Director of Safety Operations

KIPP DC • Washington, DC

2d • $113,839 - $125,821 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Safety Operations role is an integral part of the Operations team, ensuring that KIPP DC safety systems are aligned with best practices, accurately documented, clearly understood, and executed with fidelity. The Director of Safety Operations at KIPP DC will focus on developing and maintaining the operational systems, procedures, and protocols that ensure a safe and secure environment across all KIPP DC campuses and its central office. This role will lead efforts related to safety planning, vendor management, and compliance, working closely with school leaders, the operations team, and external partners to implement and monitor safety measures. As a Director, this position must also ensure adherence to established internal control policies and procedures and maintain compliance within the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• At least 6 years of experience in safety planning, security management, or a related field, with a focus on operational management.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience managing and leading teams, preferably in safety or operations.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds
• Ability to stand frequently
• Ability to travel across KIPP DC schools
• Flexibility to work outside normal business hours or weekends for KIPP DC events
• Commitment to Students and Schools: Demonstrates commitment to education reform, believing in every child's potential for success and prioritizing students, schools, and the essential role of families.
• Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving: Finds creative solutions to challenges that achieve broader goals of team and organization.
• Project Management: Sets a high bar for own work and supports others to achieve desired team outcomes.
• Communications and Influence: Demonstrates adept communication skills and influence to advance work by adjusting content and style.
• Teamwork: Contributes to a supportive team culture, fostering diverse work styles and maintaining a high performance standard.
• Trust and Collaboration: Establishes and nurtures effective relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders to support the best outcomes for our work.
• Cultural Humility: Advances KIPP DC’s commitment to anti-racism by creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all stakeholders.
• Continuous Learning: Commits to continuous learning through feedback, self reflection, humility, and action.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a related field (MBA, MPA, Homeland Security, Operations, etc.)
• Management of safety operations in an educational or public sector setting.
• Familiarity with local and federal safety regulations affecting schools.
• Experience with compliance reporting and auditing in a safety context.
• Proven experience in managing vendor relationships and contracts, including security services.
• Strong knowledge of safety and security equipment, including camera systems, alarm systems, and weapons abatement tools.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience in developing and implementing safety protocols and emergency preparedness plans.
• Demonstrated experience in managing budgets and financial oversight related to safety operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement safety and security goals, objectives, and priorities for all KIPP DC campuses.
• Collaborate with school leaders and the operations team to create and update comprehensive safety plans.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to influence safety behaviors and change, embed safety in daily operations, and drive organizational change towards best-in-class safety practices.
• Oversee emergency preparedness efforts, including the development and execution of drills (e.g., fire, lockdown) and emergency response protocols.
• Ensure the establishment of effective daily operational procedures, such as arrival and dismissal processes, visitor safety, and building security.
• Periodically review schools on implementation of safety procedures, providing developmental feedback and ensuring procedures are implemented with fidelity.
• Design and implement training programs for staff and students on safety protocols, including town halls and roundtable discussions.
• Coach and develop high school Managers of Safety Operations.
• In partnership with our security vendor, develop comprehensive training for security staff on KIPP DC standard operating procedures and expectations.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive standard operating procedures for all safety and security functions.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal safety regulations, as well as internal policies and procedures.
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of safety operations, recommending improvements as needed.
• Manage relationships with external security vendors and service providers (e.g., Allied, IronClad, etc).
• Oversee the acquisition, maintenance, and deployment of safety and security equipment, including cameras, alarm systems, access control systems, weapons abatement tools, emergency communication devices (walkies, Relay) and others in partnership with the facilities and technology teams.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments of safety equipment and vendor performance to ensure optimal functionality and service delivery.
• Work closely with the academic and mental health teams to integrate safety considerations into the broader school culture.
• Provide guidance and support to the operations team and school leaders on day-to-day security operations and staffing needs.
• Participate in the development and management of the safety and security budget.
• Serve as the primarily requisitioner and procurement manager on the Regional Safety Team.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision insurances
• various voluntary benefits
• employer paid benefits such as short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, and a membership to One Medical.
• 403(b) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution and a 3% match with vesting after three years.
• up to 15 paid time off days
• up to 10 paid sick days
• 12 paid holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director