VT School Safety Center Deputy Director

About the role

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking a collaborative, experienced leader to serve as the Deputy Director of the Vermont School Safety Center (VSSC), reporting to the Vermont Homeland Security Unit Director. This role will help shape statewide school safety initiatives, coordinate emergency preparedness efforts, and serve as the Department's primary operational liaison for school safety incidents across Vermont.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide school safety planning, preparedness, and emergency response initiatives.
• Provide 24/7 operational support and guidance during school safety incidents, including threats, emergencies, lockdowns, and other critical events.
• Cook up with education, public safety, emergency management, and government partners to ensure a unified response to school safety concerns.
• Develop and deliver training, exercises, and technical assistance for school leaders, educators, school boards, first responders, and crisis planning teams.
• Share expertise on school safety best practices, emerging threats, crisis communications, emergency operations planning, and family reunification.
• Lead and facilitate statewide school safety meetings and, after six months, transition into the Co-Chair role for the Vermont School Crisis Planning Team.
• Present to legislative committees, statewide conferences, and stakeholder groups on school safety initiatives and best practices.
• Supervise Vermont School Safety Center staff, including oversight of grants, planning, training, and youth preparedness initiatives.
• Support State Emergency Operations Center activations during emergencies, including planning, coordination, and information sharing.
• Monitor program effectiveness, complete required reporting, and collaborate with leadership to continuously improve school safety programs.

Requirements

• Knowledge of school safety laws, regulations, and national best practices.
• Experience with crisis management, emergency planning, and incident response.
• Experience developing and delivering training programs and evaluating organizational readiness.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and respond effectively during emergencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in public administration, criminal justice, criminology, or a related field AND four (4) or more years of experience in emergency or crisis management and response.
• OR Six (6) or more years of experience in emergency or crisis management and response.

Skills

• Experience with Legislative testimony and bill tracking
• Supervisory or team lead experience
• Experience with Vermont schools or in the field of education
• Knowledge of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program
• Experience creating and/or facilitating trainings

Benefits

• 80% State paid medical premium
• Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
• Low cost group life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Pay

Total Compensation: As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

Schedule

Work is usually performed in a normal office setting. Incumbents must be able to concentrate on details and perform accurate work in the face of frequent interruptions. Human relations skills will be needed to deal with staff, criminal justice agencies, and the public. Pressure from work deadlines is predictable as well as inherent liability issues due to the sensitivity of the work. Moderate work-related travel will be required. Testimony before legislative committees may be required.