Fire and Life Safety Director

The Riverside Church•New York, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Fire and Life Safety Director (FLSD) at The Riverside Church of the City of New York is responsible for ensuring compliance with all fire and life safety regulations, overseeing emergency response planning, and maintaining a secure and safe environment for church staff, congregants, and visitors. The FLSD will develop, implement, and manage fire and life safety programs, conduct drills and training sessions, and coordinate with local emergency response agencies.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in fire safety, security management, or emergency response, preferably in a large facility or institutional setting.
Strong knowledge of NYC fire codes, NFPA regulations, and emergency response protocols.
Excellent leadership and crisis management skills.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively train and manage staff.
Ability to remain calm and act decisively in emergency situations.
Proficiency in report writing and record-keeping.
Familiarity with fire alarm systems, suppression systems, and life safety equipment.
Valid FDNY Certificate of Fitness for Fire and Life Safety Director (F-89/T-89).
Must be able to perform physical tasks, including standing for extended periods and lifting equipment when necessary.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks to meet deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to interact in a collaborative manner with departments and supervisory staff.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a religious or non-profit institution is a plus.
FDNY Certificate of Fitness for Fire Drill Conductor (F-07) preferred.
FDNY Certificate of Fitness for Emergency Action Plan Director (EAPD) (F-85) preferred.
OSHA 30-hour General Industry Safety and Health Certification is a plus.
First Aid, CPR, and AED certification preferred.
New York State Security License (if applicable).

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with all NYC Fire Department (FDNY), OSHA, and other applicable fire and life safety regulations.
Develop, implement, and oversee fire safety programs and emergency response procedures.
Conduct regular fire and life safety inspections, identify risks, and recommend corrective actions.
Lead fire drills, evacuation drills, and emergency response training for staff and congregants.
Maintain all fire safety systems, including alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, and emergency lighting, ensuring they are in proper working order.
Act as the primary liaison with the FDNY, emergency services, and regulatory agencies.
Ensure that Fire and Life Safety Plans, Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), and Building Information Cards (BICs) are up to date and in compliance with FDNY regulations.
Monitor and supervise fire safety staff and ensure proper coverage for all shifts.
Maintain all required documentation, reports, and records related to fire and life safety procedures.
Respond promptly and effectively to any fire or life safety emergencies.
Conduct training sessions for employees and security personnel regarding fire safety protocols and emergency response procedures.
Oversee contractors performing fire and life safety work to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Must be able to perform physical tasks, including standing for extended periods and lifting equipment when necessary.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks to meet deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to interact in a collaborative manner with departments and supervisory staff.
Additionally, the Fire and Life Safety Director will also perform other related duties as assigned.