Director of Security

The Hill School Mission: The Hill School prepares young people from across the country and around the world for college, careers, and life. Within a family school environment and a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, we challenge our young people to work hard; think and reason; be fulfilled; serve the common good; and be prepared to lead as citizens of the world, uniquely guided by our motto, "Whatsoever Things Are True."

Position Summary

This position is responsible for overseeing campus security and being part of a dynamic team dedicated to the education of high school students in a unique residential community. Under the direction of the Senior Director of Campus Operations, and in cooperation with other senior administrators, this position will develop and implement strategies to enhance campus safety. This will include traditional preventative measures such as leading an effective security force as well as preparing the community for unexpected threats through training, drills, and other initiatives. The position calls for awareness of campus activities involving students and faculty and sensitivity to institutional patterns and traditions. The position will be an active member of the Crisis Team and will work closely with the Dean of Students to refer appropriate law enforcement action when pertinent. The position will develop relationships with local and state law enforcement to help maintain campus safety. The position will oversee all aspects of the school's transportation services by coordinating and ensuring the safety and efficiency of transportation operations.

Responsibilities

• Offer guidance and oversight to the Campus Security Staff, assign responsibilities as necessary, and ensure all personnel receive and retain appropriate training and certifications. Oversee key operational and administrative functions such as scheduling, staffing, and performance management to ensure efficient and effective department operations.
• Implement training and appropriate campus drills to promote high levels of campus readiness and vigilance from the entire Hill community.
• Develop and maintain communication channels with external resources including the Pottstown Police department to enhance the safety of the campus. Report noteworthy developments to senior administrators and the Dean on Duty as appropriate.
• Play an active leadership role on the school's Crisis Team and safety committee. Ensure incident reports are collected and communicated for any incidents involving injury, accident, or loss of assets.
• Participate in the planning for large campus events such as Parents' Weekend and Commencement. Demonstrate familiarity with campus activities involving students, faculty and staff.
• Respond to emergencies and incidents involving school transportation, including coordinating with emergency services and school administrators.
• Ensure proper maintenance and development of security-related technology, equipment, and systems.
• Conduct internal investigations as needed and in collaboration with the Deans' Office or other Campus Departments.
• Participate in active-duty assignments as needed.
• Develop and implement transportation policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and safety standards related to school transportation including oversight of the School's vehicle fleet. Manage Security and Transportation budgets and expenses to ensure cost- effective operations. Implement technology to improve communication and tracking of transportation services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree or equivalent in an area of study relevant to this position.
• Ability to demonstrate superior management, leadership, administrative, and organizational skills and the ability to motivate people.
• Knowledge of security measures, security policies and procedures, and crisis management.
• Strong and proactive communication skills and value system.
• Ability to maintain order and to work with groups and individuals on matters of security and crisis management.
• Ability to support, attract, and retain a diverse workforce reflective of the greater Pottstown Community.
• A minimum of five years of school management, law enforcement, or campus security and/or public safety experience with three years of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of the criminal justice system. Experience and expertise in school-related investigative fields, related juvenile enforcement, and the development of juvenile prevention and intervention programs.
• Excellent integrity with the ability to demonstrate good moral character and initiative.
• Strong interpersonal skills that relate well with students, staff, administration, parents, and the community.
• Proximity to the Hill campus or a willingness to relocate.

Physical Requirements and Certifications

• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods to conduct patrols across campus buildings and grounds.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies, including running, climbing stairs, and assisting in evacuations or lockdowns.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally (e.g., emergency equipment, barricades).
• Must possess sufficient visual and auditory acuity to monitor surveillance systems, identify potential threats, and communicate effectively via radio, phone, and in-person.
• Must be able to use hands and fingers for tasks including operating a computer keyboard, security systems, and communication devices.
• Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and remain physically and mentally alert during extended or high-stress situations.

Required Certifications and Emergency Response Capabilities

• Valid CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Preferred training in crisis response protocols such as ALICE, FEMA ICS, or similar.
• Proven ability to lead and coordinate emergency response efforts, including lockdowns, evacuations, and medical incidents, in a private school setting.
• Must hold a valid driver's license and be able to pass a criminal background check in compliance with school and state requirements.

Attitude and Demeanor

• Publicly support the mission and vision of The Hill School in a positive and professional manner. 
• Work as a dynamic team member in a professional collaborative environment. 
• Thrive in an extremely fast-paced environment while collaborating with a committed team to produce great work. 
• Demonstrate the ability to "wear many hats", learn new things every day, and switch roles with ease and excitement. 
• Communicate effectively with warmth, sensitivity, humor, and understanding while dealing with administrative colleagues, teachers, students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and program associates. 
• Possess a "service attitude" including a willingness to be flexible while meeting the needs of the department and school. 

Position is contingent upon successful completion of certain background checks, including criminal history background checks, fingerprint-based background checks, reference checks, employment history checks, and educational background checks, upon hire and during the course of your employment, to the extent permitted by law and consistent with the School's policies regarding employment eligibility.