Chief Security Officer - Downingtown, PA

About the role

The Downingtown Area School District is seeking a Chief Security Officer to oversee all security matters regarding the school district. The ideal candidate should have a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a related field, along with five years of institutional security managerial experience and/or police supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Review of video security needs
• Provide advice to all building principals about surveillance camera locations
• Aid principals and coordinate with DASD Facilities Department to replace and repair all camera and video needs during the school year
• Assist principals and district administration with investigations involving video footage
• Advise and consult with DASD leadership on security and safety matters
• Conduct drills with each building principal and coordinate with the principal follow-up debriefing activities with the faculty and students
• Oversee all drills being conducted throughout the school year
• Respond to security/safety questions or issues 24/7 via telephone/email
• Provide security and safety presentations to the DASD School Board, leadership, teachers, staff and employees
• Collaborate with local Chiefs of Police/State Police, the Chester County Fire Marshall, and local Fire Chiefs
• Represent DASD at State and Chester County Safe Schools Summits/Meetings as the budget would allow
• Survey and assess 16 school buildings and Administration Building
• Conduct a review of all 16 school DASD Emergency Operations and Communications Plans and make recommendations addressing any gaps or deficiencies
• Assist Assistant Superintendents in creating an updated emergency planning guide for all teachers in all 16 school buildings
• Conduct Site Assessments of all school buildings and the administration building and provide a written report detailing recommendations to enhance security at those venues
• Maintain ongoing communication with security service provider to ensure proper staffing levels and to address any security guard performance or conduct related issues

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a related field
• Five (5) years institutional security managerial experience and/or police supervisory experience
• Proficiency in current security procedures
• Ability to express self clearly and concisely in oral and written communications
• Ability to maintain cooperative relationships between employees, staff and public
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License and safe driving record
• Skilled in the use of current technologies
• Organizational skills required to keep current with departmental record needs
• Possess and maintain current Act 126 training
• Possess and maintain current Act 34, Act 151 and Act 114 clearances