Director of Safety Operations

Director of Safety Operations

Job Summary

The Director of Safety Operations role is an integral part of the Operations team, ensuring that KIPP DC safety systems are aligned with best practices, accurately documented, clearly understood, and executed with fidelity. The starting salary range for this role is $113,839-$125,821 . This is a full-time, occasionally flexible role based at KIPP DC HDQ with an anticipated start date of September 2026.

About KIPP DC

For 25 years, KIPP DC has partnered with students, families, and the community to create joyful, academically excellent schools across the nation’s capital. Today, our network of 22 schools educate more than 7,500 students in grades PreK3-12, supported by 1,500 dedicated teachers, leaders, and staff.

Our work is grounded in five pillars–Academic Excellence, Joy & Sense of Belonging, Highly Effective Teachers and Leaders, Safe, Structured, and Nurturing Learning Environments, and Commitment to College Readiness–which ensure every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue success in college, careers, and beyond. Our schools combine high expectations with joyful, affirming environments that nurture academic success and personal growth for students and staff alike .

As part of the national KIPP network, we share best practices and innovations while maintaining deep roots in Washington, D.C. Together, we strive toward a future without limits for our students, alumni, and community.

About the team
The KIPP DC Operations Team works to create conditions for our schools’ success by designing and leading efficient, safe, joyful, and just systems; freeing school teams to focus on teaching and learning; and providing a best-in-class customer experience to families and staff members to ensure they feel welcomed, cared for and a valued member of our community.

About the Role
The Director of Safety Operations at KIPP DC will focus on developing and maintaining the operational systems, procedures, and protocols that ensure a safe and secure environment across all KIPP DC campuses and its central office. This role will lead efforts related to safety planning, vendor management, and compliance, working closely with school leaders, the operations team, and external partners to implement and monitor safety measures.

As a Director, this position must also ensure adherence to established internal control policies and procedures and maintain compliance within the organization.

Location and Type of Work
As a headquarters team that is focused on being responsive to our schools and meeting the needs of our students and families, we approach our work in a way that reflects these priorities. Schools operate in person and our students and families rely on us for in-person support, and this position will regularly provide on-site support to school teams, frequently partner with other headquarters teams, or regularly work in multiple locations. Because of the nature of the work, this role allows for occasional flexibility and will be required to be onsite 4 days per week.

Responsibilities

Safety Planning and Procedures (30%):

• In collaboration with the Regional Safety Team, develop and implement safety and security goals, objectives, and priorities for all KIPP DC campuses.
• Collaborate with school leaders and the operations team to create and update comprehensive safety plans.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to influence safety behaviors and change, embed safety in daily operations, and drive organizational change towards best-in-class safety practices.
• Oversee emergency preparedness efforts, including the development and execution of drills (e.g., fire, lockdown) and emergency response protocols.
• Ensure the establishment of effective daily operational procedures, such as arrival and dismissal processes, visitor safety, and building security.
• Periodically review schools on implementation of safety procedures, providing developmental feedback and ensuring procedures are implemented with fidelity

Training and Compliance (25%):

• Design and implement training programs for staff and students on safety protocols, including town halls and roundtable discussions.
• Coach and develop high school Managers of Safety Operations
• In partnership with our security vendor, develop comprehensive training for security staff on KIPP DC standard operating procedures and expectations.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive standard operating procedures for all safety and security functions.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal safety regulations, as well as internal policies and procedures.
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of safety operations, recommending improvements as needed.

Vendor and Equipment Management (25%):

• Manage relationships with external security vendors and service providers (e.g., Allied, IronClad, etc).
• Oversee the acquisition, maintenance, and deployment of safety and security equipment, including cameras, alarm systems, access control systems, weapons abatement tools, emergency communication devices (walkies, Relay) and others in partnership with the facilities and technology teams.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments of safety equipment and vendor performance to ensure optimal functionality and service delivery.

Collaboration and Support (20%):

• Work closely with the academic and mental health teams to integrate safety considerations into the broader school culture.
• Provide guidance and support to the operations team and school leaders on day-to-day security operations and staffing needs.
• Participate in the development and management of the safety and security budget.
• Serve as the primarily requisitioner and procurement manager on the Regional Safety Team

Requirements & Preferences

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• At least 6 years of experience in safety planning, security management, or a related field, with a focus on operational management.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience managing and leading teams, preferably in safety or operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related field (MBA, MPA, Homeland Security, Operations, etc.)
• Management of safety operations in an educational or public sector setting.
• Familiarity with local and federal safety regulations affecting schools.
• Experience with compliance reporting and auditing in a safety context.
• Proven experience in managing vendor relationships and contracts, including security services.
• Strong knowledge of safety and security equipment, including camera systems, alarm systems, and weapons abatement tools.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience in developing and implementing safety protocols and emergency preparedness plans.
• Demonstrated experience in managing budgets and financial oversight related to safety operations.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 30 pounds
• Ability to stand frequently
• Ability to travel across KIPP DC schools
• Flexibility to work outside normal business hours or weekends for KIPP DC events

Demonstrated Excellence in the Following Areas:  

• Commitment to Students and Schools: Demonstrates commitment to education reform, believing in every child's potential for success and prioritizing students, schools, and the essential role of families .
• Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving: Finds creative solutions to challenges that achieve broader goals of team and organization.
• Project Management: Sets a high bar for own work and supports others to achieve desired team outcomes.
• Communications and Influence: Demonstrates adept communication skills and influence to advance work by adjusting content and style. 
• Teamwork: Contributes to a supportive team culture, fostering diverse work styles and maintaining a high performance standard .
• Trust and Collaboration: Establishes and nurtures effective relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders to support the best outcomes for our work.
• Cultural Humility: Advances KIPP DC’s commitment to anti-racism by creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all stakeholders.
• Continuous Learning: Commits to continuous learning through feedback, self reflection, humility, and action.

Benefits & Compensation

KIPP DC offers an extremely competitive compensation and benefits package:

• The anticipated starting salary range for this position is $113,839-$125,821. At KIPP DC we strive for clarity, equity, and to be highly competitive. When determining salaries we look at benchmarks in the education and non-profit sector.
• KIPP DC offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurances; various voluntary benefits; and employer paid benefits such as short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, and a membership to One Medical.

• KIPP DC also offers a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution and a 3% match with vesting after three years.
• Currently, individuals in this role have up to 15 paid time off days, up to 10 paid sick days, and 12 paid holidays. This is subject to change and your exact schedule will be shared in your offer letter.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law), religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), marital status (including domestic partnership status), genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, personal appearance, veteran status, uniform service member status, status of being unemployed, status of victim a survivor of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, matriculation or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law.

Click here or here to review KIPP DC’s non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information.

Please Note: If you encounter difficulties submitting your application or fail to receive a confirmation email after applying, kindly reach out to Danica Cunningham at View email address on us.fitly.work . Please include your name, resume, and specify the role you are applying for in your email. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience caused.