Director, Department of Safety and Security

Role Overview

Reporting to the Chief of Schools, this leadership role oversees the Department of Safety and Security for Montgomery County Public Schools. The Director is charged with designing, deploying, maintaining, and communicating a comprehensive 24/7 security program that safeguards students, staff, parents, and visitors to ensure educational environments remain secure and safe.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise all departmental personnel managing school safety and security functions.
• Direct response efforts and improvements related to security incidents and emergencies.
• Collaborate with schools to implement thorough safety and security training for staff.
• Work jointly with school leaders, public safety agencies, and internal teams to plan, execute training, incident responses, and safety program development incorporating technology-based systems.
• Maintain readiness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays to address emergency situations.

Required Knowledge and Abilities

• Familiar with policies, regulations, budgets, and operations of large school systems or similar institutions.
• Expertise in current safety protocols, emergency preparedness, incident command, crisis management, and communications technologies.
• Understanding of technology tools such as access control, video surveillance, visitor management, emergency notification, radio communications, alarms, and incident reporting.
• Awareness of legal frameworks at local, state, and federal levels relevant to school safety and security.
• Ability to assess safety data and audits to enhance staffing, training, equipment, and processes.
• Capability to lead emergency response, coordinate with public safety, and direct critical incident management.
• Strong communication, organizational, negotiation, and leadership skills including staff supervision and development.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in law enforcement, public administration, emergency management/public safety, education, or related discipline; Master's degree preferred.
• At least five years progressively responsible experience in safety and security management, including emergency preparedness and incident command preferably within school or large public systems.
• Experienced in organizational change leadership, data-driven safety improvements, budgeting, training, and staff supervision.
• Proven ability to coordinate with diverse stakeholders such as public safety agencies and school leadership to support comprehensive safety strategies.

Certificates and Licenses

• Must hold a valid Maryland Class C driver’s license or equivalent.