Director of Campus Safety and Security

Safety and Security supervises Lead Security Officers and a team of Security Officers to provide 24/7 campus safety coverage for the IMSA community, including 652 residential secondary students and 30+ resident staff members.

The internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10-12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program. It also serves thousands of educators and students in Illinois and beyond through innovative instructional programs that foster imagination and inquiry (www.imsa.edu).

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive teaching and learning environment. Through a model of Equity and Excellence, IMSA has committed to advancing equity in STEM education and representation and creating a diverse, inclusive community of global citizens who can realize their full potential and execute our mission to advance the human condition.

This Equity and Excellence Work is the intentional integration of Cultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Equity-Minded Frame, Excellence and Inclusion into every facet of the Academy, with the understanding that it is an active and ongoing process involving structures, processes and people and not an isolated initiative.

This position will support IMSA's Equity and Excellence work by ensuring the delivery of quality, equitable, and inclusive support while promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that embraces the diversity of people and perspectives collaborating at IMSA to ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The Director of Campus Safety and Security is responsible for, but not limited to:

• Develop and execute a long-term strategic plan for campus safety that aligns to IMSA’s mission and beliefs.
• Lead and manage the Campus Safety and Security team, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
• Implement and monitor 24/7 campus-wide safety protocols for classrooms, residence halls, and outdoor spaces; Ensure safety coverage and responsiveness during evenings, weekends, and major campus events.
• Oversee daily security operations, including patrols, access control, visitor management, and incident response.
• Promote a culture of safety, preparedness, and community responsibility across campus.
• Conduct annual review of the Emergency Operations Plan and update as necessary.
• Train IMSA students, staff and community members of emergency response protocols annually. Lead safety drills and tabletop exercises in partnership with administrators and local authorities. Measure and improve effectiveness of awareness and training programs over time.
• Serve as a member of the unified command structure with the Principal and Chief Student Affairs Officer to make recommendations and decisions during emergent and urgent campus safety incidents.
• Issue emergency communication, in partnership with the Office of Public Affairs, related to operational changes or emergent needs.
• Conduct regular safety audits, risk assessments, and campus-wide vulnerability evaluations.
• Lead the development, coordination, and execution of comprehensive campus reunification plans, ensuring efficient, secure, and trauma-informed processes for reuniting students, staff, and families during and after emergency incidents.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, codes, and best practices related to campus safety, fire safety, and residential security.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of incidents, reports, and compliance documentation.
• Oversee security technologies including access control systems, CCTV, alarm systems, communication tools, and emergency notification systems.
• Collaborate with IT and facilities staff to ensure functionality, maintenance, and upgrades of security systems.
• Assess need for, and if appropriate, convene and lead a cross-functional Campus Safety Committee based on best practice model for school campuses.
• Represent the Campus Safety and Security Department and/or Student Affairs on designated committees.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

The skills and experience required for this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Master’s degree, or equivalent of education and professional experience
• Leadership/supervision of campus security, law enforcement, and/or general security
• Strong organizational and coordination skills
• Experience and comfort working with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to interact effectively in a fast-paced and collaborative work environment.
• Strong written and oral communication skill
• Strong skill set with computers and ability to learn new computer systems
• Illinois driver’s license

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed in an office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Substantial time is spent working on a computer. This role generally requires mobility, written and verbal communication, hearing and visual capabilities. The job also requires the ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs. However, reasonable accommodations, including assistive technology, may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform such requirements.

COMPENSATION:

This position is a full-time, exempt, 12-month, employment-at-will position. Salary regionally commensurate with training and experience in like-institutions with a range of $91,780 to $112,200. IMSA offers a comprehensive state benefits package (major medical, dental, vision, and prescription) with rates found here, a generous paid time off plan, and a retirement plan through the State University Retirement System (SURS). SURS is reciprocal with other Illinois public retirement systems such as the Teachers’ Retirement System of Illinois (TRS) and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).