Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Security Coordinator

🎯 Role Definition

A Security Coordinator is the central hub for an organization's day-to-day safety and security operations. This role serves as the first line of defense, proactively identifying risks and reactively managing incidents to protect people, property, and information. More than just a guard, a Coordinator is an operational specialist who ensures that all security systems, from access control to surveillance, are functioning correctly and that all procedures are followed. They are the go-to person for security inquiries, incident reporting, and emergency response coordination, acting as a vital link between employees, management, and external agencies like law enforcement and emergency services. This position demands a unique blend of technical aptitude, sharp observational skills, and a calm, authoritative presence.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Security Officer / Guard Supervisor
Military or Law Enforcement Personnel (e.g., Military Police, Police Officer)
Administrative Assistant (within a security or facilities department)

Advancement To:

Security Manager / Corporate Security Manager
Security Analyst (focusing on data and threat intelligence)
Regional Security Lead or Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Facilities Coordinator
Health & Safety Coordinator
Business Continuity Planner

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Act as the primary operator for the organization's security systems, including video surveillance (CCTV), access control, and intrusion detection alarms, monitoring for and investigating any irregularities.
Coordinate real-time response to all security incidents, medical emergencies, and other critical events by dispatching security personnel or contacting external emergency services.
Serve as the main point of contact for the Security Operations Center (SOC) or security desk, handling all incoming calls, emails, and in-person inquiries related to safety and security.
Author and maintain highly detailed and accurate reports on all incidents, alarms, and operational activities, ensuring a clear and chronological record is available for review and investigation.
Manage the complete lifecycle of physical access credentials, including the programming, issuance, and deactivation of badges, keys, and other access tokens for employees, contractors, and visitors.
Conduct regular and randomized patrols of the interior and exterior of company facilities to deter unauthorized activity, identify security risks, and ensure the integrity of physical barriers.
Serve as a professional liaison with local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services during incidents and for routine operational planning.
Assist in the development, implementation, and communication of corporate security policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and emergency action plans.
Conduct security awareness briefings and orientation for new hires, contractors, and visitors to ensure they understand company security protocols and emergency procedures.
Perform initial investigations into minor security breaches, policy violations, and property loss, gathering evidence and statements to support formal inquiries.
Operate and maintain all security communication equipment, such as two-way radios and mass notification systems, ensuring they are functional and ready for use.
Provide security support for high-profile meetings, special events, and executive visits, coordinating necessary protective measures and access control.
Assist in the execution of emergency preparedness drills, including fire evacuations and shelter-in-place exercises, and contribute to after-action reviews to identify areas for improvement.
Manage and maintain an accurate inventory of all security equipment, including cameras, radios, and first aid kits, reporting any malfunctions or supply needs.
Review and audit access control logs and permissions on a recurring basis to ensure compliance with the principle of least privilege and remove outdated access rights.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc requests from management or legal teams for security incident data, video footage, and access control records.
Contribute to the organization's physical security strategy and roadmap by providing operational feedback on system performance and procedural effectiveness.
Collaborate with business units like HR and Facilities to translate their operational needs into practical security requirements for events, new construction, or office moves.
Provide exceptional customer service to all employees, visitors, and contractors, addressing their security concerns with professionalism and empathy.
Monitor open-source intelligence and threat feeds for potential risks to company assets and personnel in the local area.
Assist in the vetting and management of third-party security guard vendors, including scheduling, post order reviews, and performance monitoring.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Physical Security Systems: Deep proficiency in operating and troubleshooting enterprise-level access control systems (e.g., LenelS2, C-Cure, Genetec) and video management systems (VMS) like Milestone or Avigilon.
Incident Reporting: Skill in using incident management software to log and track events accurately and efficiently.
Emergency Response Protocols: Thorough knowledge of emergency procedures, including evacuation, shelter-in-place, and medical response coordination.
Basic Investigations: Ability to conduct preliminary interviews and gather evidence for internal investigations in a discreet and professional manner.
MS Office Suite: Competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook for report writing, data analysis, and communication.
First Aid/CPR/AED: Certification and practical ability to provide immediate medical assistance in an emergency.

Soft Skills

Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey critical information clearly, concisely, and calmly, especially under duress.
De-escalation: The ability to calmly and effectively manage tense, hostile, or emotionally charged situations with professionalism and tact.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in observation, documentation, and procedure, ensuring no detail is overlooked in routine monitoring or incident response.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: The capacity to quickly assess complex situations, identify potential solutions, and make sound, logical decisions under pressure.
Integrity & Discretion: Unquestionable personal integrity and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent GED.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Criminal Justice
Security and Asset Protection Management
Homeland Security
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of demonstrated experience in a corporate security, law enforcement, military, or a related public safety role.

Preferred:

Prior experience working within a Security Operations Center (SOC) or a similar command center environment.
Experience in a customer-facing role, highlighting strong interpersonal and service skills.
Possession of professional security certifications (e.g., ASIS Associate Protection Professional - APP).