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Security Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Security Director information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$103.1K

$164.8K

How much do security director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for security director in California is $103,084.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,900.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a security director?

To become a security director, you need a bachelor’s degree and a few years of experience working in security. With a degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, business, or a related field, you can develop the skills needed to fulfill security director duties. Entry-level jobs in this career field include security guard and information technology positions. If you prefer to work your way up, it will take a few years of experience on the job before you develop the qualifications for a security director role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a security director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Security Director, expertise in risk assessment, security operations management, and crisis response is essential, often supported by a degree in security management or criminal justice. Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) systems, surveillance technologies, and relevant certifications such as CPP (Certified Protection Professional) are typically required. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills help foster effective teams and coordinate responses to threats. These skills are crucial to ensure organizational safety, regulatory compliance, and the ability to mitigate and respond to security incidents effectively.

What are some typical challenges security directors face when coordinating between physical and cybersecurity teams?

Security Directors often encounter challenges in bridging the gap between physical security measures and cybersecurity protocols. This can involve aligning priorities, ensuring clear communication, and integrating systems to provide comprehensive protection. Successfully managing these challenges requires fostering collaboration between teams, setting unified security policies, and staying updated on evolving threats. It's important for Security Directors to facilitate regular cross-team meetings and training to maintain a cohesive security strategy.

What is the difference between Security Director vs Security Manager?

AspectSecurity DirectorSecurity Manager
CredentialsTypically requires relevant certifications like CPP, PSP, or CISSPOften holds similar certifications but may have less extensive experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple security teams or departments, strategic planningManages daily security operations, team supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, government agencies, and organizations with complex security needsCommon in mid-sized companies, retail, and facilities management
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing high-level security leadership rolesIndividuals seeking operational security management positions

The Security Director focuses on strategic security planning and overseeing multiple departments, while the Security Manager handles daily security operations and team management. Both roles require relevant certifications and experience, but the Director typically operates at a higher, more strategic level within large organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Security jobs in California?

The most popular types of Security jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Security Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Security Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Security Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Security Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Security Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,084 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Director of Security Services

Los Angeles, CA


UCLA Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 894 rated healthcare providers

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$119K - $272K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Description

Serving at UCLA Health will give you the opportunity to use your specialized abilities to help improve the lives of our patients, their families, and your fellow UCLA Health team members. You’ll provide critical support that makes healing happen. We’d love to have you join us.

As a key leader within Security Services, you will play a vital role in advancing a culture of safety, service excellence, and operational consistency across the UCLA Health system. The Security Services Department supports the safety and protection of all hospitals, ambulatory clinics, and administrative locations through 24/7 coverage, centralized alarm monitoring, incident response, access control management, and close coordination with law enforcement. This team is essential to patient experience, staff safety, asset protection, and regulatory compliance, ensuring a high-reliability approach to safety across every UCLA Health site.

Provides leadership and operational oversight for Security Services across the UCLA Health system, including all hospitals, ambulatory clinics, and administrative facilities. Manages daily security operations, supervises security personnel, and ensures a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, staff, and providers. Oversees systemwide alarm monitoring, and departmental training programs. Develops, standardizes, and implements security policies, procedures, and performance standards across all UCLA Health locations. Serves as a key liaison to executive leadership, clinical departments, law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and external partners. Ensures compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and supports a culture of safety, service excellence, and continuous improvement throughout the health system.


Salary Range: $119,700 - $272,200 / annually

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • California Security Guard Card.
  • IAHSS Basic Certification.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) from American Heart Association or American Red Cross, needed within 6 months of hire.
  • 10+ years of supervisory or management experience overseeing security personnel.
  • Knowledge of regulatory standards (Joint Commission, DPH, HIPAA) — Required
  • Knowledge of security operations, emergency response, and fire/life safety systems
  • Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate staff
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to develop and implement policies and procedures
  • Proficiency in incident reporting and documentation
  • Ability to manage alarm monitoring and CCTV systems
  • Skill in conflict resolution and de-escalation
  • Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams
  • Strong decision-making and critical‑thinking skills
  • Proficiency with MS Office and security software systems
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
  • Ability to define effective security processes to meet department standards and organization goals. 
  • Knowledge of organization, HR and UC policies and processes. 
  • Knowledge of relevant security industry federal, state and local laws and regulations. 
  • Leadership skills in employee development to grow assigned manager and supervisor leadership skills, leading and guiding them to achieve objectives, manage conflicts, and develop and maintain high standards of safety and security. 
  • Verbal and written communication skills to address critical, sensitive situations that require privacy. 
  • Strong abilities to actively listen, and change the thinking of, or gain acceptance from, management. 
  • Skills to organize, simplify and increase efficiency of security processes and procedures while maintaining standards and compliance. 
  • Strong problem solving skills to evaluate complex or new issues and identify options for resolution when no precedent exists. 
  • Ability to quickly identify options for resolution and solve problems under pressure. 
  • Interpersonal skills to maintain professional relationships with peers, patients, senior management, assigned staff and coordinate security programs across functions. 
  • Commitment to service excellence and patient experience.
Preferred
  • IAHSS Supervisor Certification.

UCLA Health logo

About UCLA Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

UCLA Health, operating within the healthcare industry, is significantly recognized for its commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of people through the integration of patient care, research, and education. Located in Los Angeles, California, UCLA Health was founded and associated with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1955, entrenching its roots in quality healthcare service provision. Through a broad range of medical services, UCLA Health significantly stands as a cornerstone for comprehensive outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care services, specialized treatments, and wellness checks. Notable for pioneering an integrated, comprehensive medical approach, UCLA Health is consistently ranked among the top health systems in the US and world.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

1955


What UCLA Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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