Title:

Director -

Safety and Security

Work Unit:

Safety and Security Department

Reports To:

Deputy Superintendent of Operations

Work Calendar:

12 month

Pay Schedule:

Director/Cabinet

Overtime Status: Exempt

Hours:

40+ hours per week

Union Status:

Non-Union

Licensure: N/A

Note: All positions with Santa Fe Public Schools require a post-offer/pre-employment background check. Some positions have additional requirements as established by federal or state rules and regulations.

General Function:

The Director directly manages all district safety and security operations, including supervision of personnel, emergency preparedness planning, threat assessment processes, incident response, interagency coordination, and continuous improvement of district safety systems. The Director serves as the district's primary liaison with law enforcement, fire departments, emergency response agencies, and community partners.

Education/Training/Experience:

(Basic minimum requirements are subject to change from time to time to meet the needs of the District.)

Minimum: Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in risk management, school emergency preparedness, facility security, or law enforcement, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or management capacity. Proven leadership and communication skills.

Preferred: Bilingual: English-Spanish. Bachelor's degree in public safety, emergency management, criminal justice, education administration, or a related field. Master's degree in a related field. Specialized training or certification in school emergency preparedness or Homeland Security protocols. Previous law enforcement, emergency management, or military experience.

Knowledge/Skills and Abilities:

Expert knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS). Comprehensive understanding of local, state, and federal laws governing school safety and security. Strong analytical and decision-making skills, especially under pressure. Ability to develop, implement, and assess safety and emergency management programs across multiple sites. Proficiency in written and verbal communication; ability to present effectively before district leadership, staff, parents, students, and community agencies. Competence in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and other digital platforms for reporting and data analysis. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with internal departments, first responders, and community partners. Ability to manage and oversee multiple priorities at once, especially emergent situations. Strong supervision and leadership supervising multi-site teams. Ability to manage contracted service providers. Ability to analyze incident data and implement prevention strategies. Experience managing departmental budgets and vendor contracts.

Essential Job Functions:

Performs all functions in accordance with established policies, procedures, safety and environmental regulations, facility and computer security policies and procedures. Functions are subject to change over time to meet the organization's needs. Current essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Provides vision and strategic direction for all district safety and security programs.
Develops, updates, and enforces district-wide safety and security policies and crisis response plans.
Advises the Superintendent, Chief Operations Officer, and School Board on matters of safety, security, and emergency preparedness.
Oversees department budgeting, procurement, and contracts for security and emergency management services.
Directly supervises the Assistant Director and all safety personnel, including district staff and contracted security services.
Leads the development, training, and execution of the District Crisis Response Plan, ensuring alignment with state and federal standards.
Coordinates and chairs the District Safety Steering Committee and District Safety Committee.
Ensures state-mandated emergency drills (lockdown, shelter-in-place, and evacuation) are conducted and documented at all district sites.
Directs post-incident debriefings and corrective action planning.
Serves as the primary point of contact for all emergency response agencies and represents the district during critical incidents.
Oversees campus safety programs, including security officer operations, crossing guard management, and surveillance systems.
Ensures compliance with access control, visitor management, and two-way radio communication protocols.
Reviews incident reports and trend analyses to implement preventive measures.
Collaborates with Human Resources on investigations related to employee misconduct, fraud, or policy violations, at the discretion of the Superintendent or designee.
Builds and maintains partnerships with law enforcement, fire, health, and community emergency resources.
Promotes school safety awareness programs, including student safety initiatives and recognition programs.
Coordinates communication with parents and the public regarding emergency procedures and safety measures.
Responds to after-hours emergencies and critical incidents as needed.
Leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the district threat assessment program.
Conducts safety audits and vulnerability assessments of all facilities.
Develops professional development and training plans for safety personnel and school staff.
Monitors safety performance metrics and reports trends to district leadership.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent for the Deputy Superintendent of Operations.

Salary Range and Benefits:

SFPS Director Pay Scale, dependent upon verified experience. Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available to full and part-time employees who work a minimum of 20 hours per week.

Resources Used in Performing the Job Include (but are not limited to):

Standard office equipment and software platforms such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and the Google Suite. Telephone, fax, copier, computer, calculator.

Physical/Cognitive Requirements:

Regularly required to stand and move throughout a room and/or facility. Communicate verbally and electronically. Uses hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. Frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl. Occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, and drive. May have occasion to perform heavy lifting up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and private automobile. Some evening or weekend work and travel may be required.

Environmental Conditions:

Work is performed across multiple district sites, including school campuses and administrative facilities. The position requires frequent movement between locations in response to emerging needs, safety concerns, meetings, and district events. Duties involve a combination of office-based tasks and on-site presence, including extended periods of walking, standing, sitting, and occasional bending or reaching. Regular travel throughout the district is required.

Personal Accountability:

Demonstrates reliability as evidenced by attendance records and punctuality.
Properly notifies supervisor and/or designee of absences or tardiness.
Begins and completes work within the allotted time.
Consistently appears in attire appropriate to the work environment.
Demonstrates skill in the use of equipment, including its capabilities, limitations, and appropriate/special applications
Protects the district's resources through appropriate and careful use of supplies and equipment.
Utilizes appropriate body mechanics to aid in the prevention of muscle strain/injury.

Santa Fe Public Schools does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, medical/genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

2026-2027 SY: Director - Safety and Security