71.DIR OF SSR & EMER MGMT.001

Arlington Public Schools•Arlington, VA

About The Position

Plans, develops, and directs programs and initiatives to ensure safe and secure environments for students, employees, and visitors of Arlington Public Schools. Develops, maintains, and implements comprehensive emergency preparedness and response plans addressing natural disasters, incidents of violence, accidents, and related events. Responds to emergencies and determines appropriate courses of action. Provides leadership, guidance, consultation, and professional development on safety and security matters. Performs other duties as assigned. SUPERVISION Work is performed under the direction of an executive-level supervisor (e.g., Chief or Assistant Superintendent). The incumbent independently plans and carries out assigned responsibilities; makes decisions and recommendations within the scope of authority; keeps the supervisor informed of significant matters; and elevates particularly complex, sensitive, or high-impact issues for guidance or resolution. This position has direct supervisory responsibility for assigned staff. Responsibilities include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of supervisory, professional (e.g., specialists), and support staff (e.g., coordinators) who report directly to the position. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is a single-position classification responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and supervision of school safety and emergency management initiatives, planning, and programs across the division. The incumbent provides strategic oversight, ensures regulatory compliance, and coordinates cross-departmental efforts to maintain safe and secure learning and working environments. GUIDELINES Guidelines include, but are not limited to, School Board policies and Policy Implementation Procedures (PIPs) of Arlington Public Schools; standards and regulations of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (VA DCJS); the Virginia Administrative Code (VAC); guidance from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE); the Virginia Department of Emergency Management; and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing K–12 school safety and law enforcement. CONTACTS Contacts include, but are not limited to, teachers, principals, support staff, volunteers, contractors, students, parents, and other parties across APS, parents and students, VA DCJS personnel, and third-party consultants/contractors, Virginia Department of Health (VDH), jurisdictional law enforcement, and other contacts for the exchange of routine and non-routine information concerning school safety and emergency management.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge of state and local policies and procedures regarding the administration of school safety programs.
Considerable knowledge of applicable laws and regulations.
Considerable knowledge of current literature, trends, methods, and developments in emergency management and school safety.
Considerable knowledge of ethical guidelines applicable to the position as outlined by professional organizations and/or federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
General knowledge of the principles of supervision, organization, and administration.
Comprehensive knowledge of School Board policies and procedures, federal and state laws, regulations, and directives relevant to the position.
Comprehensive knowledge of Arlington Public Schools organization and operations.
Thorough knowledge of and skill in applying conflict resolution techniques.
Good knowledge of software applications related to school administration.
Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups, and/or boards.
Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and make recommendations for improvements.
Ability to use common office machines and popular computer-driven word processing, spreadsheet, and file maintenance programs.
Ability to maintain complete and accurate records and to develop meaningful reports from them.
Ability to effectively express ideas both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
Skill in exercising tact and diplomacy when dealing with parents, students, teachers, principals, and county officials.
Skill in promoting effective interaction between the school system and the community.
Ability to apply the methodologies, procedures, and practices of school administration.
Ability to perform research and prepare reports.
Ability to lead and support principals through crisis situations and emergencies.
Ability to effectively work in a culturally diverse setting.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Superintendent, school and county personnel, parents, community groups, and the general public.
Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
Five (5) or more years of experience managing safety programs, emergency preparedness, and/or crisis management.
A valid driver’s license, proof of insurability, and a safe driving record.
Frequent reaching, handling, talking, and hearing.
Mobility to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment.
Stamina to remain seated and maintain concentration for extended periods.
Hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone.
Strength: Light – exerting force of 5–10 lbs. frequently, up to 10 lbs. constantly, or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects.

Nice To Haves

Preferred training includes Police Academy or equivalent, FBI National Academy Program, Advanced Police Management Program, National Fire Academy, Emergency Management Institute, Security Training Programs, or other comparable programs.

Responsibilities

Develops, implements, and evaluates school and office safety programs and activities.
Develops, maintains, and implements comprehensive emergency preparedness plans.
Directs responses to emergency incidents in coordination with Arlington County Emergency Management.
Develops, implements, and maintains the school system’s Emergency Manual of procedures and coordinates the Interagency Emergency Safety Steering Committee.
Manages, updates, and revises the APS Emergency Management Plans and Reference Book annually to reflect necessary changes or updates.
Develops and maintains the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), documenting functional roles and responsibilities of internal positions and external agencies, lines of authority, plan activation criteria, concepts of operation, and resource management strategies.
Serves as a liaison to federal, state, and local law enforcement and emergency response agencies. Develops rules and procedures governing safety matters.
Coordinates with Arlington County Police Department on safety, investigations, and procedures that impact schools and offices.
Inspects schools and facilities to assess conditions and develop safety improvements for employees, students, the public, and property. Identifies and addresses potential hazards to students, employees, and the public.
Prepares and presents information and professional development to school staff, central office personnel, executive staff, and the public related to safety issues.
Responds to inquiries, communications, and correspondence regarding school and office safety, including those from school administrators.
Responds to inquiries from school administrators.
Directs and conducts internal investigations of incidents; coordinates the compilation, analysis, and completion of investigation reports.
Reviews investigation reports and recommends follow-up actions as appropriate.
Manages the school division’s Threat Assessment Program and team.
Supervises the division-wide School Safety Coordinator (SSC) program, overseeing the work of coordinators assigned to schools and offices.
Collaborates with the Director of Security and Risk Management to manage the Safety Audit Committee and support advisory committees related to safety, security, risk management, and emergency management, ensuring coordinated daily operations of a comprehensive division-wide program.
Coordinates safety and emergency management communications with the School Community Relations Department.
Performs related duties as required or assigned.