Director of Safety & Security 2026-27

Porter-Gaud School•Charleston, SC

16h•Onsite

About The Position

Porter-Gaud School, an Episcopal, independent, coeducational day school with 1,650 students in Preschool through 12th Grade, located in Charleston, South Carolina, is seeking a full-time Director of Safety & Security to join the school effective July 1, 2026. This role involves ensuring a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, families, and visitors across Porter-Gaud and O'Quinn Schools, encompassing over 80 acres and multiple campus locations. The Director will act as the safety and security expert, enforcer, and educator for the school community, reporting directly to the Assistant Head of School for Finance & Operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Law Enforcement, Business Management, or related field required.
At least five to seven years of safety/security experience required.
Extensive knowledge of fire prevention, safety, and security operations.
Excellent management and supervisory skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficient with Google/Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Ability to interact with students, parents, and all levels of management/departments.
Willingness and ability to, if deemed required by the School, carry, handle, and if necessary, utilize a firearm in the performance of assigned duties, as determined by the School and in accordance with applicable law.
Possesses a high degree of integrity and trustworthiness.
Well organized and uses time efficiently.
Ability to work well with a variety of people in a variety of work settings.
Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time is required.
Frequently required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
Must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Physically able to assist or carry a disabled, ill or injured person if required.
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Ability to perform duties in extreme weather conditions.
Ability to evacuate school children and adults in emergency situations.
All employees are subject to extensive background check screenings and must sign our code of conduct.
Commitment to developing attitudes, knowledge, and skills for appropriate and effective communication with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Commitment to contributing to a more inclusive and equitable community.

Nice To Haves

At least 3 years of experience as a Director of Security preferred.
School security experience preferred.
Advanced training or certification in safety and security preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a role model, counselor, mentor, and instructor, building rapport with students, staff, and the community to promote a positive and safe learning environment.
Plan, develop, and administer school safety policies and procedures for the security of all staff, students, and visitors.
Act as a visible and accessible resource with safety and security expertise, attending school events and interacting with parents and community organizations on security-related matters.
Coordinate and communicate with local, state, and federal authorities, including police, fire, and emergency management officials, and manage their responses.
Lead advance planning for crisis management, focusing on prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery, including developing and coordinating incident/emergency response/crisis plans.
Supervise, lead, and evaluate security and safety personnel.
Develop, vet, and select appropriate security and safety training and certification for staff, adhering to best practices.
Plan for and oversee traffic, security, and other concerns during school-wide and community events.
Oversee security devices and systems within the School.
Seek opportunities for and develop security-related grant requests.
Develop and execute drills, measuring performance.
Implement training for employees, students, parents, and other users of School facilities on safety and security matters.
Coordinate and supervise all emergency preparedness procedures, including fire, severe weather, and lock-in drills.
Plan and oversee the annual security budget.
Research and recommend security-related projects to improve the safety and security of community members and property.
Continuously assess and address safety risks and activities occurring around the School.
Manage and respond to concerns regarding security/safety events and/or hazards at the School.
Oversee investigations, involving relevant parties and/or organizations.
Meet regularly with Administration to provide updates on local security issues and building/grounds security needs.
Coordinate safety-related communications.