Position Summary

The Lycée Français de New York, a world-leading independent bilingual French K-12 educational institution, recognizes student safety and well-being as its first responsibilities. Indeed, at the Lycée, the student is at the center of everything we do. Consistent with its mission to embrace diversity, our school strives to build an inclusive, culturally sensitive, and equitable community of teaching and learning where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging in pursuit of educational excellence. 

The Director of Safety and Security ensures a safe, secure, and prepared learning and working environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This position leads the strategic planning, coordination, and implementation of safety, security, and emergency management protocols across the school’s campus.

While reporting to the CFOO, the Director also serves as an advisor to the Head of School and participates in the School’s Crisis Response Team and other leadership discussions on campus risk and safety planning. The Director works closely with leadership, facilities, administrators, and external agencies to develop and maintain a culture of safety that aligns with the school’s mission and community values.

At the Lycée, all employees are committed to advancing the School’s Mission, upholding its Diversity Statement, and supporting the vision of the Head of School and the Board of Trustees. They are expected to encourage, model respect, and promote positive interactions with each student and colleague.
This position may require additional work hours for school events and other school-sponsored activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Integrate policies, people, and systems to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive safety and security program encompassing daily operations, short- and long-term priorities for campus safety, emergency management, risk management, and access control.
• Generate and maintain safety and security policies, procedures, and guidelines that align with or exceed industry best practices to provide an overt and reliable security presence on campus.
• Monitor and analyze security trends, incidents, educational facility risks, and best practices to ensure continuous improvement of the school’s security program.
• Continuously develop strategic and tactical improvements through educational opportunities, personal networks, professional organizations, and liaisons with law enforcement and other agencies.
• Conduct regular safety audits, risk assessments, and vulnerability analyses of the campus and operations. Identify potential security risks and propose enhancements to policies and procedures.
• Participate in school-wide crisis planning as a member of the Crisis Team. Advise the Head of School and leadership team on emerging risks, compliance requirements, and best practices.
• Ensure all emergency and procedure manuals are reviewed and updated annually and communicated to all students, faculty and staff.
• In coordination with the CFOO, manage security-related expenses and investment budgets, external contracts, and vendor relationships to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations.

Emergency Preparedness

• Lead the development, maintenance, and execution of the school’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), including response protocols for fire, lockdown, shelter-in-place, medical emergencies, and natural disasters.
• Coordinate and lead regular emergency drills and staff training in partnership with local emergency services.
• Maintain and update crisis communication plans and ensure alignment with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with consultants, law enforcement, and emergency management agencies to proactively assess and address security needs.
• Coordinate with local authorities to ensure a well-prepared response to threats and emergencies, including development and execution of joint exercises.
• Oversee compliance with all fire and life safety regulations, coordinating with Facilities to conduct regular inspections of alarms, fire suppression systems, and emergency exits in accordance with NYS fire code requirements.

Campus Security Operations

• Oversee daily operations of school security staff and contractors. Coordinate and direct scheduling to ensure comprehensive security coverage.
• Recruit, train, and supervise security personnel, ensuring they are equipped to respond effectively to emergencies and uphold school standards.
• Direct the design, implementation, and management of security procedures, systems, and technologies including surveillance, access control, and alarm systems.
• Conduct regular testing of all security systems (cameras, card access, alarms, emergency phones/radios and security applications) and issue recommendations for improvement.
• Lead incident response efforts and manage the team during crises. Respond to emergencies, conduct investigations, and prepare detailed reports for leadership and law enforcement when appropriate.
• Partner with administrators and HR in cases requiring internal investigation (e.g., review of access reports or video footage).
• Ensure all security technologies and data systems comply with privacy and institutional data governance standards.

Collaboration, Communication and Training

• Partner with HR, Facilities, IT, and Communications to integrate safety and security practices into all aspects of school life.
• Develop and deliver training programs for faculty, staff, and students on safety topics such as situational awareness, emergency response, de-escalation, and shelter-in-place procedures.
• Conduct and coordinate an annual training program for security and traffic control personnel.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with NYPD, FDNY, and other emergency response agencies.
• Promote a culture of safety through transparent communication and community education, balancing a visible security presence with the school’s welcoming and inclusive values.

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations (including OSHA, DOE, DOH, and mandated reporter requirements).
• Ensure coordination with NYC DCAS and NYS DOE on Security reimbursements providing documentation and justification as required
• Oversee adherence to privacy, confidentiality, and FERPA standards in managing safety data and incident records.
• Maintain documentation of incidents, inspections, and training for accreditation and audit purposes.
• Prepare regular reports and data analyses for the CFOO and leadership team to support continuous improvement.
• Maintain current database in access controls system, updating and deleting as needed

Qualifications and Skills

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Emergency Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in safety, security, or law enforcement, preferably in a K–12 or higher education environment.

Skills

• Strong understanding of crisis leadership and emergency management frameworks and threat assessment models.
• Demonstrated strategic foresight and systems thinking resulting in continuous review and improvement of safety and security protocols. 
• Proven ability to lead and grow teams, develop policies, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and situational awareness in high-stakes situations.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, integrity and problem-solving abilities under pressure.
• High level of professionalism, ethical integrity, and emotional intelligence. Open communication style, and a collaborative approach. 
• Cultural sensitivity and community awareness.
• Bilingual (English/French) proficiency preferred, or willingness to work in a bilingual and multicultural environment.

About Lycee Francais de New York

The Lycée Français de New York is a nursery through twelfth grade coeducational, bilingual, independent day school in Manhattan, serving 1,370 students. While the Lycée follows the curriculum of the French Ministry of National Education, students also receive a comprehensive education in the English language, including US history and culture. Children from 50 nations comprise the student body. 18% receive need-based financial aid.Our staff forms the cornerstone of the remarkable education we provide. A diverse and growing team, employees of the Lycée Français de New York are dynamic, energetic, intelligent, team-oriented, hard-working and friendly. We look to employ people who exemplify the characteristics so important to us - including a love of education - and who seek challenging and rewarding careers.To support and nurture our employees, we offer a competitive suite of benefits.

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