Director of Safety Operations
Job Location:
Washington, DC - USA
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
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Job Summary
Director of Safety Operations
Job Summary
The Director of Safety Operations role is an integral part of the Operations team ensuring that KIPP DC safety systems are aligned with best practices accurately documented clearly understood and executed with fidelity. The starting salary range for this role is $113839-$125821. This is a full-time occasionally flexible role based at KIPP DC HDQ with an anticipated start date of September 2026.
About KIPP DC
For 25 years KIPP DC has partnered with students families and the community to create joyful academically excellent schools across the nations capital. Today our network of 22 schools educate more than 7500 students in grades PreK3-12 supported by 1500 dedicated teachers leaders and staff.
Our work is grounded in five pillarsAcademic Excellence Joy & Sense of Belonging Highly Effective Teachers and Leaders Safe Structured and Nurturing Learning Environments and Commitment to College Readinesswhich ensure every student is equipped with the knowledge skills and confidence to pursue success in college careers and beyond. Our schools combine high expectations with joyful affirming environments that nurture academic success and personal growth for students and staff alike.
As part of the national KIPP network we share best practices and innovations while maintaining deep roots in Washington D.C. Together we strive toward a future without limits for our students alumni and community.
About the teamThe KIPP DC Operations Team works to create conditions for our schools success by designing and leading efficient safe joyful and just systems; freeing school teams to focus on teaching and learning; and providing a best-in-class customer experience to families and staff members to ensure they feel welcomed cared for and a valued member of our community.
About the Role
The Director of Safety Operations at KIPP DC will focus on developing and maintaining the operational systems procedures and protocols that ensure a safe and secure environment across all KIPP DC campuses and its central office. This role will lead efforts related to safety planning vendor management and compliance working closely with school leaders the operations team and external partners to implement and monitor safety measures.
As a Director this position must also ensure adherence to established internal control policies and procedures and maintain compliance within the organization.
Location and Type of Work
As a headquarters team that is focused on being responsive to our schools and meeting the needs of our students and families we approach our work in a way that reflects these priorities. Schools operate in person and our students and families rely on us for in-person support and this position will regularly provide on-site support to school teams frequently partner with other headquarters teams or regularly work in multiple locations. Because of the nature of the work this role allows for occasional flexibility and will be required to be onsite 4 days per week.
Responsibilities
Safety Planning and Procedures (30%):
- In collaboration with the Regional Safety Team develop and implement safety and security goals objectives and priorities for all KIPP DC campuses.
- Collaborate with school leaders and the operations team to create and update comprehensive safety plans.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to influence safety behaviors and change embed safety in daily operations and drive organizational change towards best-in-class safety practices.
- Oversee emergency preparedness efforts including the development and execution of drills (e.g. fire lockdown) and emergency response protocols.
- Ensure the establishment of effective daily operational procedures such as arrival and dismissal processes visitor safety and building security.
- Periodically review schools on implementation of safety procedures providing developmental feedback and ensuring procedures are implemented with fidelity
Training and Compliance (25%):
- Design and implement training programs for staff and students on safety protocols including town halls and roundtable discussions.
- Coach and develop high school Managers of Safety Operations
- In partnership with our security vendor develop comprehensive training for security staff on KIPP DC standard operating procedures and expectations.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive standard operating procedures for all safety and security functions.
- Ensure compliance with all local state and federal safety regulations as well as internal policies and procedures.
- Monitor and report on the effectiveness of safety operations recommending improvements as needed.
Vendor and Equipment Management (25%):
- Manage relationships with external security vendors and service providers (e.g. Allied IronClad etc).
- Oversee the acquisition maintenance and deployment of safety and security equipment including cameras alarm systems access control systems weapons abatement tools emergency communication devices (walkies Relay) and others in partnership with the facilities and technology teams.
- Conduct regular audits and assessments of safety equipment and vendor performance to ensure optimal functionality and service delivery.
Collaboration and Support (20%):
- Work closely with the academic and mental health teams to integrate safety considerations into the broader school culture.
- Provide guidance and support to the operations team and school leaders on day-to-day security operations and staffing needs.
- Participate in the development and management of the safety and security budget.
- Serve as the primarily requisitioner and procurement manager on the Regional Safety Team
Requirements & Preferences
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelors Degree required
- At least 6 years of experience in safety planning security management or a related field with a focus on operational management.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience managing and leading teams preferably in safety or operations.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Masters degree in a related field (MBA MPA Homeland Security Operations etc.)
- Management of safety operations in an educational or public sector setting.
- Familiarity with local and federal safety regulations affecting schools.
- Experience with compliance reporting and auditing in a safety context.
- Proven experience in managing vendor relationships and contracts including security services.
- Strong knowledge of safety and security equipment including camera systems alarm systems and weapons abatement tools.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Experience in developing and implementing safety protocols and emergency preparedness plans.
- Demonstrated experience in managing budgets and financial oversight related to safety operations.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift 30 pounds
- Ability to stand frequently
- Ability to travel across KIPP DC schools
- Flexibility to work outside normal business hours or weekends for KIPP DC events
Demonstrated Excellence in the Following Areas:
- Commitment to Students and Schools: Demonstrates commitment to education reform believing in every childs potential for success and prioritizing students schools and the essential role of families.
- Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving: Finds creative solutions to challenges that achieve broader goals of team and organization.
- Project Management: Sets a high bar for own work and supports others to achieve desired team outcomes.
- Communications and Influence: Demonstrates adept communication skills and influence to advance work by adjusting content and style.
- Teamwork: Contributes to a supportive team culture fostering diverse work styles and maintaining a high performance standard.
- Trust and Collaboration: Establishes and nurtures effective relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders to support the best outcomes for our work.
- Cultural Humility: Advances KIPP DCs commitment to anti-racism by creating a diverse equitable and inclusive environment for all stakeholders.
- Continuous Learning: Commits to continuous learning through feedback self reflection humility and action.
Benefits & Compensation
KIPP DC offers an extremely competitive compensation and benefits package:
- The anticipated starting salary range for this position is $113839-$125821. At KIPP DC we strive for clarity equity and to be highly competitive. When determining salaries we look at benchmarks in the education and non-profit sector.
- KIPP DC offers a robust benefits package including medical dental and vision insurances; various voluntary benefits; and employer paid benefits such as short term disability long term disability life insurance and a membership to One Medical.
- KIPP DC also offers a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution and a 3% match with vesting after three years.
- Currently individuals in this role have up to 15 paid time off days up to 10 paid sick days and 12 paid holidays. This is subject to change and your exact schedule will be shared in your offer letter.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against or tolerate discrimination against employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including but not limited to actual or perceived race color national origin immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal DC state or local law) religion sex (including pregnancy childbirth lactation and related medical conditions) age physical or mental disability medical condition sexual orientation gender (including gender identity or expression) marital status (including domestic partnership status) genetic information political affiliation pregnancy family responsibilities personal appearance veteran status uniform service member status status of being unemployed status of victim a survivor of domestic violence sexual offense or stalking matriculation or any other protected class under federal state DC or local law.
Click here or here to review KIPP DCs non-discrimination policy and KIPP DCs Title IX Coordinators contact information.
Please Note: If you encounter difficulties submitting your application kindly reach out to and a member of our Talent Acquisition team will reach out. Please include your name resume and specify the role you are applying for in your email. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Required Experience:
Director
About Company
KIPP DC is a community of high-performing, public schools committed to excellence, equity, and justice.
