Director of Safety & Security

Saint Thomas Academy seeks a results-driven and strategic Director of Safety & Security to design, build, and lead our institution’s physical security program from the ground up. This role will be responsible for assessing current facility safety risks, developing a comprehensive security plan, and overseeing implementation of physical security infrastructure and protocols. The primary responsibility of the Director of Safety & Security is to promote the safety of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors across the campus.

The Director will have authority to recommend, implement, and enforce safety and security policies in coordination with the President and senior administrative team, ensuring that all safety and security initiatives align with Saint Thomas Academy’s mission, values, and culture of hospitality and respect.

The ideal candidate will have deep experience in physical security, emergency preparedness, and facilities safety operations, as well as a proven ability to lead security projects through assessment, planning, and execution. This position will coordinate closely with facilities management, administration, local law enforcement, and school leadership.

This is a 10-month, exempt position reporting to the President.

Key Responsibilities

Security Program Development

 Assessment Phase

• Conduct a thorough evaluation of all school facilities, identifying safety and security vulnerabilities.
• Review past incident reports, visitor access policies, and emergency response procedures.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external safety consultants as needed.
• Identify gaps in physical security coverage and recommend practical, risk-based improvements.

Design & Build Phase

• Develop a comprehensive physical security strategy and roadmap for the institution.
• Specify physical security solutions including surveillance systems (CCTV), door access controls, visitor screening, and perimeter fencing.
• Define and update security policies, emergency response protocols, lockdown procedures, and access control guidelines.
• Lead vendor selection and manage contracts for security-related hardware, services, and installations.

Execution & Oversight Phase

• Oversee implementation of all physical security systems and protocols across the campus or district.
• Serve as an on-site armed responder during critical incidents or threats
• Hire, train, and supervise a security team or coordinate with third-party security firms or School Resource Officers (SROs).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for security-related incidents, emergency drills, and incident investigations.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local law enforcement, fire, and emergency management agencies.
• Ensure continued compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations applicable to educational institutions.

Classroom and Community Involvement

• Promote safety awareness through classroom visits, student education, and staff training on emergency preparedness and responsible conduct.
• Maintain a visible, approachable presence to build trust and positive relationships with students, faculty, parents, and visitors.
• Partner with school leadership and community groups to foster a culture of vigilance, respect, and shared responsibility for campus safety.
• Maintain a visible, approachable presence on campus to build trust and foster positive relationships with students, faculty, parents, and visitors.
• Coordinate with Academy leadership to ensure safety and security coverage before, during, and after high-profile or large-scale campus events (e.g., athletic contests, ceremonies, and community gatherings).
• Develop and enforce visitor management and after-hours access procedures to safeguard facilities while maintaining an open, welcoming environment consistent with the Academy’s mission.
• Partner with the Communications Office to develop and implement crisis communication protocols and parent notification systems during emergencies.

Ongoing Duties

• Develop and maintain the Academy’s Safety and Security Policy Manual, ensuring consistency with local law enforcement guidance and school policies.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements, including mandated safety drills, OSHA standards, and data privacy and security protocols related to surveillance systems.
• Partner closely with the Facilities Department, Dean of Students Office, and other key stakeholders to ensure full alignment between safety protocols, building operations, and daily maintenance activities. Work collaboratively to plan, implement, and sustain security measures that support both the operational efficiency and welcoming environment of the Academy.
• Engage early in facilities planning and project development to embed safety and security considerations into design, construction, and renovation projects, including access control systems, lighting, signage, and emergency infrastructure.
• Partner with the Facilities team, Athletic Department, and community stakeholders to professionalize and streamline the campus access process, improving the visitor and participant experience while maintaining high standards of safety and accountability.
• Lead and support initiatives that enhance communication and collaboration between the Facilities team and community members, fostering trust and shared responsibility for maintaining a secure and welcoming campus.

Compensation & Benefits

The Director of Safety and Security is a 10-month salaried position, working during the school year (generally August 15-June 15), offering a salary range of $85,000–$95,000, commensurate with experience.

A comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development.

Required Qualifications

• Current and valid license to carry a firearm in Minnesota.
• Certified law enforcement officer, military police, or equivalent armed security background.
• 8–10+ years of progressive leadership in physical security, law enforcement, or emergency response, preferably in an educational or institutional setting.
• In-depth knowledge of physical security practices, use-of-force laws, threat mitigation, emergency planning, crisis response and active shooter response.
• Experience developing and executing security plans and leading safety-focused capital projects.
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Clean criminal record and ability to pass extensive background checks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Emergency Management, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in Security Management, Public Administration, or related field.
• Prior experience in a school, university, or district-level security leadership role.
• Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Physical Security Professional (PSP), or similar certification.
• Familiarity with educational safety compliance standards and drills (ALICE, Standard Response Protocol, etc.).

Firearm & Security Requirements

• Must maintain a valid firearm permit and complete annual requalification in firearms use and safety.
• Must comply with all school district policies, state and federal regulations regarding firearms on school property.
• Must undergo regular psychological screening, fitness evaluations, and use-of-force scenario training.
• Required to wear and maintain approved firearm and security gear while on duty.

Key Competencies

• Physical Security Design & Oversight
• Armed Response & Threat Management
• Emergency Preparedness, Crisis Response and Incident Handing
• Risk Assessment & Emergency Planning
• Team Leadership & Training
• Vendor and Project Management
• Regulatory and Policy Compliance

Work Environment & Requirements

• Primarily on-site across multiple school facilities.
• Must be available for emergency calls or rapid response after hours or weekends as needed.
• Must pass a background check, firearms qualification, and psychological evaluation.

Qualified candidates should send a cover letter that includes a statement reflecting on the four pillars of the school, which are detailed at https://www.cadets.com/who-we-are/mission-vision. Along with the cover letter, applicants should also send a resume and references to:

Kristin Trautner, HR Generalist, ktrautner@cadets.com
or mail to 949 Mendota Heights Road, Mendota Heights, MN 55120

Position will remain open until filled.