CAREER OPPORTUNITY

DIRECTOR OF SAFETY & SECURITY
at Whittle School & Studios

  • Position: Director of Safety & Security
  • Organization: Whittle School & Studios
  • Location: Washington, DC
  • Benefits: Competitive salary and generous benefits package
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About Whittle School

Whittle School & Studios provides children with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in our modern world. They believe that education is stuck in the past, and that a dramatic modernization is long overdue. As the first global school network, they’re challenging traditional schooling methods and creating a better, more connected world.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Safety & Security is a high visibility member of the school and is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure learning and working environment. This is a high engagement role, partnering with senior leadership and all levels of the organization and managing safety and security initiatives, including all aspects of day to day operations, emergency management, and planning. This is a full-time exempt management position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & KEY OBJECTIVES

Administration

  • In cooperation with administrators, establish and develop proper security policies, procedures, and guidelines to provide safety and security of life and property on campus.
  • Supervise all security personnel, including hiring (in conjunction with HR), training, managing, and scheduling for daily operations and special events.
  • Lead emergency planning and incident management, and ensure that necessary policies and procedures are in place.
  • Manage and document all emergency incidents as well as safety drills including fire, lockdown, shelter, weather emergency and evacuation drills.
  • Provide incident command and coordinate emergency response for incidents/emergencies.
  • Oversee traffic and parking plans for all events held on campus.
  • Provide oversight and ownership of background checks, policies, and databases.

Community Relations

  • Maintain regular contact with administrators, department heads, and student groups.
  • Act as liaison between the school and local emergency service organizations.
  • Develop and maintain a working relationship with local police, fire, and other emergency response departments.
  • Represent the department at meetings and special events on campus and at other institutions.
  • Serve as the school’s Incident Commander.

Operations

  • Perform scheduled evaluations and regularly monitors performance of all staff members.
  • Sponsor and provide in-service training programs for staff and oversees continuing education requirements.
  • Direct, supervise, and coordinate all fire safety equipment, drills, inspections, and systems requirements in conjunction with school staff.
  • Manage security systems, software and equipment to include access control and CCTV’s.
  • Special event coverage as needed including open houses, sporting events, dances, graduation and other special events.

Patrol Operations / Personnel Management

  • Hires, supervises and trains all Campus Safety Officers (CSOs) in conjunction with school employment policies.
  • Continuously recruit part-time CSOs from local law enforcement agencies.
  • Track vacation and other time off.
  • Approve CSO hours for payroll.
  • Prepare and schedule coverage to meet needs as outlined in the school calendar; requires managing CSO schedule in a fair and equitable manner while considering the mission and financial needs of the school.
  • Perform share of CSO shift duties including but not limited to patrolling campus and manning posts.
  • Direct vehicular traffic on campus.
  • Schedule, manage, hire and maintain the traffic control team to ensure smooth arrival/dismissal for school days and special events.

Incident Reports and Investigations Management

  • Review daily reports and departmental activities to identify the need for internal investigations where there is a violation of federal, state, county, or city ordinances and laws, or violations of School policy, procedure, or protocol. Lead resulting investigations.
  • Utilize campus security systems and personal interviews to prepare investigation reports for School leadership and, when required, external authorities.
  • Report results and take action as instructed by administration.

Campus Safety and Emergency Management

  • On call for all campus emergencies.
  • Respond to all emergencies and suspicious activities on campus and take appropriate action.
  • Conduct campus safety and security training for faculty, staff and students.
  • Prepare and maintain security and crime prevention procedures and guidelines for school administration.
  • Lead the development and implementation of plans for emergency response and related safety/security issues.
  • Participate in Safety and Risk committee(s) meetings.

Security Systems and Crime Prevention:

  • Manage CCTV, card access, alarm, emergency phones, and related security systems. Recommend opportunities for system improvement and expansion.
  • Perform multiple surveys of all campus property and facilities on a daily basis.
  • Develop and deliver crime prevention programs for the school community (internal & external).
  • Monitor CCTV systems on an “as needed” basis for special events or during a problem or crisis.
  • Maintain a working relationship with local police department and act as primary liaison.
  • Respond to alarms, supporting the maintenance department as needed.
  • Prepare annual budget for security supplies and services.

This list is representative of those duties and responsibilities that are required of the position.  However, the list is not to be considered as all inclusive.  A supervisor may assign other duties to meet program requirements of the school.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Experience with emergency planning and incident management, to include familiarity with the Incident Command System.
  • Demonstrated knowledge in critical incident response and current technology and communication systems.
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a high pressure and fast paced environment.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish respect, credibility and trust and maintain productive working relationships at all levels of the organization.
  • Strong communications skills – verbal, written, presentation and in-team facilitation.
  • Ability to use discretion and good judgment in a variety of circumstances with proven ability to effectively, continuously and discretely work with confidential and potentially sensitive information.
  • Experience in effective crisis management, as well as problem-solving.
  • Knowledge and experience in applying best practices for safety and security programs, preferably in an academic setting.
  • Ability to adapt to changing work priorities: communicate with diverse groups; interact positively/build relationships with students, staff and parents; maintain confidentiality; work as part of a team; set priorities; and work with frequent interruptions.
  • Proficiency in MS office products, Proficiency in Google G Suite products a plus.
  • Cultural competency: Embraces the diversity of the school community and contributes to an inclusive culture, treating everyone with respect.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience working in law enforcement.
  • Prior supervisory experience managing scheduling and staffing.
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of training and experience required.
  • Valid vehicle operator’s license.
  • All prospective employees must be able to clear a background check, state and federal clearances.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed inside and outside the building with exposure to inclement weather and unpredictable crisis situations and candidate must be flexible with working hours and working conditions, including:

  • Ability to walk for long periods of time around campus
  • Ability to lift and/or move up to 75 pounds
  • Ability to climb stairs
  • Ability to sit at a desk working on a computer

BENEFITS

Competitive salary and generous benefits package.

TO APPLY

AUXS is acting on behalf of the school to recruit candidates for this position. Candidates should apply online using the following website link: https://auxs.workable.com/j/EAE1C2A4B9

Please make sure to upload the following items when applying:

  • Cover letter addressed to: Whittle School
    RE: Director of Campus Safety
    c/o AUXS
  • Resume or CV

Thank you for your interest in this role. You will be contacted upon receipt of your online submission. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at: jobs@auxs.org

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AUXS supports independent schools, colleges and universities by recruiting and developing exceptional leaders with a focus on roles within Campus Operations, Campus Programs and Campus Safety.