Director of Safety and Security

Job Objective

The Director of Security will maintain a safe and secure environment for students, employees and visitors by helping to develop, establish and enforce safety and security policies, access control procedures, accident prevention efforts, and support risk management efforts with fire, safety and emergency management systems. Promotes the district's mission, philosophy, and vision, and builds internal/external partnerships that support district goals and enhance student learning.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conducts and coordinates safety, security and emergency preparedness training by developing, scheduling and/or facilitating training for staff, students and public safety officials relating to school safety, security and emergency preparedness.
• Serves as a liaison with local law enforcement agencies, working directly with them during critical incident situations and follow-up.
• Coordinates a comprehensive security/school safety program, policies and procedures by studying organization operations and schedules; establishing internal controls; conducting inspections as appropriate; reporting potential hazards to appropriate departments; creating and updating School Board policies and Standard Operating Procedures, safety and security manuals.
• Coordinates with site-based administrators, Maintenance and Facilities Departments to address and correct safety/security issues on school campuses.
• Coordinates school safety compliance with federal, state and local regulations by studying existing and new requirements and overseeing and enforcing school-wide adherence to requirements.
• Coordinates safety planning and practice to support academic processes of each school by creatively implementing best practices in safety, security and emergency preparedness with proper adaptation to the environment, creativity and innovation so the process of education can be enhanced rather than impeded by safety efforts.
• Receives all reports of school crime from site-based administrators and maintains statistics regarding this information.
• Secures facilities, equipment, students and personnel by working in conjunction with the appropriate departments in recommending safety and security equipment purchases and upgrades; maintaining records of fire and other emergency drills and conducting drills when appropriate; supervising and maintaining access control and key distribution.
• Assists in the development and implementation of security plans for special events.
• Prepares memos, reports, drawings, etc. related to safety and traffic issues on school campus; presenting them to appropriate school directors.
• Participates in annual trainings to stay current on laws, policies and procedures regarding school safety.
• Attends parent organizational and school board meetings as necessary.
• Displays the highest ethical and professional behavior in working with students, parents, school personnel, and outside agencies associated with the school.
• Serves as a role model for students and staff in demonstrating positive attitudes, appropriate attire and grooming, and an effective work ethic.
• Protects confidentiality of records and information about staff, and uses discretion when sharing any such information within legal confines.
• Upholds the student conduct code, maintains high expectations for behavior and performance, and helps with pupil management issues; prepares conduct reports and discipline recommendations.
• Provides oversight, documentation and coordination of approval of school volunteers and independent service providers to include background checks and clearance.
• Submits/facilitates all required school safety and security reports and presents them no later than June 30 of each year to the Superintendent of Schools on current safety and security practices that identify strategies to improve school safety and security.
• In collaboration with the Director of Human Resources, recruits, employs and trains safety personnel as required.
• Performs other related work as required.

Physical Demands

• Use strength to lift items needed to perform the functions of the job.
• Sit, stand and walk for required periods of time.
• Use close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception along with the ability to focus vision.
• Communicate effectively in English, using proper grammar and vocabulary. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers to handle objects and operate tools, computers, and/or controls.

Environmental Demands

• Exposure to a variety of childhood and adult diseases and illnesses.
• Occasional exposure to a variety of weather conditions.
• Exposure to heated/air conditioned and ventilated facilities.
• Exposure to a building in which a variety of chemical substances are used for cleaning, instruction, and/or operation of equipment.
• Function in a workplace that is usually moderately quiet but that can be noisy at times.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in education, law enforcement or security management; administrative certification.
• Minimum of five years' experience in a school security.
• Proficiency in MS Office and Google Suite.
• Successful completion of federal and state criminal background checks.
• A record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment.
• Ability to use discretion in managing confidential information.
• Completion of a state accredited private security training program.
• Meets all mandated health requirements.
• Satisfactory completion of drug screening and physical fitness.
• Complies with drug-free workplace rules and board policies.
• Ability to establish working relationships with co-workers and function as part of a cohesive team.
• Effective organizational planning and management skills.
• Ability to identify, access, and organize community support for program activities.
• Valid driver's license.
• Meets all prerequisite and ongoing qualifications to be covered by the district's insurance carrier.
• Available to work irregular hours and/or a non-traditional schedule.
• High quality written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in an urban school district.