Director, Department of Safety and Security

Summary Description

Under the direction of the Chief of Schools, leads and supervises the Department of Safety and Security, developing, planning, implementing, maintaining, and communicating a comprehensive personal and physical security and school safety program for MCPS to ensure a safe and secure educational environment for students, staff, parents, and visitors. Supervises and evaluates department staff; provides leadership for department responses to security incidents, emergencies, and school safety initiatives and improvements. Works with schools to support the development and implementation of comprehensive safety and security training programs for staff. Works collaboratively with regional associate superintendents, school directors, and system leadership, public safety partners, and cross-functional teams to plan, train staff, respond to incidents, and develop programs, procedures, technology-supported systems, and initiatives that ensure safe and secure schools.

Physical Demands

None

Special Requirements

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays in order to respond to emergencies.

Job Administrators Organization

Primary Location: Rockville
Schedule: Full-time
Working Months: 12
Shift: Day

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge:
• Organization, policies, regulations, operating and capital improvements program budgets of MCPS or a comparable large public-school system.
• Current safety and security strategies, protocols, and communications technology.
• Current safety and security strategies, protocols, emergency preparedness practices, incident command structures, crises response procedures, and communications protocol.
• Technology systems that support and enhance school safety, including access control, video surveillance, visitor management, emergency notification, radio communication, alarm, and incident reporting systems.
• Local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and ordinances related to school safety and security.
• Skills:
• Planning, organizing, monitoring, and evaluating a comprehensive safety and security program in a large public-school system.
• Analyzing incident data, security audit findings, and safety trends to recommend staffing, training, technology, equipment, and operational improvements.
• Leading emergency response activities, coordinating with public safety agencies, and providing guidance to school and central office leaders during critical incidents.
• Developing, implementing, and monitoring standard operating procedures, emergency response plans, crisis management plans, drills, and safety/security training programs.
• Abilities:
• Excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills.
• Excellent organizational and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn and apply the six leadership standards established for MCAAP/MCBOA and the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (PGS), including the supervision, evaluation, and professional development of staff.

Education, Training, And Experience

• Education:
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in law enforcement, public administration, emergency management/public safety, education, public administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience:
• Minimum of five years of progressively more responsible experience in safety and security field, which includes managing school and school system safety and security, emergency preparedness, incident command structures, and responsive strategies following an emergency or safety incident.
• Experience leading organizational change and utilizing safety data to implement strategic improvement plans.
• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive safety and security programs in a large, complex organization, preferably in a public school system.
• Knowledge of safety and security technology, equipment, and systems used to support safe and secure school environments.
• Experience in budget preparation and administration, supervision, and training.
• Experience collaborating with school administrators, central office staff, public safety agencies, community partners, and other stakeholders to support prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
• Experience supervising, coaching, evaluating, and supporting staff in a safety, security, emergency management, or related operational environment.

CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid Maryland Class C license or equivalent.