Director of Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness

Director of Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness

SALARY: $105,118.44 - $ 117,566.68

OPENING DATE:    April 10, 2026

CLOSING DATE:     Applications received by April 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM PDT will be given priority consideration

LOCATION: Lynnwood, Washington

DESCRIPTION:  

This position leads and is accountable for the overall operations  of the Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness (SSEP) Department, including security staff, campus access control, monitoring of fire and security alarm systems, and administration and enforcement of parking regulations. The Director ensures institutional compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and establishes and monitors adherence to  college safety and security policies and procedures. 

The Director partners with the campus community to promote a culture of safety through training, outreach, and coordinated response efforts. This position provides leadership and operational oversight in collaboration with the  Assistant  Director of Emergency Preparedness, Health and Safety  to support the development and implementation  of the college's all-hazards emergency preparedness and business continuity plans.  The Director works in alignment  with  Washington State  Department of Emergency Management (DEM) directives and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). 

Reporting to the  Vice President for Human Resources, this exempt position contributes to the college’s strategic goals by advancing a comprehensive, proactive approach to campus safety, security, and emergency preparedness. 

For information on how to apply, please see Application Procedures and Required Documents, below. 

Applications received by April 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM PDT will be given priority consideration. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the college’s security and safety operations, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and risk management objectives.
• Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive security, safety, traffic, and emergency preparedness programs.
• Serve as a senior advisor to college leadership on matters related to campus safety, security strategy, emergency management, and organizational risk.
• Lead the development and governance of campus access control systems, including key management, access cards, and electronic security infrastructure.
• Provide strategic leadership for campus-wide safety education, training, and engagement initiatives that support a culture of preparedness and shared responsibility.
• Ensure institutional compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Establish and maintain strong strategic partnerships with local and regional emergency management agencies, law enforcement, fire services, school districts, and surrounding jurisdictions.
• Foster collaborative relationships across the campus community to support trust, communication, and a proactive approach to safety and security.
• Serve as the college’s Campus Security Survey Administrator, ensuring full compliance with the U.S. Department of Education Clery Act requirements and related reporting obligations.
• Lead the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the college’s All-Hazards Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity framework, providing regular updates to college leadership.
• Partner with college leadership to integrate business continuity and emergency preparedness into broader institutional planning and decision-making.
• Provide oversight for the development of memoranda of understanding (MOUs), contractual agreements, and related interagency documents as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of institutional safety, resilience, and operational continuity.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution in Security Management, Public Safety, Homeland Security, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership and managerial experience in security operations, emergency management, or related public safety functions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage complex operations, and effectively coordinate across organizational and external stakeholders.
• Strong executive-level communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats to diverse audiences.
• Ability to build trust, foster collaboration, and influence outcomes across campus and with community partnerships.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle required for travel related to operational needs.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Progressive experience in security and/or emergency management within an academic or higher education environment, including at least three (3) years in a leadership or management capacity.
• Demonstrated experience with the Jeanne Clery Act, including reporting, compliance requirements, and campus safety notification standards.
• Experience managing budgets, expenditures, and resource allocation in a public sector or educational  environment.
• Relevant coursework, professional certification, or formal training in security management, emergency preparedness, homeland security, or related fields.
• Working knowledge of Washington State regulations, policies, and procedures related to campus safety, security operations, and emergency management.
• Familiarity with Incident Command System (ICS) structure and functions, with the ability to apply principles in planning and response.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and coordinating community engagement, outreach, and partnership-building initiatives.
• Proven ability to work effectively with individuals and communities representing diverse backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, with a commitment to inclusive and equitable service delivery.

PHYSICAL WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The college is located on a 50-acre main campus with additional satellite locations throughout Snohomish County. Work is performed in a variety of environments, including office settings, on foot across campus, and in a vehicle while traveling between sites.

This position requires regular use of a telephone, personal computer, and related electronic systems, including word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications. Work is also performed throughout campus facilities, both indoors and outdoors, and may involve exposure to varying weather, atmospheric, and environmental conditions. The role may include work in confined spaces and participation in emergency response situations as needed.

COMPENSATION:   

Salary is $105,118.44 - $117,566.68and is based on the Edmonds College administrative/exempt salary schedule, plus a State Board of Community and Technical Colleges benefits package, which includes tuition waivers for college classes, medical, dental, retirement options and more. Vacation and leave package includes 12 sick days per year, 11 scheduled holidays, 1 personal holiday, and 24 vacation leave days per year.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness is a 24/7 operation. The Director is expected to work a minimum of 40 hours per week and serve in an on-call capacity to respond to emergencies and other organizational needs. This position requires availability outside of standard business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as operational needs require.

FLSA Status:

The position is an exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act requirements.  

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• You must document your citizenship or employment authorization within three days of hire.
• Criminal background check.  Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• All new positions are contingent upon funding.
• At this time, Edmonds College does not sponsor H1-B Visas.
• Complete, sign, and submit Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

All applicants must apply online.  No paper submissions or emailed materials will be accepted.  Your online application must include the following documents in order to be complete:

1. Cover Letter addressing your qualifications and interest.
2. Current resume. 
3. Names and contact information for three references.
4. For veterans’ preference, please scan and attach your DD214, Member-4 Form.

Important, if this position is posted on an external website other than www.edmonds.edu/hr or Edmonds College Job Opportunities page, please apply using one of those official links. Applications submitted through external websites will not be received in the College’s application system.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE:

Established in 1967, Edmonds College is a public community and technical college serving south Snohomish County. The college is guided by a mission centered on Teaching, Learning, and Community, with a strong commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement.  It serves about 18,000 students annually, including more than 800 international students from more than 55 countries. The college offers nearly 66 associate degrees and 111 professional certificates in 30 programs of study. Its highest enrolled programs are the Associate of Arts/Associate of Science degrees, Paralegal, Allied Health (pre-nursing degree), Business/Accounting, Construction Management, and Culinary Arts. The college is located in the center of the growing south Snohomish County communities of Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Brier, Mill Creek, Mukilteo, and Woodway. For more information, visit www.edmonds.edu. 

EEO/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT:

The college provides equal opportunity in education and in employment per state and federal law. The college prohibits discrimination against any person due to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (gender), disability, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information. For questions about our nondiscrimination policy or gender equality and athletic teams, contact Kathy Smith (Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator/Investigator); Clearview Building, Room 122B; kathy.smith@edmonds.edu, 425.640.1814.

JEANNE CLERY STATEMENT:

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, and as a part of Edmonds College’s commitment to safety and security on campus, the College reports the mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, the required statistics, and other related information for the past three (3) calendar years. Edmonds College’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.edmonds.edu/student-services/campus-safety-and-emergency-preparedness/clery-act/default.html.