The Director of the Security Operations Center (SOC) will establish and lead DPSS's new SOC, creating a centralized hub for campus safety, security, and situational awareness. This senior leader will manage the planning, development, and management of SOC infrastructure, staffing, operational procedures, technology integration, and 24/7 operations. The role also involves close collaboration with key campus partners, including Facilities, IT, Emergency Management, Campus Operations, and Public Safety.
In addition, the Director will ensure strong alignment with the DPSS Intelligence Unit to support an information-driven security approach. While the Intelligence Unit is led by its own supervisor, it reports operationally to the Director to ensure coordinated direction and seamless integration of intelligence functions with the SOC's monitoring and response mission.
Strategy & Build-Out
- Develop and execute SOC implementation plan
- Responsible for the design and integration of physical, technical, and operational elements
- Align SOC capabilities with university needs and growth
Policy & Governance
- Develop and maintain SOC policies and procedures
- Ensure compliance with university standards and regulations
- Manage governance, incident command, and post-incident review processes
Leadership & Team Management
- Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate SOC staff
- Guide Intelligence Unit integration and collaboration
- Foster a high-performance, 24/7 operational team culture
Technology & Systems
- Manage integration and maintenance of security systems (video, access, fire/life-safety, analytics)
- Collaborate with IT, Facilities, and vendors for system reliability and upgrades
- Evaluate new technologies for campus fit
Budget & Resource Management
- Manage SOC budget, resources, and vendor contracts
- Optimize expenditures and support funding proposals
- Provide regular reports on performance and needs
Incident Response & Coordination
- Serve as senior contact during major incidents, supporting EOC and campus leadership
- Lead after-action reviews and process improvements
- Coordinate with external agencies as needed
Other duties as assigned
Bachelor's degree in a related field
Seven years in a progressively responsible leadership role in a 24/7 operation, with a minimum of 6 years in a security operations or command center environment, physical security technology integration, or campus security operations.
Experience setting up or transforming a SOC or similar operation
Strong understanding of physical security systems (video surveillance, access control, fire/life-safety, duress), monitoring technologies, analytics, building/facility infrastructure, and operational workflows.
Experience leveraging intelligence in security operations
Proven leadership and staff development skills
Superior written and verbal communication skills: able to engage executive leadership, campus partners, vendors, and operational teams.
Experience managing large-scale budgets, resource allocation, vendor/contractor oversight, and capital projects.
Flexibility for 24/7 scheduling
Successful completion of a comprehensive background check and drug screen
All members of the DPSS team are considered Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) under The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. As such, you are required to report offenses that come to your attention.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.