Location: Central Office

Reports To: Chief Administrative Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt

Start Date: 1/2/2026; Permanent Full Time with Full Benefits

12 months; 8 hour per day

Position Summary:

The Director of School Safety provides strategic leadership and oversight for the development, implementation, and administration of a comprehensive district-wide school safety and security program. This position works collaboratively with local law enforcement, school administrators, and district leadership to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for all students, staff, and visitors. The Director also oversees public safety operations, emergency preparedness, and crisis response planning for Henderson County Public Schools.

Supervision and Controls Over the Work:

The Director works under the general supervision of the Superintendent or Superintendent’s designee. This position exercises independent judgment in developing, managing, and evaluating school safety programs. The Director works closely with internal stakeholders (including district and school administrators) and external agencies (such as local law enforcement and emergency services) to ensure safety practices and protocols are aligned with legal standards and best practices. The position requires both strategic leadership and hands-on coordination, particularly in times of emergency or crisis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Develops, implements, and monitors a comprehensive school safety and security program across the district.
• Serves as the primary liaison to local law enforcement and emergency services, ensuring effective collaboration and communication.
• Oversees the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, including coordination of daily operations and support for campus law enforcement efforts.
• Collaborates with law enforcement to promote community-oriented policing strategies within schools.
• Develops safety and security protocols for special events held on school campuses.
• Provides safety and emergency response training to site-based administrators, bus supervisors, and other school personnel.
• Advises school administrators on security issues and incidents involving criminal activity.
• Leads the development and regular review of the district-wide Crisis Response Plan.
• Assists schools in creating and updating individual crisis management and emergency response plans.
• Conducts regular safety audits of school facilities and grounds and coordinates necessary improvements.
• Partners with the Maintenance and Facilities departments to address safety-related concerns identified at school sites.
• Prepares and distributes safety-related documentation, including memos, reports, maps, and diagrams.
• Collaborates with agencies such as NCDOT, NC Department of Public Instruction, and the Center for Prevention of School Violence, and Center for Safer Schools.
• Collects and tracks school crime reports submitted by administrators and SROs; maintains accurate and timely records.
• Manages the district’s annual school crime data reporting process for submission to DPI.
• Presents regular updates and safety-related reports to the Superintendent and Board of Education.
• Serves as an advisor to the HCPS School Safety Advisory Committee and assists in maintaining the district’s Safe School Plan.
• Acts as the district spokesperson regarding school safety matters and coordinates messaging with the media.
• Engages in collaboration with other school systems to share best practices and strategies for school safety.
• Participates in professional development opportunities and safety-focused organizations and committees.
• Works with law enforcement and emergency personnel during crisis events and post-incident recovery.
• Participates in and supports local community safety initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Strong understanding of local, state, and federal policies and laws related to school safety and security.
• Extensive knowledge of current trends, research, and best practices in school safety and emergency management.
• Familiarity with the ethical and legal considerations surrounding school safety and public administration.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and agencies.
• Proficiency in using technology, including office software and security-related systems.
• Ability to analyze safety data and prepare clear, actionable reports.
• Ability to maintain composure and make sound decisions during high-stress or emergency situations.
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate safety programs and initiatives.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Master’s Degree in School Administration, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Education, or related field.        –OR–
• Bachelor’s Degree (Preferred, but not required) in Criminal Justice, Education, or Public/School Administration with at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in school safety, law enforcement, or a related field.
• Demonstrated skills in problem-solving, strategic planning, and inter-agency coordination.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
• Excellent attendance and reliability.
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License.

Preferred Experience: 

• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory and/or administrative experience, including at least 3 years in school leadership, law enforcement, campus security, or emergency management.
• Prior experience working in a public school district or educational environment.
• Experience in planning and delivering professional development or staff training programs.

Physical and Environmental Requirements: 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:
• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear.
• Required to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions during site visits.
• May be required to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Must be able to respond to emergency calls and travel between school sites as needed.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Disclaimer:

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.