Director of Security

The Director of Security is responsible for enterprise-wide leadership, strategy, and oversight of all security operations across Sheppard Pratt hospital campuses, schools, and community programs. This role ensures a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment while aligning security practices with regulatory requirements and the organization's trauma-informed philosophy. The Director develops, implements, and manages security policy across all facilities while leading a team of security personnel to ensure appropriate staffing and standards are maintained. 

Responsibilities:

Customer Relations

• Actively seeks to better serve the needs of the greater Sheppard Pratt community — comprised of persons receiving care, their families, visitors, and staff — through professionalism, effective problem solving, and proactive risk mitigation.
• Promotes a culture of security, professionalism, and service across all locations.

Security Leadership & Operations

• Directs all security operations across multiple locations, including staffing, supervision, and performance management.
• Develops, manages, and evaluates the Security Management Plan (SMP) in compliance with The Joint Commission, COMAR, CMS, and other auditing agencies.
• Develops and standardizes enterprise security policies, procedures, and response protocols; monitors laws, codes, and regulations to ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Aligns the Public Safety Department's security plans, objectives, and procedures with organizational goals, developing short and long-term departmental goals.
• Oversees contract security providers and ensures service quality and compliance.
• Establishes and monitors key performance indicators to improve operational effectiveness.
• Demonstrates fiscal responsibility through effective management of the annual operating budget and forecasts manpower needs to maintain adequate staffing levels.

Environment of Care & Site Security

• Ensures regulatory compliance for security needs across hospital campuses, schools, and community programs.
• Oversees security practices including de-escalation, elopement prevention, access control integrity, and workplace violence response.
• Manages investigations to effectively resolve security problems internally and in conjunction with external entities.
• Directs key control, badge access systems, and safe daily transport of monies to the Finance Division and local bank.
• Partners with clinical, school, and program leadership to identify and mitigate security risks; maintains strong relationships with law enforcement and emergency response agencies.
• Addresses and mitigates security-related issues with outside agencies such as law enforcement, contract agencies, and private vendors.
• Chairs the Workplace Violence Prevention Committee and oversees its related activities to include event response, data management, analysis, and mitigation of workplace violence related events.

Emergency Management & Incident Response

• Seconds the Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness in enterprise emergency preparedness, business continuity, and incident command programs.
• Serves as the senior security response leader during critical incidents and maintains an active role in the Hospital Incident Command System.
• Ensures regular drills, exercises, and after-action reviews are conducted.
• Maintains 24/7 response readiness through on-call leadership coverage.

Compliance, Risk & Administration

• Ensures compliance with all regulatory, accreditation, and legal requirements; leads security-related audits and corrective action efforts.
• Conducts enterprise risk assessments and oversees mitigation strategies.
• Manages departmental budget relative to physical security and emergency response including staffing, technology, and training.

Personnel & Training

• Recruits, develops, and retains a high-performing security workforce; selects, trains, supervises, and appraises assigned staff; counsels employees and recommends disciplinary action in consultation with HR guidelines.
• Implements training programs in crisis intervention, safety and security awareness, and emergency response; fosters a culture aligned with mission, values, and trauma-informed care principles.
• Assures all security personnel are compliant with Article 41, Sec. 70A of Annotated Code of Maryland.
• Tracks employee performance and provides guidance in areas including patrol, policy enforcement, report writing, and customer service.

Security Systems & Technology

• Oversees physical security systems including visitor management, emergency communications, access control, surveillance, and alarms.
• Partners with IT and Facilities to integrate, maintain, and improve security infrastructure and technology.

Communication & Leadership Engagement

• Provides regular reporting to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Collaborates across departments including HR, IT, Facilities, and Clinical leadership.

Parking, Auto Registration & SPHS Licensing

• Oversees administration, monitoring, and enforcement of Security Fleet Management and Parking and Traffic Regulations policies; directs security personnel in managing pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic, parking concerns, and accident investigations.
• Oversees the automobile registration program and directs the administration and issuance of company Driver's Licenses to staff operating company vehicles.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or related field required; Master's preferred. HS/GED plus additional experience accepted in lieu of degree. Familiarity with Joint Commission security standards highly preferred.
• 7–10 years of progressive security leadership experience including multi-site operations; knowledge of healthcare security, regulatory standards, school safety, and behavioral health/trauma-informed environments preferred.
• Must obtain Incident Command System certification within 90 days; and acquire CPP and CHPA certifications within the first year of hire.
• Must possess a valid driver's license at time of appointment and continuously meet SPHS Driver's Licensing Policy standards.
• Strong leadership, communication, crisis management, risk assessment, and operational planning skills; ability to present to executive leadership and manage budgets and vendors.
• Proficiency with modern security technologies and Microsoft Office Suite including PowerPoint and Excel.
• Ability to lead in high-pressure situations, manage enterprise-wide initiatives, and travel and respond across multiple locations as needed.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable state laws and demonstrated ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with staff, outside agencies, and visitors; ability to train and lead security staff with sensitivity to the role of a Security Department in a behavioral health/educational setting.