Interim Director of Safety and Security

Position Title: Interim Director of Safety & Security

Organization: Jewish Family Service of San Diego

Department: Operations & Organizational Capacity

Position Type: Temporary, (37.5+ of hours/week), Exempt

Work Setting: Fully Onsite

Reports To: VP of Operations & Organizational Capacity

Pay Range: $110,000/year

Total Compensation:

In addition to standard pay, compensation for this position includes:

• Comprehensive, low-cost healthcare coverage for employees (if working 30 hours or more)
• Employer-covered life insurance (if working 30 hours or more)

Time Away from Work:

Being able to take time away from work is critical in bringing your best self to work. Time off benefits for this position include:

• Sick Pay – 1 hour for every 30 hours  

Position Overview:

JFS seeks a compassionate, mission-driven individual to join the Operations team as the Interim Director of Safety and Security.

Consistent with its values and traditions as a Jewish organization, JFS provides human services primarily to San Diego communities. We also contribute to programs in Riverside County and other communities through partnerships where we add unique value and support. JFS prides itself as a “safe place to work and volunteer.”  JFS maintains a contract for security services for the protection of its staff, volunteers, guests, clients, and facilities. A team of armed and unarmed security officers provides protection services for JFS facilities across San Diego County. These locations include offices that provide immigration, refugee, and asylum services. JFS also delivers site security for the Safe Parking Program, which provides a safe and welcoming environment for unsheltered families and individuals living in their cars, many of whom have recently found themselves homeless for the first time. 

Currently, JFS’ top security priorities are continuing to develop and integrate its robust physical security systems at its facilities, training its staff and volunteers on emergency preparedness procedures and threat response training, and developing a safety and security plan that includes accessible policies and training materials.

The successful candidate will have strong interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication, intercultural, and listening skills and will demonstrate qualities that contribute to a setting where teamwork is highly valued and the goal of advancing learning and development in security and safety procedures is prioritized. The successful candidate must understand or be able to quickly understand JFS’ organizational culture, the agency’s relationship to its law enforcement and fire protection partners in the San Diego area, demonstrate a commitment to the idea of community-based security, foster a high level of confidence and trust in the JFS community, and maintain the physical and mental ability to defend self and others. Because of its work with broad constituencies in San Diego County, Riverside County, and beyond, JFS is seeking candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to cultural competence and leadership in building equitable, diverse, and inclusive environments. 

In addition to the attributes indicated above, other desired characteristics, skills, actions, and abilities noted from discussions with JFS stakeholders include:

• Breadth and depth of knowledge around safety, security, and emergency preparedness, with particular emphasis given to a non-profit, community service environment
• A community-centered approach that prioritizes the safety, security, health, and well-being of JFS staff and the clients they serve, as well as a willingness to engage with others in respectful, collaborative ways
• A solid commitment to cultivating collaborative relationships and building partnerships across all levels of the agency and the surrounding community
• Cultural competency, cultural humility, and an understanding of how these concepts intersect with JFS’ security priorities
• Strong leadership and organizational development abilities that inspire and uplift others, promoting unity and teamwork throughout the agency on security and safety initiatives
• An excellent and transparent communicator who frequently connects with the Safety and Security team and maintains the ability to reach all levels of the agency and to speak to leadership, staff, clients, and the surrounding community effectively to build trust and support
• A strategic, forward-facing vision that promotes a consistently engaged, highly responsive team of security professionals and addresses the broader national conversation around