Manager, Safety and Security

Columbia University is one of the foremost academic institutions in the world, recognized for its rigorous commitment to research, education, and community engagement. As a leading research university, Columbia combines a rich history with an innovative approach to academic and operational excellence. The university prides itself on maintaining a safe and secure environment that cultivates success and upholds environmental and regulatory standards. Situated in a dynamic urban environment, Columbia University places significant emphasis on sustainability, safety, and community cooperation in its operations across various departments.

The role of Manager overseeing Safety, Security, Telecommunications, and Custodial Services at Columbia University's Observatory is a vital position designed to ensure the smooth operation and safety of one of the university's critical research facilities. This role is integral to maintaining compliance with the university's policies as well as all federal, state, and local regulations. The Manager is the primary liaison between the Observatory, the University's Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety, and external regulatory and emergency agencies, facilitating communication and effective response to any incidents.

This position is a full-time role with a weekly commitment of 35 hours and offers a competitive annual salary range from $95,000 to $125,000, dependent on qualifications, experience, education, and other relevant factors. The Manager’s responsibilities span a broad spectrum, including safety and environmental compliance initiatives, security management, telecommunications oversight, custodial and facilities operations, and coordination with institutional transportation services.

The Manager’s safety and environmental compliance duties involve comprehensive management of safety programs and environmental health initiatives, including hazard assessments, employee training, and ensuring proper use of protective equipment. They are tasked with overseeing chemical and radiation safety protocols and preparing for and responding to emergencies such as fires, spills, and medical incidents. This role requires diligent maintenance of safety documentation, coordination of inspections and audits, and engagement with agencies like the EPA, DEC, and DOH to uphold strict regulatory requirements.

In the security domain, the Manager directly supervises campus security operations, including guarding personnel, emergency responses, and coordination with local law enforcement agencies. They are responsible for the management, installation, maintenance, and upgrading of security systems such as cameras and access controls, as well as investigating security incidents and assessing vulnerabilities to continually enhance campus safety.

For telecommunications, the Manager oversees all related systems, ensuring equipment acquisition, installation, and maintenance align with operational needs. They work closely with the IT department to coordinate system repairs and upgrades, maintaining accurate records of extensions, devices, and their locations.

The custodial and facilities management aspect involves overseeing vendor-provided cleaning services to meet LEED Green Cleaning standards. The Manager handles scheduling, supplies, and logistics to sustain a clean, safe, and environmentally responsible workspace.

Additionally, the Manager plays a critical role in transportation and institutional coordination by liaising with Columbia University Transportation and shuttle operators to manage schedules reflecting event and seasonal demands. They participate in university-wide initiatives like Sustainable Columbia and represent the department in meetings focused on sustainability and health and safety objectives.

This position demands exceptional leadership, organizational skills, and technical knowledge in safety, security, telecommunications, and facilities management within a research or academic environment. The ideal candidate will have at least a bachelor’s degree related to the field and 5 to 7 years of extensive experience including supervisory roles. This role demonstrates Columbia University’s ongoing commitment to creating a safe, sustainable, and well-coordinated operational environment essential to supporting its research mission and campus community.