St. John's is an independent, coeducational Episcopal school serving approximately 500 students in grades pre-k through eighth. Located in a park-like setting on 10 acres in East Dallas, the School offers its employees and students a supportive esprit de corps fueled by a common mission - one dedicated to a program of academic excellence designed to train the mind, strengthen the character, and enrich the spirit of each student in a Christian environment. We think of St. John's not just as a school but also as a very special kind of community. We seek to employ people who - regardless of the role they play in the School - understand that they impact the lives of our students, families, and colleagues. The St. John's Code calls us to model honesty and respectfulness in our relationships, responsibility in the performance of our assignments and a caring attitude that extends to all members of our community.
Position Description:
The Director of Security and Emergency Management (DoSEM) is a highly visible, strategic leader within the St. John's Episcopal School community, responsible for fostering a secure and prepared environment that ensures the safety and well-being of all students, staff, faculty, and visitors. This role not only oversees daily safety and security operations, but also leads the development and execution of the school's comprehensive emergency management strategies.
Reporting to the Chief Finance and Operations Officer (CFOO), the DoSEM plays a critical role in proactively identifying potential risks, implementing preventive measures, and coordinating campus-wide training and preparedness programs. This position demands a forward-thinking, technical, and adaptable approach that integrates emerging best practices in both physical security and emergency response, while promoting a shared commitment to campus safety among all stakeholders. The DoSEM serves as the primary point of contact during crisis situations and is dedicated to maintaining an environment that is safe, inclusive, and conducive to learning.
Key Accountabilities:
Campus Safety and Security:
Security Personnel Management and Coverage: Supervise contracted campus security personnel, overseeing their patrols, monitoring, and incident reporting procedures. Coordinate security plans and coverage needs, including those for special events, weekend and overnight activities. Provide additional security coverage for day-to-day needs, carpool, and events, as required.
Technical Security Measures: Configure and manage (including overseeing installation) of all technical security systems including access control, surveillance cameras, alarm systems, emergency response and communications systems, visitor management, weather, and other security or life safety systems. Evolve and enforce policies surrounding all technical security platforms. In partnership with the Technology Department, integrate platforms, when possible, to provide a cohesive and streamlined security solution.
Physical Security Measures: Plan and implement security upgrades to the physical infrastructure (e.g., fencing, gates, classroom door locks) as needed. Collaborate with the Facilities department to ensure buildings and grounds remain as safe and secure as possible.
Visitor Management: Continue to build robust visitor management plans in partnership with the Reception and Visitor Management Coordinator to ensure best practices are followed. Periodically evaluate new platforms to ensure that implemented solutions and procedures offer the best balance of campus safety and streamlined visitor experience.
Incident Investigation and Reporting: Oversee investigations into security breaches, accidents, or incidents, including those involving students, staff, or visitors. Maintain records of incidents, reporting to school leadership and authorities when needed.
Monitor Security Alerts: Configure and monitor all necessary system-generated alerts, including after-hours motion and sensor alerts, alarm system alerts, and door ajar alerts. Ensure response measures and action plans are clearly defined and followed.
Student and Staff Safety Programs: Develop and deliver security training programs to enhance the knowledge and awareness of staff, faculty, and students. Stay updated on the latest security trends and best practices to ensure training content remains relevant and effective.
Budget and Resource Management: Manage the Security department's annual budget, including third-party vendor management, and help identify cost-saving opportunities when possible.
Emergency Preparedness and Management:
Crisis Response Planning: Regularly review and update the School's comprehensive emergency response plans, including lockdown, evacuation, and inclement weather plans.
Disaster Preparedness: Oversee preparedness for natural disasters (e.g. inclement weather). Manage resources and protocols for emergency supplies.
Emergency Response Coordination: Lead the School's Emergency Response Team and serve as the primary liaison to local police, fire, and other emergency response departments. Continue to build partnerships with other local schools and agencies. Work directly with local law enforcement during critical incidents for coordinated emergency response efforts.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Implement strategies to mitigate risks and vulnerabilities identified in the School's security vulnerability assessment. Conduct regular assessments for potential emergencies, including period third-party assessments as needed, to identify potential vulnerabilities.
Communication Protocols and Systems: In partnership with the Technology Department, ensure effective communication systems are in place for emergencies, including mass notification systems, PA systems, and coordination with local authorities. Ensure faculty and staff are trained in emergency communication protocols.
Training and Drills: Organize and lead emergency preparedness training sessions for faculty, staff, and students. Conduct regular emergency response drills and tabletop exercises to test and refine the school's preparedness.
Qualifications and Experience
Proven experience in campus safety, security, and emergency management with a background in leading emergency preparedness initiatives.
Maintain all required licenses, certifications, and qualifications necessary to legally carry a firearm while on duty, in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Strong leadership, communication, problem solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the school community.
Ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure, with a strong understanding of crisis response planning and incident management.
Demonstrated knowledge of technology and communication systems, including the latest technology security trends that pertain to PK-8 education settings.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365, surveillance video systems, alarm systems, access control systems and other technology-based security platforms a plus.
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.
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.
Physically able to perform the duties required for this position.
Experience working in law enforcement or military police highly preferred.
Prior supervisory experience managing scheduling and staffing for various events.
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of training and experience required.
Valid vehicle operator's license.
Successful completion of state and federal clearances.
Collaboration and Teamwork
Participate in student, faculty, and staff training.
Establish and maintain productive partnership relationships with all community members.
Collaborate with senior leadership, academic leadership, and other administrative team members.
Cooperatively collaborate on projects as directed.
Other duties as assigned.
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