appropriate. Ensure proper chain-of-custody and confidentiality in all matters involving internal investigations. Ensure proper categorization and archival of all security/surveillance reports. 
• Interdepartmental Collaboration: Work closely with all casino departments including Gaming, Hotel, Food & Beverage, Human Resources, and Facilities to anticipate and respond to safety, loss prevention, and behavioral concerns. Coordinate with tribal and local law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services to ensure operational continuity and public safety.
• Budgeting and Resource Allocation: Prepare, monitor, and manage the departmental budget for Security and Surveillance. Identify cost-saving opportunities, forecast capital equipment needs, and ensure responsible resource allocation without compromising safety or regulatory standards.
• Policy Development and Enforcement: Draft, review, and revise departmental SOPs, emergency response manuals, access control procedures, and surveillance protocols. Ensure all staff are trained in these procedures and enforce compliance. Recommend revisions to improve operational efficiency and risk management.
• Community and Tribal Engagement: Foster and maintain relationships with BIA and other law enforcement entities, departments, and other applicable community resources. Represent UMCH in safety meetings, community forums, and emergency planning efforts. Demonstrate respect for tribal sovereignty and cultural values in all aspects of leadership.
• Customer and Public Relations: Ensure that all security and surveillance interactions with guests and employees are professional, respectful, and customer service-oriented. Promote visibility of Security as a deterrent and as a provider of safety, not just enforcement. Handle escalated guest issues involving safety or behavioral concerns with discretion and integrity.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The Director – Security & Surveillance provides executive leadership over both the Security and Surveillance departments. This includes direct oversight of the Security Manager, Assistant Security Manager, Surveillance Manager, and Assistant Surveillance Manager, with indirect supervision of department supervisors and a combined workforce of approximately 35–40 team members. The Director is responsible for leadership development, staffing decisions, scheduling oversight, training compliance, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions. This role ensures both departments operate in alignment with organizational standards, regulatory requirements, and professional conduct expectations while promoting a culture of accountability, vigilance, and collaboration. 

Qualifications:

General:

• Must be at least 21 years of age and able to obtain and maintain a UMUGC Key License. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Casino’s vehicle policy. Must pass all background checks required by tribal and state gaming regulators. 
• Must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience in law enforcement, military, tribal operations, casino security, or surveillance may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Certifications:

• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., CPP, PSP, CFE, TLO, POST, FEMA ICS/NIMS, or Surveillance-specific training) are preferred but not required. 
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification preferred or must be obtained within six months of hire.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in a relevant field/role, (e.g., Security, Surveillance, Military, or Law Enforcement), with at least 4 years in an applicable supervisory or management role. 
• Prior experience in tribal gaming or tribal government settings is highly preferred. 
• Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control platforms, incident command, report generation/categorization/archival, emergency response protocols, and regulatory compliance in a casino environment is essential.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Strong knowledge of security and surveillance protocols, emergency response coordination, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to lead diverse teams with professionalism, decisiveness, and integrity.
• High-level analytical and investigative skills, including incident analysis and report development.
• Proficiency in using surveillance technology, incident management systems, and office software.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, build trust, and work effectively across departments and with tribal and external partners.
• Culturally aware and respectful of tribal sovereignty and values.

Ute Mountain Casino Hotel (UMCH) is a tribal casino located in Towaoc, Colorado, just a 20 minute drive from Mesa Verde National Park. The property currently has 650 slots, 7 tables, 90 hotel rooms, 80 R.V. spaces, 2 travel centers, and a team-member population of 397.

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