Executive Director for Safety, Security, and Emergency Management

Description

The Executive Director for Campus Safety, Security, and Emergency Management serves as the College’s senior safety officer and provides executive leadership for a comprehensive, institution-wide approach to campus safety, risk mitigation, emergency preparedness, and crisis response. This role is responsible for ensuring that Stephens College maintains a safe, secure, and resilient campus environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

The Executive Director reports directly to the Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations (EVP) and maintains a secondary (dotted line) reporting relationship to the President. The Executive Director advises the EVP and the President on matters related to campus safety, environmental health and safety, regulatory compliance, and institutional risk management.

The Executive Director oversees all campus safety operations and serves as the College’s Chief Emergency Management Officer. The role ensures that the College is prepared to prevent, respond to, and recover from critical incidents through effective planning, training, and partnerships with local and regional public safety agencies.

Position Responsibilities:

I. Provide executive leadership and drive institutional safety by embedding campus safety and emergency preparedness into the mission of the college, protecting its community and institutional success.

• Provide strategic leadership for the College’s campus safety, security, and emergency preparedness programs.
• Advise the EVP and the President on safety risks, emerging threats, and institutional preparedness.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive safety and risk mitigation strategy aligned with the College’s mission and operational priorities.
• Serve as a key member of the College’s crisis leadership team and support institutional decision-making during emergencies and critical incidents.
• Provide regular briefings and reports to the President and EVP regarding campus safety conditions, risks, and preparedness initiatives.

II. Support the college’s operational continuity through effective oversight of campus safety and security operation, ensuring a safe learning and working environment.

• Provide oversight and leadership of the College’s campus safety department, including patrol operations, dispatch, incident response, and security services.
• Ensure effective 24/7 safety coverage across campus facilities, residence halls, and campus events.
• Oversee security technologies including surveillance systems, access control systems, alarm monitoring, and emergency notification platforms.
• Direct safety planning and staffing for campus events and large gatherings.
• Monitor campus safety data and crime trends to identify risks and implement proactive prevention strategies.

III. Establish emergency preparedness by establishing robust plans, protocols, and leadership structures that enable rapid, coordinated, and effective responses to crises.

• Serve as the College’s Chief Emergency Management Officer.
• Develop, maintain, and lead implementation of the College’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and related emergency response protocols.
• Implement and manage an Incident Command System (ICS) structure for campus emergencies consistent with FEMA’s National Incident Management System (NIMS).
• Coordinate emergency response across campus departments during critical incidents and serve as a key operational leader during emergencies.
• Lead campus-wide emergency preparedness efforts including training programs, drills, and tabletop exercises.
• Maintain strong partnerships with local police, fire departments, emergency medical services, and regional emergency management agencies.
• Ensure emergency communication systems and notification procedures are maintained, tested, and effective

IV. Proactively manage risks and maintain regulatory compliance to protect the well-being of students, staff, and visitors ensuring a safe and complaint campus.

• Provide institutional oversight for environmental health and safety (EHS) programs, including building safety, life safety systems, environmental hazards, and workplace safety protocols.
• Collaborate with Facilities leadership to ensure safe building operations and compliance with applicable safety regulations.
• Oversee policies and procedures related to environmental hazards, fire safety, air quality, and related safety concerns.
• Support campus preparedness for health and environmental emergencies and ensure appropriate response protocols are in place.

V. Maintain a safe and supportive environment by proactively identifying and addressing potential risks before