Director of Security and Risk Management

Charlotte Country Day School

Position Title:    Director of Security and Risk Management
Reports To:        Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer
FLSA:                  Exempt

Term:                 Full-Time, 12 months

Position Overview:

The Director of Security and Risk Management at Charlotte Country Day School is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating potential risks across the school’s operations on two campuses and a 330 acre farm. This includes overseeing the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and visitors, as well as ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and policies. The Director of Security and Risk Management  will work closely with school leadership, faculty, and external partners to proactively address risks and maintain a safe, secure, and supportive educational environment.  The Director of Security and Risk Management  directs the risk management efforts between all areas of the school by creating a Risk Management Team to include, but not limited to, representatives from Communications, Facilities, Counselors and Nurses, Diversity Programs, Human Resources, Security, Athletics and key members of each division of the school.

Key Areas  and Responsibilities:

• Emergency Management Safety and Security:
  Develop, implement, and monitor policies and procedures related to campus safety, including emergency preparedness, crisis management, traffic control, parking and disaster response plans. Oversee physical security systems, surveillance, and access control to ensure a secure environment for all members of the school community.

• Risk Identification & Assessment:
  Regularly assess and identify potential risks to the school, including but not limited to safety, health, legal, financial, reputational, and operational risks. Use data and trends to inform risk assessments and prioritize mitigation strategies.

• Policy Development & Compliance:
  Lead the creation and periodic review of risk management policies to ensure they are up-to-date, compliant with laws and regulations, and aligned with best practices in the education sector. Train faculty, staff, and students on these policies as necessary.
• Incident Response & Reporting:
  Investigate incidents and accidents, including those related to student behavior, accidents on campus, and staff issues. Ensure appropriate follow-up and documentation in accordance with school policies and legal requirements.
• Collaboration & Communication:
  Work closely with the school leadership team to integrate risk management strategies into the school’s overall strategic planning. Collaborate with legal counsel, external safety experts, local authorities, and insurance representatives as needed. Engage and develop effective working relationships to support cooperative responses to risk management matters and issues.
• Crisis Management:
  Serve as a key member of the school’s crisis management team, providing leadership and support during emergency situations. Partner with the communications department to develop and facilitate crisis communication plans, ensuring clear and timely communication with parents, staff, and the community.
• Training & Education:
  Develop and provide ongoing training for staff, faculty, and students on risk-related topics, including safety protocols, emergency procedures, and ethical practices. Ensure the school community understands and follows the necessary protocols to minimize risks.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Risk Management, or a related field required, master’s degree preferred.
• Experience:
  • A minimum of 15 years of senior executive leadership with a major law enforcement agency.
  • Law Enforcement, Safety & Security Management, Business Administration, Risk Management, or other related field.
  • A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in risk management.
  • Experienced leader who can motivate and lead other professionals to achieve a common goal.
  • Experience in an educational environment is strongly preferred.

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of security, risk management principles and practices in a school or similar environment.
• Ability to think “outside the box.”
• Proven ability to assess risks, create effective mitigation strategies, and respond to incidents in a professional, timely and effective manner.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with all members of the school community.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to think critically and make decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory requirements for schools and educational institutions.
• Familiarity with crisis management planning, emergency response, and security protocols.
• Proficiency in risk management software and tools is a plus.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed for training, meetings, or emergency response.
• Other duties as applicable and assigned.
• Strong commitment to the mission, values, and culture of Charlotte Country Day School, with a focus on creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students and staff.

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at CCDS will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. CCDS does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.