Director of Safety and Security

Department: Safety & Support Services
Reports To: Assistant Superintendent of Safety & Support Services
Location: Richmond County Schools, NC
FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Summary
The Director of Safety and Security is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive district-wide safety and security program. This role focuses on fostering productive relationships with law enforcement and community agencies, aligning emergency protocols with best practices, and supporting proactive safety planning and communication. The Director will work closely with the Chief of Special School Police and other district leaders to ensure a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment across all campuses and facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and regularly update the district’s safety and risk management plan, aligning with the “I Love U Guys” Standard Response Protocol and incorporating tabletop exercises throughout the year.


• Foster and maintain Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and collaborative relationships with local, state, and federal law enforcement and emergency response agencies.


• Serve as the district’s liaison for interagency coordination, excluding direct oversight of School Resource Officers, which is managed by the Chief of Special School Police.


• Conduct regular safety audits and vulnerability assessments of school sites and district facilities.


• Collaborate with the Chief of Special School Police to identify and propose safety projects for inclusion in grant applications submitted to the Assistant Superintendent.


• Coordinate district-wide emergency drills (e.g., lockdowns, evacuations, shelter-in-place) and ensure alignment with best practices and legal requirements.


• Support mental health and behavioral threat assessments in partnership with counselors, psychologists, and administrative teams.


• Develop and disseminate safety response literature in collaboration with the Executive Director of Communication.


• Provide training and professional development for staff on school safety, emergency response, and violence prevention.


• Monitor and advise on the implementation of access control, visitor management, surveillance systems, and other safety technologies.


• Prepare and present safety updates and reports to district leadership, community stakeholders, and the RCS Board of Education.


• Other duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Safety and Support Services

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Public Administration, Education, or a related field preferred.


• Minimum of 7 years of experience in law enforcement, emergency management, or school safety, with at least 3 years in a leadership role preferred.


• Experience in K–12 educational settings is strongly preferred.


• Certifications (Preferred but not Required):


• Certified School Safety Specialist (CSSS)


• Certified Protection Professional (CPP)


• FEMA ICS/NIMS (100–800)


• CPR/First Aid/AED

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong leadership, crisis management, and interpersonal communication skills.


• Ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with law enforcement and community partners.


• Knowledge of FERPA, IDEA, Title IX, and other education-related regulations.


• Proficiency in managing emergency notification systems and safety technologies.


• Ability to develop clear, effective safety communications and training materials.

Working Conditions:

• Regular travel to school sites and district facilities.


• On-call availability during emergencies, including nights and weekends.


• Exposure to high-stress situations requiring discretion and professionalism

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Work in this classification is considered light physical work requiring the exertion of up to 40 pounds of force occasionally, and up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Generally, the job requires sitting, walking, and standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

 

*Successful applicants must be able to pass a complete background check.

 

All employees are to adhere to ALL of RCS Board of Education policies.
Policies are located at:  RCS Board Policies