Description

Job description:  Our outstanding teachers, support staff members and leaders are top-notch educators whom others seek to emulate, and quite simply – we would like for you to consider joining us.

General Description:
The Director of Safety and Security leads the Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) Department of Safety and Security, providing oversight, strategy, and accountability for school safety across the division. This position directs a staff of both professional and support personnel, including Division Managers of Field Operations and the Security Operations Center. Work is performed under broad policies and established objectives, and the incumbent independently interprets policies and makes decisions that impact the entire school system’s safety.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the CCPS Department of Safety and Security to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to school safety across the division.
• Develops and implements division-wide safety and security strategies, policies, and procedures aligned with state regulations, national best practices, and the division’s strategic plan.
• Directs the work of department managers and staff , establishes expectations, monitors performance, and ensures consistent standards for safety operations across the division.
• Collaborates with, and provides guidance to, school principals and division leadership to ensure school safety practices align with division standards while meeting the needs of individual school communities.
• Serves as the primary liaison between the school division and local, state, and regional public safety agencies, including law enforcement, fire, emergency management, and related partners.
• Directs division-wide planning for emergency preparedness, crisis response, threat assessment coordination, and safety drills
• Oversees the development and implementation of physical security strategies, including camera systems, access control systems, and other security technologies.
• Analyzes safety data, incident reports, and security trends to guide operational decisions and continuous improvement of safety programs.
• In coordination with the Division of Communications and Community Engagement, ensures the coordination of division-wide communication and situational awareness during safety incidents and emergencies.
• Represents the school division at meetings, conferences, hearings, community forums, and public safety coordination meetings related to school safety and emergency management.
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Leads the department’s efforts to achieve and maintain campus security accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement
• Agencies (CALEA), including the development of policies, procedures, documentation, and continuous improvement processes necessary to meet accreditation standards.
• Supports long-term initiatives to strengthen safety programs including professional development of security staff and continuous improvement of safety systems.
• Provides and/or coordinates onsite security during personnel hearings and termination hearings, as requested.
• Communicates with the Office of Legal Services concerning law enforcement operations concerning the division.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Budgetary Responsibility:

Position is responsible for the preparation and monitoring of the Department of Safety and Security budget, and oversees critical investments in personnel, security technology, and equipment upfitting, ensuring the efficient and sustainable use of assets.

Report Preparation:

Submits regular and advisory reports in a timely fashion on issues related to school safety operations, incident trends, and departmental performance; submits other reports as requested

Equipment Operation:

Proficiency with computer and technology program operations, including division-wide security technologies, such as camera systems, access control, AI-detection, and emergency management software, is required.

Contacts:

Contacts are regularly and frequently made at all organizational levels within and outside the school system, including the School Board and public safety partners, to execute and explain safety programs and policies.

Work Direction/Supervision:

Supervises and provides work direction to the Field Operations Manager, Security Operations Center Manager, and other departmental professional and support staff.

Decision-Making:

A high level of independent decision-making is required, particularly during critical incidents and in the development of division-wide security strategies.

Formal Policy-Setting Responsibilities:

Leads the development and recommendation of School Board policies and procedures related to safety and security

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to reach and handle files and equipment, and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, or visit school sites. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

Work is primarily performed in a professional office setting, with regular travel to school buildings across the division. Noise levels will vary.

Qualifications:

Extensive knowledge of the principles and methodologies of public safety, emergency management, and school security administration. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex regulations; to plan, organize, and administer a large-scale security department; and to direct a diversified professional staff. Demonstrated abilities in problem analysis, conflict resolution, and long-range forecasting.

Requirements

Additional Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• 10 years of experience in federal, state, or local law enforcement
• 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience, preferably in law enforcement or security management

Applicants considered for employment must successfully complete the following background investigations/tests:

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal History Investigation
State Police Criminal History Investigation
Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigation
Tuberculosis Screening/Test