Anticipated Director of Safety and Emergency Management

Township High School District 214; Arlington Heights (IL); Hybrid; USD 124,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefits

Remote work options: Up to 10 days/yr

Medical, dental, and life insurance

Job summary

Township High School District 214 is seeking a Director of Safety & Emergency Management to lead district-wide emergency planning, threat assessments, and crisis response. You will coordinate with first responders, SROs, and building teams to ensure safety across all schools.

The role requires 3+ years in emergency operations and a strong focus on equity, trauma-informed practices, and de-escalation. A 12-month contract is provided, with competitive benefits and on-call readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience leading emergency operations, public safety initiatives, threat assessments, or crisis response, preferably in a high school educational setting.
• Familiarity with school safety compliance, emergency operations planning (EOP), behavioral threat assessment frameworks (BTAM), and incident command systems (FEMA/NIMS), with a willingness to obtain relevant state and national certifications upon hire.
• Ability to maintain 24/7 on-call availability for district crisis response.
• Demonstrated background incorporating equity, trauma-informed practices, and de-escalation strategies into safety and security protocols.

Responsibilities

• Lead the District Crisis Team, guiding behavioral threat assessment processes, directing emergency response, and recommending safety and security improvements.
• Develop, maintain, and evaluate district Emergency Operations Plans, facility crisis manuals, and emergency flip charts across all school environments.
• Serve as the primary district liaison to municipal first responders and School Resource Officers (SROs), facilitating annual compliance meetings and ongoing interagency alignment.
• Guide building-level administrators on event safety, off-site evacuation protocols, and venue security, while providing hands‑on support during athletic contests, Board meetings, and large‑scale district events.
• Assess physical security infrastructure, equipment, and signage across facilities, partnering with Operations and Technology to keep all safety systems operational.
• Design and deliver professional development on safety protocols for school staff while engaging in personal professional training to maintain industry standards.
• Collaborate with district and building leadership to ensure equity is infused into all safety practices to disrupt inequities and maintain safe, inclusive spaces.
• Investigate security incidents, document detailed findings, deliver formal reporting, and serve as a secondary liaison to local law enforcement and first responders.
• Direct the planning and implementation of annual School Safety Week activities and facilitate regular coordination meetings with campus safety leads and SROs.
• Maintain 24/7 readiness to respond to crisis situations, execute protocols, and support real‑time decision‑making.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Director of Activities, Athletics, and Safety or the Superintendency.

Skills

Emergency management frameworks

Incident Command Systems

Threat assessment leadership

Crisis response planning

Stakeholder collaboration

Equity and trauma-informed safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management or related field

Job description

Position Summary

The Director of Safety & Emergency Management leads district-wide emergency management, behavioral threat assessments, and crisis response protocols. Serving as the primary liaison to first responders and building safety teams, this role directs emergency operations planning, safety drills, event oversight, and state compliance.

Education And/or Experience And Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience leading emergency operations, public safety initiatives, threat assessments, or crisis response, preferably in a high school educational setting.
• Familiarity with school safety compliance, emergency operations planning (EOP), behavioral threat assessment frameworks (BTAM), and incident command systems (FEMA/NIMS), with a willingness to obtain relevant state and national certifications upon hire.
• Ability to maintain 24/7 on-call availability for district crisis response.
• Demonstrated background incorporating equity, trauma-informed practices, and de-escalation strategies into safety and security protocols.

Essential Functions

• Lead the District Crisis Team, guiding behavioral threat assessment processes, directing emergency response, and recommending safety and security improvements.
• Develop, maintain, and evaluate district Emergency Operations Plans, facility crisis manuals, and emergency flip charts across all school environments.
• Serve as the primary district liaison to municipal first responders and School Resource Officers (SROs), facilitating annual compliance meetings and ongoing interagency alignment.
• Guide building-level administrators on event safety, off-site evacuation protocols, and venue security, while providing hands‑on support during athletic contests, Board meetings, and large‑scale district events.
• Assess physical security infrastructure, equipment, and signage across facilities, partnering with Operations and Technology to keep all safety systems operational.
• Design and deliver professional development on safety protocols for school staff while engaging in personal professional training to maintain industry standards.
• Collaborate with district and building leadership to ensure equity is infused into all safety practices to disrupt inequities and maintain safe, inclusive spaces.
• Investigate security incidents, document detailed findings, deliver formal reporting, and serve as a secondary liaison to local law enforcement and first responders.
• Direct the planning and implementation of annual School Safety Week activities and facilitate regular coordination meetings with campus safety leads and SROs.
• Maintain 24/7 readiness to respond to crisis situations, execute protocols, and support real‑time decision‑making.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Director of Activities, Athletics, and Safety or the Superintendency.

Skills Required

• Comprehensive knowledge of emergency management frameworks, Incident Command Systems, Emergency Operations Plans, and real‑time decision‑making during critical incidents.
• Expertise in guiding threat assessment processes and analyzing incident metrics and audit data to continuously refine safety protocols and crisis response plans.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with municipal law enforcement, fire departments, emergency management agencies, and School Resource Officers (SROs).
• Demonstrated skill in designing and delivering engaging professional development on crisis protocols, threat management, and safety workflows for school personnel.
• Ability to oversee operational security, assess physical facility safety, and manage event planning for district gatherings, athletic contests, and emergency reunification operations.
• Proficiency in leading through high‑stress crises with empathy, clear communication, and restorative principles.
• Strong working knowledge of local, state, and federal school safety regulations, compliance requirements, and emergency standards.
• Deep working knowledge of local, state, and federal school safety regulations, annual ISBE compliance mandates, and district emergency filing standards.

Portrait of an Educator Commitments

Role

All D214 staff are expected to embody the District's Portrait of an Educator. This role demonstrates these commitments through their daily work and decision‑making:

• Foster Student Voice: Integrates student perspectives and experiences into threat assessment practices, building safety plans, and annual School Safety Week programming.
• Remain Curious: Engages in continuous professional development and industry training to keep district crisis manuals and safety practices aligned with evolving modern standards.
• Embrace Change & Stay Flexible: Maintains 24/7 availability to guide fluid crisis situations, adjust real‑time emergency responses, and support large‑scale event operations as needs arise.
• Innovate & Reflect : Regularly assesses facility security infrastructure, emergency communication systems, and crisis plans to continuously upgrade district safety performance.
• Inspire & Mentor: Designs and delivers comprehensive professional development to build confidence, threat management skills, and emergency readiness across all school personnel.
• Promote Collaboration: Serves as the lead liaison aligning municipal first responders, School Resource Officers, building teams, and IT/Operations departments around unified safety goals.
• Demonstrate Kindness: Approaches sensitive behavioral threat assessments, crisis management, and family reunification protocols with empathy, active listening, and composure.
• Build Equitable & Inclusive Environments: Infuses equity principles into all safety protocols, threat evaluations, and security practices to ensure every facility remains safe, trauma‑informed, and welcoming.

LENGTH OF CONTRACT

12 month assignment

Salary And Benefits

Competitive Compensation

• Salary Range: Administrative Salary Grade Seven - $123,604 --$154,505
• High Salary Potential with annual increases
• Longevity bonus of 1% for those at the top of the salary range
• Comprehensive Benefits
• Medical, dental, and life insurance plans tailored for you and your family
• Contribution to TRS (Teachers' Retirement System) for eligible employees
• 403(b) & 457(b) participation

Work-Life Balance

• 20 vacation days annually (25 days after 20 years of service) and 15 paid holidays for eligible employees
• 14 sick days and 4 personal leave days each year
• Remote work options: Up to 10 days annually
• Employee Assistance Program

Professional Growth Opportunities

• Tuition reimbursement for approved courses
• Mentorship and development programs designed to prepare you for career advancement
• $2,000 bonus for completing a pre‑approved doctoral program

Incentives

• Option to cash out up to 3 unused vacation days annually
• Paid bereavement leave and additional sick days (14/year)
• Cell phone stipends for 24/7 on‑call positions

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our district. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.