Lead Campus Security Officer

University Academy; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University Academy seeks a Lead Campus Security Officer to actively support the safety program, maintain a secure environment, and lead security operations in the absence of the Coordinator of Safety and Security.

You will supervise daily security tasks, coordinate drills, and liaise with law enforcement and emergency responders while guiding security staff and ensuring policy compliance across campus.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 3–5 years of relevant security or safety experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required training and certifications.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Patrol campus buildings, grounds, and parking areas to maintain security presence.
• Monitor entrances, cameras, alarms, and access-control systems.
• Assist with emergency drills, lockdowns, evacuations, and incident response.
• Act as secondary safety coordinator when Director unavailable.
• Provide guidance to security staff and coordinate with administrators and emergency partners.

Skills

Effective Communication

Safe Practices

Technical Acumen & Learning

Adaptability

Responsiveness

Emergency Preparedness & Safety

Problem Solving & Judgment

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's degree (Desirable)

Tools

Video surveillance

Access-control systems

Two-way radios

Incident reporting software

Job description

Description

DEPARTMENT: Lead Campus Security Officer

CLASSIFICATION: Salaried, Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Coordinator of Safety and Security

Schedule: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM and occasional evenings and weekends as needed

JOB PURPOSE

Serves as an active Security Officer while assisting the Coordinator of Safety and Security in executing University Academy's safety program to maintain a safe, secure, and welcoming environment.

The position acts as the designated secondary department lead, supporting daily operations, emergency preparedness, compliance, training, and security personnel coordination. Additionally, the role provides operational guidance to security staff and steps into an operational leadership role in the absence of the Coordinator or when delegated.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Campus & Facility Surveillance:

• Conducts routine patrols and maintains a visible security presence across all campus buildings, grounds, and parking areas.
• Monitors campus entrances, exits, visitor access procedures, security cameras, alarms, and access-control systems.
• Supports daily arrival and dismissal, traffic flow, and security coverage for school events.
• Identifies, reports, and documents safety hazards, security concerns, and incidents.

Emergency Response and Preparedness:

• Responds promptly to campus emergencies, alarms, and safety incidents, providing direction and communicating critical information to staff and first responders.
• Executes established emergency response plans for lockdowns, evacuations, severe weather, and active emergency situations.
• Assists with coordinating, conducting, and documenting required emergency drills, participating in post-incident and drill reviews.
• Serves as an on-scene liaison to law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel during critical incidents.

Secondary Safety and Security Coordinator:

• Serves as University Academy's designated secondary safety coordinator, stepping into primary operational leadership and serving as the main security contact when the Director/Sr. Manager is unavailable.
• Maintains required safety plans, emergency procedures, drill documentation, compliance materials, and training records in accordance with school policies and regulations.
• Coordinates safety training for security staff and school personnel, maintaining personal certifications in Incident Command System (ICS) and emergency management.
• Advises leadership on security vulnerabilities, policy compliance, and operational improvements, while supporting coordination with administrators and emergency management partners.

Department Operations:

• Supports daily department operations, including staff scheduling, shift assignments, post-order enforcement, and onboarding new security personnel.
• Provides direct operational guidance, mentoring, and day-to-day support to security officers to ensure consistent policy execution.
• Oversees inventory, accountability, and maintenance for department equipment, including radios, keys, access badges, and safety gear.
• Monitors security technology platforms and reports system failures or operational concerns to the Director/Sr. Manager.

Other Duties:

• Completes other duties as assigned in support of University Academy.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of relevant experience in security, school safety, law enforcement, military security, emergency management, public safety, or a related field.
• Experience responding to safety, security, emergency, or crisis situations.
• Experience with security procedures, incident reporting, access control, surveillance systems, or other safety and security operations.
• Experience providing guidance, training, or operational support to employees or team members.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required school safety and emergency management training and certifications.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet applicable employment requirements.

Desirable

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Public Safety, Security Management, Education, or a related field.
• Experience working in a K–12 school environment.
• Experience in a lead, senior officer, or coordinator capacity.
• Knowledge of school emergency procedures, emergency operations plans, Incident Command System principles, and crisis response.
• Experience supporting or coordinating emergency drills and safety training.
• Experience working with law enforcement, fire departments, emergency management agencies, or other public safety partners.
• Experience with video surveillance, access control, visitor management, alarm systems, radios, and other security technology.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Effective Communication: Expresses ideas clearly, actively listens to others, and checks for understanding. Adapts communication style to different audiences and actively seeks input.
• Safe Practices: Demonstrates commitment and adherence to safety protocols. Maintains a clean and secure work environment and remains vigilant during hazardous or high-risk tasks.
• Technical Acumen & Learning: Understands relevant technical concepts and maintains proficiency in required tools and applications. Applies specialized knowledge to solve problems, make informed decisions, and proactively learn new skills.
• Adaptability: Modifies and adjusts work methods in response to evolving circumstances or shifting demands. Remains open-minded, embraces change, and proactively seeks practical solutions to new challenges.
• Responsiveness: Reacts promptly and positively to requests or operational changes. Consistently provides timely, appropriate responses and remains attentive to people and situations.
• Emergency Preparedness & Safety: Follows safety protocols, responds effectively to emergencies, and maintains situational awareness.
• Problem Solving & Judgment: Identifies concerns and makes appropriate decisions within established policies and procedures.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Occasional local or out-of-town travel may be required for meetings, professional development, training, conferences, emergency preparedness activities, or other school-related business.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must be able to perform the following physical activities on a daily basis, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Stand and walk for extended periods while conducting patrols and monitoring school property.
• Frequently move throughout buildings, stairways, parking areas, athletic facilities, and outdoor spaces.
• Sit, stand, bend, stoop, reach, and climb stairs as required.
• Operate radios, computers, security equipment, access-control systems, and other department equipment.
• Visually monitor individuals, facilities, camera systems, and surrounding areas.
• Communicate clearly in person, by telephone, and over two-way radio.
• Respond promptly to emergency situations and move throughout the campus as necessary.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Lift, carry, push, or move equipment and supplies necessary to perform assigned duties.

WORK CONDITIONS

This position involves working in a K–12 school environment, including:

• Regular interaction with students, staff, families, visitors, contractors, and community members.
• Working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Working in high-noise, high-traffic, and crowded environments during arrival, dismissal, athletic events, and school activities.
• Responding to emergencies, conflicts, safety concerns, and potentially stressful or unpredictable situations.
• Frequent movement throughout the school campus.
• Use of security cameras, radios, access-control systems, computers, alarms, visitor management systems, and other safety equipment.
• Occasional evening, weekend, or extended-hour assignments for school events, emergencies, training, or operational needs.
• Maintaining a professional, calm, and service-oriented presence while carrying out established school safety and security procedures