Job Description

Manager of Safety Operations

Job Summary

The Manager of Safety Operations role is an integral part of the Operations team, ensuring the safety and security of the school building, as well as efficient and high-quality operations and logistics for school events and out-of-school time activities. The starting salary range for this role is $78,436-$85,256. This is a full time, fully on site role based at a KIPP DC high school with an anticipated immediate start date.

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 Role

The Manager of Safety Operations is based at a KIPP DC high school and is responsible for supporting the campus across a range of school operations, with a focus on serving as the lead for safety and security. The Manager of Safety Operations coordinates extracurricular activities and events held after regular school hours and over the weekend.

Location and Type of Work

This is an exempt position and will report to the Campus Director of Operations. 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 which requires this position to be fully on-site. This role is currently required to be on-site or in schools during regular work hours.

Responsibilities

The percentages for each key responsibility are estimates, and other duties may be assigned. Flexibility and responsiveness are encouraged to accommodate organizational needs.

Crisis and Emergency Response (20%)

• Serve as the campus lead for escalated security issues or emergencies on or near the campus, such as gunshots, contraband, or student altercations, providing immediate response and activating appropriate resources.
• Respond to police and fire emergencies or community disasters on school property, ensuring effective communication and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate activities with other departments and outside agencies, including law enforcement and community organizations, to resolve safety concerns and ensure a unified response.
• Prepare after-action reports and correspondence, including updates to student safety plans, operating procedures (e.g., bus routes, dismissal times), and legal follow-ups in collaboration with school and regional teams.
• Review and analyze camera footage, providing insights and recommendations for improving safety procedures.

Safety Operations and Training (30%)

• Plan and lead daily dismissal procedures, ensuring efficient coordination across staff and contractor posts, academic and operations teams, and campus-wide communication.
• Facilitate routine safety drills, including fire and lockdown exercises, serving as the incident commander and making necessary adjustments to improve protocol fidelity.
• Manage school security personnel to ensure student supervision and campus safety during school hours and after-school activities.
• Oversee and maintain security infrastructure, including cameras, weapons abatement equipment, alarm systems, and access control (e.g., fob databases).
• Train and support staff, students, and families on safety and security protocols, fostering a culture of preparedness and compliance.

Event Management & Out of School Time (25%)

• Plan and lead operations for campus and community events, coordinating security and logistical needs for high-priority events such as sports games and after-school activities.
• Collaborate with the Campus Director of High School Operations to review event requests and plan for execution, ensuring alignment with the master campus event calendar.
• Lead event walkthroughs, planning, setup, and breakdown, ensuring safety and logistical success.
• Manage safety and security oversight for after-school programming and events, including coordinating with MPD and community partners to ensure a secure environment.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building (15%)

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with students, staff, families, and community stakeholders, fostering a positive and collaborative school climate.
• Support the school leader and key stakeholders in addressing safety concerns, resolving problems, and implementing changes to strengthen the safety culture.
• Collaborate with school leadership to establish and achieve school safety goals, objectives, and priorities.
• Participate in professional group meetings and represent the campus in safety-related discussions with external stakeholders

Safety Audits and Compliance (10%)

• Audit safety protocols and campus structures to ensure readiness and compliance with safety standards.
• Reconcile security logs against shift responsibilities and patrols, reviewing incident reports for accuracy before submission to the Regional Director of Safety Planning.
• Ensure all reporting and contract compliance requirements are met in collaboration with the Operations and Legal teams, maintaining a high standard of accountability.

Requirements & Preferences

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (in Business Administration/Criminal Justice, preferred)
• At least 3 years of related experience (e.g. business, operations, management, safety/security) required
• Strong organizational, verbal, and written communication skills
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Powerpoint and Microsoft Excel and Google Suite

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous contract security, facilities management, military or law enforcement experience preferred
• Previous experience in K-12 education setting and/or business or operations management
• Proven project management skills as it relates to the creation of different systems and structures
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Ability to stand frequently
• Ability to travel across KIPP DC schools
• Prolonged periods of sedentary work
• Flexibility to work a swing shift to accommodate supervision of out-of-school time programming and weekend 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 $78,436-$85,256. 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.

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 kindly reach out to careers@kippdc.org and a member of our Talent Acquisition team will reach out. 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.