Director of Safety and Security

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 Do

Set Strategic Vision & Direction

You'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 & Personnel

You'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 Risk

You'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 & Relationships

You'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 Are

You 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

True to our core value of Belonging , The Lovett School is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse faculty and staff that reflects the world our students will inherit. We actively seek candidates from all backgrounds who are passionate about our mission to develop students of honor, faith, and wisdom. Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and post-offer drug screening.