Classification: Administrative/Professional

Exemption Status/Test: Exempt/Administrative

Job Grade: 8

Department: Office of Emergency Management and School Safety

Reports To: Chief Officer-Safety, Security & Integrated Operations

Job Goal:

The Department Director of the Office of Emergency Management and School Safety is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive emergency management and school safety initiatives that support Region 4 and school districts across Region 4. The Director will work in collaboration with district emergency management personnel to develop and evaluate a comprehensive safety plan, provide technical assistance, and support services, as needed. The Director also assists with the coordination of Emergency Management preparations and planning during natural weather and other emergency events with Region 4 ESC.

Qualifications:

Education

1. Master's degree in Public Administration, Emergency Management, or related field
2. Completion of National Incident Management (NIMS) certification or any related certification
3. Tactical Response training
4. Emergency Management Certification

Experience

1. Demonstrated professional work experience in public safety services or school safety/security management
2. Strong analytical and systems-thinking skills with an ability to interpret multiple forms of data to inform goals and strategies
3. Minimum of 10 years of experience in public safety services or school safety/security management at the local, state, or federal level

Preferred Experience

1. K-12 campus-based safety and emergency management experience
2. Advanced training or certification in emergency management, fire science, law enforcement, safety, and security

Special Knowledge and Skills

1. Knowledge of Incident Command and Unified Command procedures
2. Knowledge of safety codes, policies, and guidelines
3. Skill in interpreting law, policy, and procedures with an emphasis on school safety
4. Skill in conducting school safety audits and threat assessments
5. Knowledge of security and fire systems and their applications
6. Knowledge of two-way communication and communication devices
7. Knowledge of the interactions of physical safety/security, technology, and cybersecurity and their dependency upon each other
8. Skill in using computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work
9. Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
10. Skill in working in collaborative team-based environments
11. Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Major Responsibilities:

1. Collaborates with districts to assist with and organize various aspects of Emergency Management and School Safety and Security to promote a safe and secure environment.
2. Develop, present, and facilitate effective professional development sessions.
3. Establish and maintain working relationships with local emergency management departments and other local, federal, state law enforcement emergency response agencies.
4. Work collaboratively with the Information Technology Solutions department on the design, implementation, and staff training of school emergency alert, communication, and response systems.
5. Oversee the support, development, and implementation of Standard Response Protocol and Reunification plans with all clients.
6. Assist districts with identifying mitigation strategies to prevent or proactively limit the effects of on-campus hazardous incidents.
7. Support districts in the selection process for executive-level law enforcement and emergency management staff.
8. Assist districts with oversight of active threat tabletop exercises with district-level executive leadership.
9. Oversee safety and security audits of district campuses and Region 4 security audit personnel.
10. Oversee monthly leadership network of regional School Safety contacts to allow districts to determine needs, targeted supports, lessons learned, alignment of services, and provide networking opportunities.
11. Remain informed of any changes in state and federal rules, regulations, and policies related to school health and safety.
12. Provide leadership in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating professional development and services in school health and safety.
13. Conduct ongoing needs assessments and services for Region 4 customers.
14. Serve as the primary liaison between Region 4, the Texas School Safety Center, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), Local Education Agencies (LEAs), and other national/federal/state/local agencies to provide school health and safety supports and to build and enhance community partnerships in support of school safety and health.
15. Collaborate with the Region 4 Safe and Healthy Schools Committee to assist with the coordination and alignment of services in support of the vision that every child is safe, healthy, and connected.
16. Assist in planning and developing special project activities.
17. Provide technical assistance and services as specified by any applicable federal or state grants that fund this position.

Supervision/Personnel Management

• Supervise all School Safety personnel, including completing evaluations and conducting staff training.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/ Mental Demands:

Frequent use of standard office equipment; prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting; repetitive hand motions (keyboarding and use of mouse); occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 20 pounds); may work prolonged and irregular hours; occasional statewide travel; work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure.