Exempt Position

William Penn Charter School is a Quaker, all-gender, PK-12 independent, day school in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Established in 1689 by William Penn and members of the Religious Society of Friends, Penn Charter is a community guided by Quaker testimonies and the central belief that there is "that of God" in every person. A school community that honors difference, Penn Charter seeks to be a place where diversity is understood, represented and valued. Our curriculum embraces a plurality of cultures and celebrates an array of voices, instilling in us a deeper understanding of and empathy for individuals in this community and the world.

As our mission states, we value scholarship and inquiry. With excellence as our standard, we challenge students in a vigorous program of academics, arts and athletics. Through global connections, civic engagement and a focus on environmental sustainability, we inspire students to be thinkers, collaborators, innovators and leaders. We educate students to live lives that make a difference.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Security and Transportation is responsible for developing, implementing and managing comprehensive security, safety and transportation programs for the School. This role ensures the protection of students, staff and property as well as compliance with safety regulations and policies. The Director will work with local school districts to ensure transportation is provided in an efficient and effective manner, with support from current Penn Charter staff. In addition the Director will coordinate all Penn Charter bus routes including routes through Philadelphia and a New Jersey shuttle and collaborate with faculty and staff to arrange transportation of school vehicles for field trips. The duties require the exercise of considerable judgment in supervision and decision-making. This role requires flexibility to respond to emergencies at any time, including outside of regular school hours.

Key Responsibilities

Security Management:

• Ensure enforcement of all regulations, policies and procedures essential to a safe and secure campus as well as the preservation of the school property and assets.
• Create and maintain emergency response plans, including evacuation procedures, lockdown drills, fire drills and crisis management protocols.
• Coordinate contracted security officers scheduling and duties, which support 24 hour 7 days a week on campus security.  
• Supervise day to day operations of the security staff, assignments and special events and serve as Emergency Preparedness Officer for the campus.  
• Serve on the crisis response team for the school and the liaison with all emergency responders and the Philadelphia Police. 
• Develop and maintain relationships with local law enforcement and security agencies.
• Conduct regular security rounds and post checks and monitor staff to ensure same.
• In collaboration with security team staff, monitor all arrivals to campus and radio transmissions to appropriately vet all visitors, parents, students, contractors, vendors, faculty /staff and unauthorized persons attempting to gain access to campus.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all Safe2Say reports.  
• Serve as the Safety Coordinator and Chair of the Safety Committee.
• Ensure all access control, fire, life safety controls and CCTV systems are functioning daily.
• Engage with staff, faculty, visitors, parents, and students with a customer service mindset and approach.
• Assist with parking and controlling vehicular traffic management daily.
• Traffic coordinator for afternoon dismissal for all students
• In collaboration with the Chief Operations Officer, organize and run periodic tabletop exercises for the leadership team to ensure campus wide emergency preparedness.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief Operations Officer or their designee.

Transportation:

• Evaluate and support the transportation program of the school.
• Oversee the coordination of transportation services from local school districts.
• Oversee the training, supervision and evaluation of drivers supporting the shuttle services and bus routes in Philadelphia and New Jersey. 
• Ensure all drivers are properly licensed, trained, and adhere to safety standards.
• Oversee and establish procedures for bus trip requests for school programs.
• Develop a long range plan for transportation capital and personnel budgetary needs.
• Oversee the management and maintenance of the School's fleet of vehicles, including the establishment of a system to maintain transportation records, submitting reports when required.
• Implement procedures that maintain safety standards in compliance with state and federal laws, and insurance regulations.
• Facilitate effective communication with parents, staff, and school personnel.
• Coordinate investigation of school vehicle accidents and monitor post-accident remediation.
• Direct ongoing programs to ensure drivers are using proper student management skills.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief Operations Officer or their designee.

Salary and benefits

William Penn Charter School offers a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes comprehensive healthcare coverage for employees and their eligible dependents, retirement contributions, and tuition remission. William Penn Charter School is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.

We will review application materials immediately upon submission and interview candidates until the position has been filled. 

William Penn Charter School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Emergency Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years experience in security management or related field, with at least three (3) years in a management role. 
• Extensive knowledge of school safety regulations, emergency response protocols and risk management strategies.
• Extensive knowledge of procedures and practices and safeguarding buildings and property.
• Ability to carry out established security procedures in all emergency situations.
• Proven experience in managing security personnel and working with law enforcement agencies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, department members, school administrators, and the public. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with students, staff, parents, and external agencies.
• Knowledge of the laws pertaining to operation of school buses.
• Supervisory experience managing school transportation.
• CDL license, while not required, is preferred. 

Work Environment:

• Prolonged periods standing and walking.
• May require strenuous lifting (up to 50 lbs.), bending, climbing, 
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to elements.
• On 24-hour emergency call.

About William Penn Charter School

William Penn Charter School is an all gender, Quaker, coeducational, PreK-12 independent day school in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Established in 1689 by William Penn and members of the Religious Society of Friends, Penn Charter values scholarship and inquiry. Our school emphasizes academics, the arts, athletics, spiritual awareness and service learning.

Connections working at William Penn Charter School