Director of Safety and Security

Cotulla Education

12h • $140,000 - $190,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Director of Safety and Security provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for safety and security programs across multiple Cotulla Education campuses. This non-sworn leadership role is responsible for developing comprehensive security policies, managing personnel, and leading emergency preparedness initiatives to protect students, staff, visitors, and institutional assets.

Working closely with campus leadership, facilities teams, and external public safety partners, this role ensures a safe and secure learning environment across all locations. The Director plays a critical role in risk management, crisis response coordination, security technology integration, and strengthening the organization’s overall safety culture.

Requirements

• Experience in security operations management, preferably in higher education or multi-site environments
• Proven leadership experience managing security personnel or vendors
• Strong background in risk management, emergency preparedness, or campus safety
• Ability to travel nationwide to campus locations
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation
• Commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive educational environment

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Homeland Security, Emergency Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Certifications such as CPP, PSP, FEMA ICS/NIMS, or CPR/First Aid/AED
• Training in Threat Assessment, Workplace Violence Prevention, or Campus Safety
• Strong leadership and team management abilities
• Excellent crisis management and decision-making skills
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Proficiency with modern security technologies and systems
• Ability to manage and coordinate operations across multiple locations

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate enterprise-wide safety and security policies
• Establish standardized protocols for access control, visitor management, surveillance, and incident response
• Oversee physical security systems (CCTV, alarms, access control, emergency notifications)
• Conduct safety assessments, vulnerability analyses, and security audits
• Partner with leadership to align security initiatives with risk management and compliance goals
• Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and supervision of campus security personnel
• Develop staffing models and schedules for coverage across all operational hours
• Establish hiring standards, screening procedures, and vendor selection criteria
• Provide coaching, performance management, and leadership development
• Promote a culture of professionalism, customer service, and safety awareness
• Design and oversee comprehensive training programs for security staff
• Ensure training in emergency response, de-escalation, incident reporting, and safety procedures
• Coordinate drills, tabletop exercises, and scenario-based training
• Maintain accurate training records and ensure compliance with best practices
• Conduct inspections, patrol strategy development, and risk assessments
• Develop prevention strategies for theft, workplace violence, and safety hazards
• Review incident reports and oversee investigations
• Ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and industry standards
• Develop and maintain emergency preparedness and crisis response plans
• Coordinate drills for active threats, fire, weather, and medical emergencies
• Serve as the primary security lead during critical incidents
• Lead post-incident reviews and implement continuous improvement plans
• Act as liaison with law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency agencies
• Coordinate security planning for events and high-traffic periods
• Collaborate with dispatch and first responders to enhance emergency response

Benefits

• 401(k) and Matching
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Enjoy Health, Dental, and Vision insurance to keep you and your family healthy.
• Life Insurance
• Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees