Senior Executive Director of Safety and Security (Updated)

Senior Executive Director of Safety & Security

Reports to: Chief of Staff
Pay Grade: 1003
Days: 239 Days
FSLA Status: Exempt        

Position Purpose

Provides executive, districtwide leadership and strategic direction for all safety and security functions, including law enforcement coordination, emergency management, security operations, and security technology systems.

Oversees and aligns the work of Safety & Security staff to ensure a unified, proactive, and compliant safety framework that protects students, staff, facilities, and the community. Serves as the District's chief advisor on safety risk, crisis preparedness, and security strategy.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Develops and implements a comprehensive, districtwide safety and security strategic plan.
• Establishes goals, performance metrics, and accountability systems for all safety and security functions.
• Provides executive-level recommendations to Superintendent, Cabinet, and Board regarding risk, compliance, and resource allocation.
• Aligns all safety initiatives with District priorities, legal requirements, and industry best practices. 

• Leads continuous improvement efforts across all safety and security programs.

   

Safety & Security Operations Oversight

• Provides executive oversight of 24/7 districtwide safety and security operations.
• Ensures effective incident response, crisis management, and after-hours emergency coordination.
• Monitors systemwide performance and ensures consistency across campuses and departments.
• Oversees emergency preparedness programs, training, and districtwide drills.
• Ensures compliance with safety audits, emergency operations plans, and state mandates.

Law Enforcement & Public Safety Coordination

• Provides executive oversight of School Resource Officer (SRO) programs and law enforcement partnerships.
• Serves as primary liaison with law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and government entities.
• Oversees coordination of security for athletic and special events.
• Ensures effective collaboration between district staff and public safety agencies.
• Provides strategic direction on law enforcement presence and response protocols.

Security Technology & Infrastructure

• Provides executive oversight of all district security systems, including: video surveillance, access control systems, alarm systems, visitor management systems and emergency communication systems.
• Leads long-range planning for security system upgrades and capital projects.
• Ensures integration between physical security systems and IT security frameworks.
• Oversees the evaluation and implementation of emerging safety technologies using a risk-based approach.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Establishes districtwide frameworks for risk assessment, threat analysis, and vulnerability management.
• Oversees district vulnerability assessments and hazard mitigation planning.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including TEA safety mandates.
• Ensures alignment with national standards such as NIMS and other applicable frameworks.
• Monitors emerging risks and develops mitigation strategies.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Serves as the District's lead representative on safety and security matters.
• Builds strong partnerships with community organizations, public agencies, and governmental entities.
• Provides executive-level communication during critical incidents and emergencies.
• Delivers presentations and reports to Superintendent, Cabinet, and Board.

Fiscal & Resource Management 

• Oversees the development and management of the Safety & Security budget.
• Allocates resources to maximize operational effectiveness and efficiency.
• Oversees procurement, vendor contracts, and service agreements.
• Ensures responsible stewardship of district resources.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises assigned Safety & Security staff.  
• Selects, trains, evaluates, and develops staff; makes recommendations regarding assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
• Builds high-performing teams and ensures continuous professional growth and accountability.

Personal Work Relationships

• Demonstrates commitment to the District's mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Maintains the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality.
• Builds strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Promotes collaboration, cultural competence, and a respectful work environment.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Performs all job-related duties as assigned and in accordance to the Board rules, policies and regulations. All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.

   

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of school safety and security practices, including law enforcement coordination and campus-based security operations
• Knowledge of emergency management systems, crisis response protocols, and preparedness planning frameworks
• Knowledge of security technologies and infrastructure, including surveillance, access control, and emergency communication systems
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and compliance requirements related to school safety and security
• Knowledge of risk assessment methodologies, vulnerability analysis, and threat mitigation strategies
• Skill in strategic leadership, organizational development, and leading large, complex departments
• Skill in evaluating safety and security risks and making high-level, data-informed decisions
• Skill in building partnerships and collaborating with internal stakeholders, law enforcement, and community agencies
• Skill in managing budgets, contracts, and large-scale resource allocation
• Skill in effective written and verbal communication, including presenting to executive leadership and governing bodies
• Ability to lead and align multiple functional areas, including operations, emergency management, and security technology
• Ability to respond effectively and maintain composure in high-pressure, crisis, and emergency situations.
• Ability to develop and implement districtwide strategies, policies, and performance measures.
• Ability to analyze complex data and translate findings into actionable improvements.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including staff, leadership, and external partners.

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

   

Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).

• Environment: Works in an office setting, and works outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); frequent exposure to noise; noise levels in the office are usually moderate; 

• noise levels outdoors and around events may be elevated or become loud; frequent talking and listening; frequently requires irregular and/or prolonged hours.

• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.

• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

   

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Education:
  • Master's degree from an accredited college or university required;
  • Major in a Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Emergency Management, Education Administration or a closely related field preferred.
• Certification/License:  
• Valid Texas Driver's License required.
• Insurable by the District's insurance carrier required;
• Master Peace Officer Certification preferred.
• FEMA/NIMS or emergency management certification preferred.
• Executive leadership certification or program (e.g., FBI National Academy or Southern Police Institute) preferred.
• Experience:
  • 5 years of progressively responsible experience in safety, law enforcement, emergency management, or a related field required.
  • 5 years of senior-level leadership experience managing large teams, multiple functions, and complex operations required.
  • Experience overseeing or coordinating multiple safety domains (e.g., law enforcement, partnerships, emergency preparedness, and/or security technology systems) required.
  • Experience managing critical incidents, crisis response, or emergency operations required.
  • Experience developing or managing departmental budget required.
  • Experience working directly with executive leadership or public safety agencies preferred.
  • Experience managing school operations preferred. 

INSURABILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL DRIVERS

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• NO positive drug or alcohol tests including pre-employment, random, post-accident or reasonable suspicion.

• Driving and accident record:

  Valid Texas Department of Public Safety Driver Record Check Type 3A-Certified list of all crashes and violations http://dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/driverrecords.htm

  • NO more than 2 violations during previous 36 months including:
    • moving traffic violations (including no more than 1 preventable accident);
      • failure to provide proof of valid driver's license or proof of insurance;
      • equipment violations.
    • NO Driving Under the Influence (DUI) for drug or alcohol.
    • NO leaving scene of an accident (bodily injury or physical damage).
    • NO vehicular assault, manslaughter, or homicide.
    • NO operating a vehicle with suspended or revoked driver's license.
    • NO reckless driving, speed contests, drag racing, or highway racing.
    • NO use of a vehicle in commission of a felony.
    • NO operating a vehicle without owner's permission (unauthorized use or grand theft).
    • NO permitting an unlicensed person to drive.
    • NO speeding more than 20 mph over the posted speed limit.
    • NO history of a conviction in a commercial or personal motor vehicle.
• Additional restrictions may apply if directed by FWISD's Fleet Insurance Carrier.

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.