Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Work Schedule: Includes nights, weekends, and holidays as required by school events and operations
What You'll DoSet Strategic Vision & DirectionYou'll provide leadership that aligns safety and security operations with the school's mission and long-term plans.
- Set the vision and strategy of the safety and security organization to foster a school and mission-oriented culture and mindset
- Maintain and execute the safety and security roadmap that aligns operations to the school's future plans and implements best-in-class services, capabilities, and flexibility
- Serve as a trusted advisor to school leadership, building and maintaining relationships with other executives to understand school needs and ensure cost-effective delivery of services
- Provide strategic direction on the development of standards, governance controls, Steering Committees, security and risk management, and infrastructure and operations support management
- Stay current with trends in school safety and security, helping the school leverage available tools, methodologies, and solutions
- Work with external partners and counterparts to ensure an appropriate standard of care is provided across campus
- Respond with agility to changing priorities and emerging security needs
Oversee Security Operations & PersonnelYou'll manage the day-to-day operations of campus security and supervise security personnel to ensure effective monitoring and protection.
- Oversee and provide strategic direction of facility security equipment including alarm panels, visitor management system, security cameras, and scanners
- Provide prevention and detection of criminal activity and safety hazards across campus
- Enforce parking and other school regulations and provide overall assistance to facility staff, students, and the campus community
- Schedule, supervise, and actively manage full-time and part-time safety and security personnel to ensure effective monitoring and operations of security
- Recruit, schedule, supervise, and actively engage full-time and part-time City of Atlanta Police officers to ensure appropriate levels of security for general campus operations and public events (sporting events, performances, etc.)
- Provide visibility, training, tools, and controls throughout the organization to allow for continual safety and security improvement
- Lead by example and model a commitment to safety, professionalism, and community care
Ensure Compliance & Manage RiskYou'll maintain rigorous compliance with all school, regulatory, and policy requirements while managing institutional risk.
- Ensure compliance with school requirements, regulatory requirements, policies, and standards
- Maintain knowledge and understanding of Information Security and Privacy practices
- Stay informed on emerging safety and security technologies and best practices
- Develop and implement security protocols and procedures that protect students, staff, and visitors
- Coordinate with school leadership on emergency preparedness, crisis response, and business continuity
- Maintain accurate records and documentation related to security incidents, training, and operations
Build Community & RelationshipsYou'll foster trust and partnership across the school community, creating a culture where safety is everyone's responsibility.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with school leadership, faculty, staff, and families
- Communicate effectively about safety initiatives, policies, and procedures to all stakeholders
- Partner with external agencies including law enforcement, emergency services, and security industry partners
- Support the creation of a welcoming environment where students and families feel secure and valued
- Engage with student and parent groups to understand concerns and build community trust
- Serve as a visible, approachable presence on campus
Who You AreYou bring:Education & Certifications:- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, security management, homeland security, organizational management, or related field (Master's degree preferred), OR equivalent work experience
- 10+ years of progressive management roles (prior Director, CSO, or Chief preferred)
- 15+ years of security services experience
- Certification in Physical Security (e.g., Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Physical Security Professional (PSP), or equivalent) within 2 years of hire
- Membership in National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) with completed Basic SRO Course and Advanced SRO Course training, OR ability to complete within 6 months of hire
- Certified Armed Security license in Georgia, OR ability to obtain licensing within 3 months of employment if you hold Retired Peace Officer credentials issued by a law enforcement agency, OR equivalent certification that meets required standards
- Own lawfully registered weapon, ammunition, and equipment
Experience:- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, organization design, leadership, and resource development
- Proven track record managing security personnel and operations at scale
- Experience coordinating with law enforcement and external security partners
- Understanding of school safety best practices and emerging security technologies
- Background in risk assessment and compliance management
- Related educational industry experience and/or experience with law enforcement in the City of Atlanta or other law enforcement agencies (strongly preferred)
Personal Qualities:- Strategic thinker who can see the big picture while managing operational details
- Mission-oriented - You understand the unique culture of independent schools and can balance security with creating a welcoming, trusting community
- Trusted advisor - You communicate clearly, listen well, and earn the confidence of school leadership and the broader community
- Leader - You inspire teams, model professionalism, and lead by example
- Problem-solver - You stay calm under pressure, think creatively about security challenges, and respond with flexibility
- Relationship builder - You work effectively with diverse stakeholders-law enforcement, school staff, students, families, external partners
- Committed to diversity and inclusion - You foster an inclusive security culture that serves and protects all community members
- Physically capable - You can perform security duties including bending, stooping, climbing stairs, walking, reaching, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds
You have:- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong organizational and project management abilities
- Knowledge of information security and privacy practices
- Proficiency with security technology and systems
- Physical agility and the ability to work in varied conditions
- Valid Georgia Driver's License
