Director - Safety and Security

ccchicagocareers; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago seeks a Director of Safety & Security to oversee security, life-safety, and emergency preparedness across ~40 locations, including 22 housing sites in Cook and Lake counties. You will manage operations, vendors, and incident response to create safe, welcoming environments aligned with our mission.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Security/Facilities Management, 5+ years in multi-site settings, and strong regulatory knowledge; MBA preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Security Management, Safety Management, Facilities Management, or related field.
• Experience in multi-site organizations with 5+ years in security/safety leadership.
• Preference for nonprofit or housing sector experience and knowledge of regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee security operations across ~40 locations, including housing sites, and manage vendors.
• Develop security protocols balancing resident safety with trauma-informed care.
• Manage access control, surveillance, and visitor procedures; liaison with vendors.
• Coordinate with Property Management, Housing Operations, and Resident Services on safety issues.
• Investigate incidents, implement corrective actions, and lead emergency response.
• Maintain life-safety systems, audits, and compliance with regulations.
• Lead training, drills, and risk assessments; monitor trends in safety practices.
• Monitor budgets and optimize safety program delivery; support leadership decisions.

Skills

Emergency planning

Risk assessment

Incident management

Life-safety systems

Regulatory compliance

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Security Management

MBA or Masters

Job description

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago partners with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need by improving lives and nourishing spirits; strengthening and empowering people, families, and communities; and committing to being present to our times through the eyes of faith.

Job Description

The Director of Safety & Security is responsible for overseeing all aspects of safety, security, emergency preparedness, and life-safety compliance for CCAC with operations across ~40 locations including 22 housing locations in Cook and Lake County. This role ensures safe, secure, and welcoming environments for residents, staff, volunteers, and visitors while advancing the organization's mission of providing stable housing and supportive services to individuals and families.

Role-Specific Responsibilities

Security Operations & Resident Support

• Oversee security operations across all housing locations, including management of third-party security vendors and contracted services.
• Develop and maintain security protocols that balance resident safety with a trauma-informed, resident-centered approach.
• Manage building access control systems, surveillance equipment, visitor management procedures, and security technology vendors.
• Partner with Property Management, Housing Operations, and Resident Services teams to address safety concerns and security-related incidents.
• Review and investigate security incidents, resident complaints, and building access issues; implement corrective actions as necessary.
• Serve as a primary point of contact during emergency situations, critical incidents, and after-hours escalations.
• Foster collaborative relationships with local law enforcement, emergency responders, community organizations, and neighborhood stakeholders.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain safe environments and oversee life-safety systems, including lighting, signage, accessibility, fire prevention, and emergency equipment.
• Develop and implement slip and fall prevention initiatives across all housing locations, including hazard identification, corrective action planning, staff training, incident analysis, and continuous monitoring to reduce resident, visitor, and employee injuries.
• Develop, update, and communicate emergency plans, evacuation procedures, and conduct life-safety training and drills.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations; perform regular safety audits and implement corrective measures.
• Monitor and apply best practices in safety and security, staying current on trends and risk management strategies.

Safety & Security Governance

• Monitor and control security budgets; review and approve invoices; communicate any discrepancies to finance.
• Evaluate program or resident changes to assess impacts on safety and security operations.
• Develop and implement strategies that continually optimize building safety and security.

Other duties as assigned.

Team Member Responsibilities

• Exhibit alignment with the team's clear goals that are mission-focused, grounded in Catholic Charities history, and tied to action.
• Contribute to a joy-filled culture built upon respect and inclusion, team pride, and community spirit.
• Collaborate effectively to support excellent process, accountability, and constructive conflict.
• Demonstrate a commitment to growth through learning, forgiveness, and reflection.

Living Our Values

• Courageous Compassion: Welcome and serve all with an open heart, empathic listening, and a commitment to radical hospitality.
• Solidarity: Embrace shared humanity by celebrating and giving voice to our differences and choosing the path of collaboration and inclusion.
• Faith-filled Hope and Joy: Uplift each other in times of darkness and celebrate together in times of light, leaning in with humility, humor, and hope.
• Meaningful and Measurable Impact: Meet human need with love, balance immediate action with lasting change, and act with accountability through dialogue, analyses, and reflection.

Qualifications

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Security Management, Safety Management, Facilities Management, or related field.
• Minimum of 5+ years relevant experience in companies with multi-site operations

Preferred Education & Experience

• MBA or Masters' degree in relevant field of study
• 7+ years relevant experience in companies with multi-site operations
• Experience working in Nonprofit Management

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

• Strong knowledge of emergency planning, risk assessment, incident management, life-safety systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Familiarity with HUD, IHDA, City of Chicago, and other affordable housing compliance requirements.
• Experience with financial reporting and budgeting

Minimum Certifications & Licensures

• N/A

Preferred Certifications & Licensures

• PP, PSP, CHPA, CEM, or related safety and security credentials

Physical Requirements

• X Kneel and move from sitting, bending, kneeling, or standing multiple times a day
• X Lift up to 25 pounds
• X Push and pull up to 25 pounds
• X Climb up and down three (3) or more flights of stairs

Additional Requirements

• X Background check, including any program specific requirements
• X Driver's License and reliable transportation Agency-specified automobile insurance