Community Safety Manager

Washington Montessori School creates an inclusive and joyful environment, supported by a deeply rooted community of families and educators, where children embrace their individual and collective potential and prepare to live with integrity in a changing world.  

Washington Montessori School (WMS) seeks an experienced safety professional to join its operations team. The Community Safety Manager will support the campus's day-to-day security operations and maintain communications with all concerned parties on and off campus to uphold a safe environment for students, guests, and school personnel. 

Founded in 1965, Washington Montessori School exists to educate children and to teach and nurture the skills necessary for success in a changing world through a foundation of Montessori philosophy and principles and best educational practices. WMS also upholds the highest standards of independent school education as articulated in the Standards of the Connecticut Association Independent Schools, Principles of Good Practice of the National Association of Independent Schools, and the American Montessori Society’s Philosophy and Practice and Code of Ethics. Washington Montessori School hires skilled, passionate, dedicated adults who demonstrate our core values: kindness and respect for others, a reverence for human potential, and a flexible, resilient growth mindset. 

Successful candidates will join a dynamic, supportive, and forward-thinking teaching community of over 50 adults serving 270 students from 18 months through 8th grade. This full-time, 12-month, salaried exempt position is set to begin in April 2025 or as soon as it is filled. 

Responsibilities:

• Maintain high visibility as the frontline of security support for the school community
• Perform crosswalk duty and oversee parking lot and vehicle safety on campus 
• Provide supervision for entering and exiting of all guests, vendors, students, and employees, and ensure the smooth day-to-day flow of communication regarding security-related concerns
• Secure premises and personnel by patrolling property, monitoring surveillance equipment, access points, and fire protection systems

• Support the daily and long-term safety and security practices of the school:
• Collaborate with school administrators and faculty to create a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff 
• Collaborate with Facilities Manager and local law enforcement agencies to develop and implement security measures and response plans for potential threats or incidents 
• Develop and implement security protocols, policies, and procedures for the school, including emergency response plans 
• Manage the school’s emergency response training, including conducting regular security drills and exercises 
• Oversee emergency response for incidents such as fires, missing students, etc.
• Conduct security assessments and audits to identify potential security risks and make recommendations for improvements
• Stay up-to-date with local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to school security and ensure compliance 
• Manage school transportation program
• Maintain records of driver certifications and trainings
• Assist with quarterly drug testing program
• Oversee annual student transport vehicle inspections 
• Ensure compliance with state and local regulations for student transportation programs
• Transport students in school vehicles, as needed
• Perform snow removal and other weather-related safety tasks
• Assist Facilities Manager with other projects and tasks, as needed, to maintain a safe campus environment

Requirements: 

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a security-related role, preferably in a school or community that includes children
• Experience with security equipment, including security cameras and alarm systems 
• Experience with emergency planning, crisis, and incident management 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to establish respect, credibility, and trust and maintain productive working relationships at all levels of the organization
• The ability  to remain calm in fast-paced and stressful situations, balancing a warm, kind demeanor with clear maintenance of school policies and protocols 
• Excellent attention to detail
• The physical ability to walk the hilly and wooded campus, and assist with projects involving lifting and physical work when necessary 
• Willingness to learn about and enact Montessori Peace and Justice principles
• The desire and ability to learn about Montessori education and to work collaboratively with parents and colleagues

Additional notes: 

• Work is performed inside and outside the building with exposure to inclement weather and unpredictable crisis situations; the candidate must be flexible with working hours 
• An active security guard license in Connecticut is required 
• CPR/First Aid certification will be required (can be obtained after hire date); EMR, EMT, or other medical training preferred
• Public passenger endorsement will be required (can be obtained after hire date)