What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Security position at EF Academy?
Job Description
Director of Security
The Director of Security is responsible for the overall safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and visitors at EF Academy New York, a private boarding and day high school. This position involves developing and implementing comprehensive security policies and protocols, managing emergency response procedures, overseeing campus security staff, and fostering a culture of safety and preparedness. The Director will work closely with school leadership, residential staff, and local law enforcement to maintain a secure and supportive environment for the school community.
The Director of Security will oversee the management of the EF Security Managers, as well as, the Security Guards that are contracted by a third party vendor. This Director is responsible for the weekly schedule of the EF Security Managers and the security guards, ensuring that an EF Security Team member is covering all shifts. The Director will manage the invoices and payroll needs related to the Security Team. In partnership with the School Leadership, the Director of Security will make campus safety a priority by regularly running drills and incorporating the emergency notification systems designed to inform and account for the people on campus. An additional responsibility of the role is the partnership with the IT team to manage the access control system.
Responsibilities
Why you’ll love working here: Perks, Benefits, and more!
This is the most fun, high caliber place you’ll ever work. Ask any employee why they love EF (whether they’ve been here 10 minutes or 10 years) and they’ll probably tell you the same thing: it’s the people. When you work at EF, you join a purpose-driven, international and energetic community that thrives on continuous learning, fearless innovation and mutual support.
In Addition, You Can Expect
EF Academy is a leading private boarding and day high school, attracting students from around the world to our campuses in Pasadena, New York, and Oxford (England). At EF Academy, we prepare students to thrive academically, personally, and socially helping them build the confidence, skills, and sense of purpose they need to lead fulfilling, successful lives. With a focus on academic excellence, personal growth, and cultural immersion, we empower students to unlock their full potential and develop the lifelong skills they need to thrive in any future they envision.
About EF Education First
Some companies are in the Business of Technology.
Others are in the Business of Finance….Sports…Or Soft Drinks.
At EF, we're in a different kind of Business.
One that's a little less tangible, and a lot more important.
Because our Business, what we make, makes everything else possible.
We're in the Business of Understanding.
Between people. Between cultures.
For over half a century we’ve been the leader in international educational programs and experiences designed to foster such understanding. Through Language, Cultural Exchange, Academic Studies, and Educational Travel, we create the kinds of immersive experiences that challenge biases, open minds, and pave the way for a more understanding world.
You’ll find our 115 offices located in some of the world’s greatest cities, and filled with smart, driven people who push each other to be better every day. And yes, we have technology, we have finance, we even have sports with our own professional cycling team. But it’s what we do with it – Building greater understanding, breaking down barriers, and creating a better world…that makes all the difference.
Director of Security
The Director of Security is responsible for the overall safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and visitors at EF Academy New York, a private boarding and day high school. This position involves developing and implementing comprehensive security policies and protocols, managing emergency response procedures, overseeing campus security staff, and fostering a culture of safety and preparedness. The Director will work closely with school leadership, residential staff, and local law enforcement to maintain a secure and supportive environment for the school community.
The Director of Security will oversee the management of the EF Security Managers, as well as, the Security Guards that are contracted by a third party vendor. This Director is responsible for the weekly schedule of the EF Security Managers and the security guards, ensuring that an EF Security Team member is covering all shifts. The Director will manage the invoices and payroll needs related to the Security Team. In partnership with the School Leadership, the Director of Security will make campus safety a priority by regularly running drills and incorporating the emergency notification systems designed to inform and account for the people on campus. An additional responsibility of the role is the partnership with the IT team to manage the access control system.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Policy Development
- Develop and implement a comprehensive campus security plan, including emergency preparedness and response protocols.
- Establish and enforce security policies and procedures to protect students, staff, and property.
- Conduct regular risk assessments and recommend improvements to enhance campus security.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all security-related matters with local authorities and emergency services.
- Campus Security Operations
- Oversee the daily operations of the Security Department, including scheduling EF Security Managers and the security guards supplemented by the vendor, training, and performance management of security personnel.
- Ensure all campus facilities, including dormitories, classrooms, and common areas, are secure and properly monitored.
- Monitor and manage security systems, including access controls, surveillance cameras, and alarm systems.
- Investigate and resolve security incidents, providing detailed reports and recommendations.
- Emergency Response & Crisis Management
- Develop and lead emergency response training and drills for staff and students.
- Coordinate emergency responses to natural disasters, security threats, and medical emergencies.
- Serve as the Incident Commander during security-related emergencies.
- Maintain a crisis communication plan and ensure timely and effective communication with school leadership and families.
- Community Engagement & Collaboration
- Build strong relationships with students, staff, and parents to foster a culture of trust and safety.
- Collaborate with residential life staff to provide security training and support in dormitories.
- Partner with local law enforcement and emergency services to coordinate security efforts.
- Compliance & Reporting
- Ensure compliance with all Town of Mount Pleasant, New York state and federal safety regulations and guidelines.
- Maintain accurate records of security incidents and prepare regular reports for school leadership.
- Monitor and stay informed of best practices and emerging trends in campus security and safety.
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Security Management, or a related field (master's preferred).
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in security management, law enforcement, or military leadership (experience in an educational setting preferred).
- Strong leadership and crisis management skills.
- Excellent communication, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency in security technology and systems (e.g., access control, surveillance, and alarm systems).
- Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends, as needed.
- Certification in First Aid, CPR, and AED preferred.
Why you’ll love working here: Perks, Benefits, and more!
This is the most fun, high caliber place you’ll ever work. Ask any employee why they love EF (whether they’ve been here 10 minutes or 10 years) and they’ll probably tell you the same thing: it’s the people. When you work at EF, you join a purpose-driven, international and energetic community that thrives on continuous learning, fearless innovation and mutual support.
In Addition, You Can Expect
- Commitment to professional growth: robust monthly calendar of trainings and workshops
- Four weeks paid vacation your first year, ten paid holidays, and two floating holidays
- Exciting business travel opportunities
- 25% company match on your 401(k) contributions
- Market-leading medical, dental and vision coverage, along with options for life and disability insurance, legal and pet insurance
- Dependent care, healthcare and commuter Flex Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Access to fertility care and family-building support
- Wellness benefits including a yearly fitness reimbursement
- Frequent social and learning events, including access to our employee-run resource groups
- Robust Employee Assistance Program
- Tenure-based sabbatical eligibility
- EF Product Discounts (discounts on travel, international language schools, Au Pair program and more)
- Discounts at local venues and businesses
- Eligibility for our Workplace Flexibility Program: our pilot hybrid work model with up to two days working from home per week
EF Academy is a leading private boarding and day high school, attracting students from around the world to our campuses in Pasadena, New York, and Oxford (England). At EF Academy, we prepare students to thrive academically, personally, and socially helping them build the confidence, skills, and sense of purpose they need to lead fulfilling, successful lives. With a focus on academic excellence, personal growth, and cultural immersion, we empower students to unlock their full potential and develop the lifelong skills they need to thrive in any future they envision.
About EF Education First
Some companies are in the Business of Technology.
Others are in the Business of Finance….Sports…Or Soft Drinks.
At EF, we're in a different kind of Business.
One that's a little less tangible, and a lot more important.
Because our Business, what we make, makes everything else possible.
We're in the Business of Understanding.
Between people. Between cultures.
For over half a century we’ve been the leader in international educational programs and experiences designed to foster such understanding. Through Language, Cultural Exchange, Academic Studies, and Educational Travel, we create the kinds of immersive experiences that challenge biases, open minds, and pave the way for a more understanding world.
You’ll find our 115 offices located in some of the world’s greatest cities, and filled with smart, driven people who push each other to be better every day. And yes, we have technology, we have finance, we even have sports with our own professional cycling team. But it’s what we do with it – Building greater understanding, breaking down barriers, and creating a better world…that makes all the difference.
Salary : $70,000 - $80,000
