VP, Protective Services and Emergency Management

Job description

The VP, Protective Services and Emergency Management provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all aspects of systemwide security, safety, and protective services across Atlantic Health System. This role is responsible for a large, diverse portfolio, including physical security, cybersecurity alignment, emergency management partnership, executive protection, parking and transportation, and telecommunications operations.
The VP leads a team of 200+ in-house and contracted personnel, managing an annual operating budget of approximately $14.3M+, while ensuring the implementation of best-in-class cyber, technological, physical, and operational security practices that align with healthcare regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Strategic Leadership & Governance
• Define and execute a comprehensive, systemwide security strategy aligned with Atlantic Health System’s mission, risk posture, and operational priorities
• Establish policies, standards, and metrics to ensure consistency, compliance, and continuous improvement
• Serve as trusted advisor to executive leadership on risk, safety, and resilience
• Security Operations & Risk Management
• Oversee all physical security operations, including hospital campuses, ambulatory sites, and administrative locations
• Integrate security technologies (e.g., access control, surveillance, threat detection) with cyber and IT infrastructure
• Lead enterprise risk assessments and mitigation planning to proactively address evolving threats
• Emergency Management & Preparedness
• Serve as the Security subject matter expert (SME) for the Emergency Support Function
• Partner closely with Emergency Management to develop and execute contingency plans for local, regional, and national events
• Ensure readiness for disruptions, including natural disasters, workplace violence, and public health emergencies
• Executive Protection & Special Events
• Design, implement, and lead the Executive Protection program
• Provide comprehensive security planning and risk mitigation for senior leaders and high-profile events
• Oversee security coordination for large-scale system events and external engagement
• External Partnerships & Collaboration
• Build and maintain strong relationships with federal, state, and local law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and healthcare security networks
• Represent Atlantic Health System in regional and national security forums
• Coordinate multi-agency response efforts when needed
• Auxiliary Services Oversight
• Provide leadership for systemwide parking, transportation, and telecommunications operations
• Ensure these services are efficient, patient-centered, and aligned with safety and operational goals

Core Competencies
Strategic & Systems Thinking
• Ability to anticipate emerging risks and design proactive, scalable security strategies
• Balances long-term vision with operational execution

Executive Presence & Influence
• Builds trust and credibility with senior leadership, clinicians, and external partners
• Communicates complex risk concepts clearly and confidently

Crisis Leadership & Resilience
• Demonstrate calm, decisive leadership in high-pressure situations
• Leads through ambiguity and ensures organizational readiness

Collaboration & Relationship Building
• Fosters strong cross-functional partnerships (clinical, HR, IT, facilities, legal)
• Builds productive relationships with external stakeholders and agencies

Operational Excellence
• Drives performance through data, metrics, and accountability
• Ensures consistency and quality across a large, complex system

Innovation & Continuous Improvement
• Leverages technology and industry best practices to enhance safety and efficiency
• Promotes a culture of continuous learning and improvement

People Leadership & Talent Development
• Leads engages, and develops a large, diverse workforce
• Promotes a culture of professionalism, service, and accountability
• Builds strong leadership bench strength and succession plans

Equity, Safety & Culture Alignment
• Champions a culture of psychological and physical safety
• Ensures security practices are equitable, respectful, and patient-centered
• Aligns security operations with Atlantic Health System’s values and commitment to inclusive care

Salary range; $343,687 - $476,073 base salary only; excludes leadership incentive.
• Senior leadership experience in healthcare security, law enforcement, military, or a similarly complex environment
• BI/Secret Service Experience Preferred
• Proven experience managing large teams, budgets, and multi-site operations
• Expertise in physical security, emergency management, and integrated security technologies
• Strong understanding of healthcare operations and regulatory requirements
• Demonstrated success partnering with executive leadership and external agencies