Coordinator of School Safety and Security

Salary Grade: Administrative Schedule 1
FLSA Status: Exempt

The Coordinator of School Safety & Security provides coordination and leadership for the Division by planning, managing, and facilitating safety, security, emergency preparedness, and risk management programs, activities, and personnel. This position provides leadership for sensitive, real-time incident and emergency response; serves as the point of contact for threat management, assessment, and response activities; and coordinates division-wide emergency preparedness efforts, including drills, exercises, crisis response planning, and continuity of operations initiatives. This position exercises leadership to develop, implement, assess, and revise safety and security services, activities, protocols, and procedures to maintain safe, structured, and supportive learning environments. The Coordinator oversees compliance with applicable safety requirements and emergency management practices and works proactively to identify, assess, and mitigate risks that may affect students, staff, facilities, transportation operations, school activities, or division operations. The Coordinator develops and maintains comprehensive emergency operations procedures; coordinates preparedness training, drills, and exercises; and supports ongoing evaluation of safety and security programs throughout the Division. This position assists with the assessment of weather-related hazards, road conditions, facility impacts, and other environmental or operational factors that may affect school division operations and provides recommendations to support informed decision-making during routine operations and emergency situations. This role works closely with the Superintendent's Office, leadership team, school administrators, local law enforcement agencies, emergency management officials, first responders, and community organizations to ensure a comprehensive and well-coordinated network of safety, security, preparedness, prevention, and response practices throughout the Division. The Coordinator serves as the primary liaison for public safety partnerships, fostering collaborative relationships that support school safety initiatives, threat assessment and management processes, emergency planning, crisis response, information sharing, and coordinated response efforts. The Coordinator partners with school and department staff to maintain accountability, readiness, and adherence to critical safety, security, and emergency management programs and practices throughout the school division while fostering a culture of safety, preparedness, and resilience.

• Designs, plans, coordinates, and evaluates division-wide safety, security, emergency preparedness, threat management, and risk mitigation programs, initiatives, and activities.
• Develops, implements, monitors, and revises comprehensive safety and security policies, procedures, operational response plans, emergency operations plans, and standard operating procedures to support safe, secure, and supportive learning environments.
• Leads and coordinates threat assessment, threat management, and critical incident response activities in collaboration with school administrators, Student Services staff, law enforcement agencies, Child Protective Services, and other appropriate partners.
• Coordinates and monitors compliance with required emergency preparedness activities, including drills, exercises, training programs, after-action reviews, and corrective action planning.
• Responds to critical incidents, emergencies, and school safety concerns; provides leadership, guidance, and coordination during emergency response and recovery operations.
• Conducts and oversees security, safety, and risk assessments involving personnel, facilities, transportation operations, school activities, and district resources; prepares reports and implements or recommends corrective actions as appropriate.
• Assists with monitoring and assesses weather-related hazards, road conditions, facility impacts, and other environmental or operational risks that may affect school division operations; assists in providing recommendations to support operational and emergency decision-making as needed
• Collaborates with transportation, facilities, information technology, and other departments to integrate safety, security, emergency management, and operational continuity practices across the Division.
• Serves as the primary liaison between the school division and local, state, and federal public safety agencies, including law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency management organizations, and other community partners.
• Coordinates emergency response protocols, communication procedures, and preparedness initiatives with public safety agencies and emergency service providers to ensure effective interagency collaboration.
• Provides consultation and technical assistance to administrators and staff regarding student and staff safety, security concerns, investigations, emergency response, law violations, misuse of property, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Coordinates, administers, and provides training on safety and security systems, emergency preparedness, threat management, crisis response, and related initiatives for division employees.
• Oversees and evaluates safety and security systems, technologies, and operational practices; researches and implements recommended improvements based on industry standards, emerging trends, and findings from safety reviews and assessments.
• Conducts or coordinates annual safety audits, security reviews, and emergency preparedness assessments in collaboration with public safety and emergency management partners.
• Reviews security and surveillance footage and other evidence to assist school administrators and law enforcement agencies in investigating incidents involving students, staff, visitors, or division property.
• Coordinates safety and security support for school activities, programs, and events and communicates with school administrators and senior leadership regarding operational and security needs
• Ensures compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, mandates, and reporting requirements related to school safety, security, and emergency management.
• Prepares and presents reports, analyses, recommendations, and briefings regarding safety, security, emergency preparedness, incident trends, risk assessments, and program effectiveness to division leadership, the School Board, and other stakeholders.
• Works closely with the finance department and grants supervisor to negotiate and manage grants, partnership agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other collaborative initiatives that support division safety, security, and emergency preparedness goals
• Represents the Division in professional organizations, public meetings, committees, task forces, advisory groups, and community partnerships related to school safety, security, emergency management, and risk reduction.
• Works closely with bookkeeper and monitors, manages, and maintains the Safety and Security program budget; prepares budget recommendations; oversees expenditures; processes purchases and contracts; manages grants and funding resources; and ensures fiscal responsibilities, reporting requirements, and purchasing activities are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintains accountability systems and situational awareness during incidents and emergencies to support effective response, communication, and operational continuity.
• Establishes and maintains positive, collaborative, and professional working relationships with students, staff, administrators, families, public safety agencies, community organizations, governmental agencies, vendors, and other stakeholders; communicates effectively and professionally with diverse audiences to support the goals of the Division and foster a culture of safety, preparedness, and trust.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Ethical
• Equity Minded
• Emotional Intelligence
• Cultural Competence
• Safety
• Quality

• Models Excellent Customer Service
• Thinks Strategically
• Shows Initiative
• Acts Decisively
• Communicates Effectively
• Works Collaboratively
• Resolves Conflict Proactively

• Technical Capabilities
• Computer Literacy
• Data Analysis and Management
• Fiscal Planning and Management
• Project Management
• Strategic Planning

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, preferably in criminal justice, homeland security, public administration, or security related fields, in addition to three years of administratively complex experience in program coordination, management, and/or oversight. Preferred supervision experience, and/or three years of police or security experience.
• A four (4) year degree or any combination of education and experience equivalent to a four (4) year degree in the area of school safety, security operations or law enforcement.
• At least three (3) years of work experience in providing school safety, security or related law enforcement or military experience.
• Demonstrated understanding and application of security plans, crisis management plans, security systems, and emergency disaster response plans.
• Working knowledge of DCJS, OSHA, American Disabilities Act, FERPA, and other federal regulations.
• Preferred Experience: Five or more years’ experience serving in a lead position within a school system or security operation to include law enforcement and/or military physical security operations.
• Preferred Experience: Police Training Officer, Investigator, DCJS Instructor, School Security Officer Trainer, and Glock Instructor
• Special Requirement: Position may require coordinating, receiving, and responding to emergency calls outside of regular work hours (e.g. weekends, holidays, etc.)

• Knowledge of best practices, principles, procedures, and emerging trends in school safety, security, emergency management, threat assessment, and public safety operations.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and mandates related to school safety and security, including relevant provisions of the Code of Virginia.
• Knowledge of emergency management principles, Incident Command System (ICS) structures, emergency operations planning, and crisis response protocols.
• Knowledge of security technologies and systems, including surveillance cameras, access control systems, fire and intrusion alarm systems, radio communications, and related safety technologies.
• Proficiency in the use of technology for communication, data collection, analysis, reporting, presentations, and project management.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, professionalism, and independent decision-making in routine operations, emergencies, and high-pressure situations.
• Ability to remain calm, composed, resilient, and solution-oriented while managing complex, sensitive, or stressful situations and interacting with individuals experiencing conflict, crisis, trauma, or heightened emotions.
• Ability to adapt effectively to changing priorities, operational demands, and evolving circumstances while maintaining focus on organizational goals and the safety and well-being of students and staff.
• Ability to receive and implement direction, feedback, and guidance from supervisors and leadership while exercising appropriate independent judgment within assigned authority.
• Ability to lead and coordinate multiple projects, initiatives, and teams simultaneously while effectively managing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to develop policies, procedures, operational response plans, reports, and other written materials with a high degree of accuracy and professionalism.
• Ability to facilitate meetings, deliver training, present information to diverse audiences, and communicate effectively through clear and concise verbal and written communication.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative and productive working relationships with students, staff, administrators, families, public safety agencies, governmental entities, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and foster an organizational climate that promotes professionalism, equity, inclusion, cultural competence, and mutual respect.
• Ability to analyze information, prepare reports, interpret data, identify trends, and present findings and recommendations in a clear and meaningful manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.

• Provides direct supervision of School Security Officers and other assigned personnel, including recruitment, selection, onboarding, training, scheduling, coaching, and performance management.
• Plans, assigns, directs, and evaluates the work of School Security Officers to ensure effective implementation of division safety and security programs, procedures, and operational expectations.
• Conducts performance evaluations, provides ongoing feedback and professional development opportunities, and addresses performance concerns in accordance with division policies and procedures.
• Coordinates staffing assignments, coverage plans, and deployment of security personnel to support school operations, special events, emergency response activities, and division priorities.
• Ensures School Security Officers receive required training and maintain compliance with applicable certifications, safety requirements, policies, procedures, and professional standards.
• Provides leadership, guidance, and support to security personnel during routine operations, critical incidents, emergencies, and crisis response activities.
• Promotes a culture of professionalism, accountability, teamwork, customer service, and continuous improvement within the School Security Officer program.
• Supervises: School Security Officers and other personnel as assigned.

• Reliable transportation, necessary.
• Daily travel between schools, LCS buildings, and local areas, required
• Minimal travel outside of the City of Lynchburg, when required.  
• The position is subject to on-call for after-hour emergencies