Associate Director Safety & Security

Reporting directly to the Director of Risk Management, Safety & Security, the Associate Director of Safety & Security supports security operations, risk management and insurance, environmental health and safety, and emergency management. This role focuses on program management of security operations, hazard-based risk identification, mitigation, and controls, and provides expertise to university, local, state, and federal partners.

Responsibilities

• (35%) Security Operations
  • Develop and manage security policies, protocols, and procedures in line with best practices and regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential security threats; develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks and enhance campus safety.
  • Organize regular training sessions and drills for security staff and the university community to ensure readiness and awareness of security procedures and emergency protocols.
  • Manage site security, alarm monitoring, and other safety & security service vendors.
  • Collaborate with Facilities and IT regarding access control, surveillance cameras, and emergency notification systems to ensure alarm/reporting controls are in order.
  • Conduct investigations into student, faculty, and staff inquiries, suggestions, and complaints regarding campus security incidents, as directed.
  • Maintain accurate records of all security-related incidents and prepare reports for university administration and regulatory bodies as required (e.g., Annual Clery Report).
• (20%) Risk Management and Insurance
  • Assist with follow-up on recommendations made by insurance carriers or broker to prevent or minimize losses.
  • Support the administration of insurance policies that require ongoing management (e.g., processing registrations, tracking exposure data, or reporting information).
  • Assist with the development and oversight of the risk management program.
  • Assist in the development, maintenance, and communication of risk management policies, procedures, and plans.
  • Coordinate the development and delivery of risk, safety, and insurance programs and services for all leased or owned University properties.
  • Conduct claims evaluations, accident inquiries, and evaluate risk management claims information to identify significant hazards and loss trends; identify and recommend preventative measures and corrective actions.
  • Assist the Director of Safety, Security, and Risk Management with administering the University’s workers’ compensation program and insurance.
  • Investigate and analyze work-related accidents and injuries; work closely with selected broker, insurance carrier, and employee to monitor and resolve claims.
  • Work alongside selected broker within the Risk Management Program to ensure all claims are entered and accurate in the system.
  • Provide reports and assist with identifying claim trends within the Risk Management Program.
  • Coordinate with the Office of People and Culture to obtain required records and manage employee return to work.
  • Identify potential areas of risk and recommend and implement preventive measures.
  • Create reports and presentations through the risk management program.
  • Collaborate with departments across the university to identify and mitigate risks.
• (20%) Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S)
  • In coordination with the Director of Safety, Security, and Risk Management, develop, maintain, and communicate health and safety policies and procedures.
  • Assist with the development and oversight of the safety program.
  • Work collaboratively with key stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of health and safety programs.
  • Perform periodic inspections of workplace facilities to detect fire and life safety hazards and conditions; make recommendations for corrective measures.
  • Perform job safety analysis and recommend safety equipment, safe work procedures, and communicate with departments to achieve safety excellence.
  • Conduct investigations into employee inquiries, suggestions, and complaints regarding workplace health and safety issues.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and local fire, safety, environmental, and health regulations and procedures.
  • Create reports and presentations in the area of EH&S.
• (20%) Emergency Management and Business Continuity
  • Develop and manage Emergency Response Team (ERT) program.
  • Serve as a primary coordinator during emergencies at the Oakland campus, facilitating effective communication between security personnel, local law enforcement, and emergency response teams.
  • Member of the Crisis Response Team (CRT).
  • Assist in the development, monitoring, and evaluation of a comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) to be administered University-wide to ensure appropriate emergency preparedness and response from all students, faculty, and staff.
  • Ensure all University locations have the necessary safety equipment and supplies.
  • Maintain effective, collaborative, and proactive relationships with local, state, and federal emergency response agencies, as well as other college and university emergency management departments.
• (5%) Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma required; Bachelor’s Degree in a related field preferred.
• Professional Designations and/or Certifications in a related field is highly desirable (e.g., ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP)).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of security management experience, preferably in an educational or campus setting.
• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.
• Knowledge of CA Building Codes and Fire Life Safety Codes.

Skills

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrates flexibility and good judgment when adjusting to changing job demands.
• Skills in developing strong community relations as well as building bridges between the campus community and the surrounding community.
• Ability to work effectively with the culture of the University, with sensitivity to issues of diversity.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and respond under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, combined with strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Courteous and professional manner at all times.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload.

Work Environment

• Office Location: Oakland Campus – Onsite. This is an onsite position based in Oakland, CA, requiring regular in-office presence to support daily operations, collaboration, and student or team engagement.
• Travel: Must be willing to travel to other SMU campuses to evaluate safety and security needs and implement measures, if needed.
• Work is performed primarily on campus in a dynamic academic environment, with direct interaction across multidisciplinary teams.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds, and to carry, push, pull, climb, kneel, and stoop.
• Computer use and handling material required.

Pay

Up to $131,000 annually (exempt), depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental health and wellness resources
• Education reimbursement
• Employee discounts through Marketplace
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
• Nine paid holidays, plus a paid holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Two floating holidays
• One paid Volunteer Work Day
• Five Education Leave Days