Director of Safety and Security

Training Tomorrow's Technicians to Become Skilled, Employable, and Essential

ABOUT US - Big Changes, Better Benefits - Join us today!

 At Cotulla Education, home to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Centura College, Tidewater Tech, and American Lineman College, we are dedicated to transforming lives through hands-on, career-focused education. Our mission is to empower students to achieve their professional dreams in high-demand fields like aviation, healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades. With experienced faculty providing personalized support, our graduates emerge as future leaders ready to make a significant impact in their communities. Join us in shaping the careers of those who will build and maintain our world and embark on a transformative journey towards a fulfilling career. 

Location: 📍Remote, US

Work Schedule: 

• Full time role 
• Nationwide Travel Required

Compensation: $140,000 -$190,000 per year, based on experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors. We anticipate most candidates will fall somewhere in the middle of this range. 

Position Summary

The Director of Safety and Security provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for safety and security programs across multiple Cotulla Education campuses. This non-sworn leadership role is responsible for developing comprehensive security policies, managing personnel, and leading emergency preparedness initiatives to protect students, staff, visitors, and institutional assets.

Working closely with campus leadership, facilities teams, and external public safety partners, this role ensures a safe and secure learning environment across all locations. The Director plays a critical role in risk management, crisis response coordination, security technology integration, and strengthening the organization’s overall safety culture.

Key Responsibilities

Security Operations & Strategic Planning

• Develop, implement, and evaluate enterprise-wide safety and security policies
• Establish standardized protocols for access control, visitor management, surveillance, and incident response
• Oversee physical security systems (CCTV, alarms, access control, emergency notifications)
• Conduct safety assessments, vulnerability analyses, and security audits
• Partner with leadership to align security initiatives with risk management and compliance goals

Leadership, Staffing & Personnel Development

• Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and supervision of campus security personnel
• Develop staffing models and schedules for coverage across all operational hours
• Establish hiring standards, screening procedures, and vendor selection criteria
• Provide coaching, performance management, and leadership development
• Promote a culture of professionalism, customer service, and safety awareness

Training & Professional Development

• Design and oversee comprehensive training programs for security staff
• Ensure training in emergency response, de-escalation, incident reporting, and safety procedures
• Coordinate drills, tabletop exercises, and scenario-based training
• Maintain accurate training records and ensure compliance with best practices

Risk Mitigation & Campus Safety

• Conduct inspections, patrol strategy development, and risk assessments
• Develop prevention strategies for theft, workplace violence, and safety hazards
• Review incident reports and oversee investigations
• Ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and industry standards

Emergency Management & Incident Coordination

• Develop and maintain emergency preparedness and crisis response plans
• Coordinate drills for active threats, fire, weather, and medical emergencies
• Serve as the primary security lead during critical incidents
• Lead post-incident reviews and implement continuous improvement plans

External Partnerships & Coordination

• Act as liaison with law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency agencies
• Coordinate security planning for events and high-traffic periods
• Collaborate with dispatch and first responders to enhance emergency response

Qualifications & Experience

Required Experience

• Experience in security operations management, preferably in higher education or multi-site environments
• Proven leadership experience managing security personnel or vendors
• Strong background in risk management, emergency preparedness, or campus safety

Education & Certifications (Preferred)

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Homeland Security, Emergency Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Certifications such as CPP, PSP, FEMA ICS/NIMS, or CPR/First Aid/AED
• Training in Threat Assessment, Workplace Violence Prevention, or Campus Safety

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management abilities
• Excellent crisis management and decision-making skills
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Proficiency with modern security technologies and systems
• Ability to manage and coordinate operations across multiple locations

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel nationwide to campus locations
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation
• Commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive educational environment

What We Offer

• 401(k) and Matching: Secure your future with our competitive retirement savings plan.  
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Enjoy Health, Dental, and Vision insurance to keep you and your family healthy.  
• Life Insurance: Peace of mind with life insurance options.  
• Parental Leave: Support for new parents during important life transitions.  
• Paid Time Off: Recharge with paid time off to promote work-life balance.  
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to resources for personal and professional support.  
• Tuition Reimbursement: Invest in your future with financial support for further education.  

We are committed to providing a rewarding compensation package that supports both your professional growth and personal well-being.

Cotulla Education is a proud equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes to the success of our company and are dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, equity, and inclusion.