Job Description

Position Profile: Executive Director, Climate and Safety, Denver Public Schools

kpCompanies is leading the search for the next Executive Director, Climate and Safety for Denver Public Schools. The Executive Director, Climate and Safety will be responsible for leading multiple key functions within DPS. The Executive Director, Climate and Safety will direct, plan and oversee overall growth strategies and implement strategic plans, translate district vision into operational goals, and set the highest standards of excellence. Key areas include strategy development, stakeholder relations, corporate governance, team development and fiscal management.

THE ORGANIZATION: Denver Public Schools

The mission of the Denver Public Schools is to provide all students the opportunity to achieve the knowledge and skills necessary to become contributing citizens in our diverse society.

Denver Public Schools (DPS)is focused on building a system that’s designed to help every student thrive. DPS is re-focusing their efforts where they matter most: on creating classrooms that are vibrant centers of learning, where caring teachers are engaging their students in rigorous, culturally responsive experiences in order to lift all students toward a bright horizon.

In the last ten years, DPS has experienced unprecedented growth and an expansion of programs.

Building on the strong progress that been made, they plan to continue transforming DPS into a school district grounded in equity. This districtwide focus on equity will be embedded in everything they do, so historical patterns can be broken. DPS strives to become a school district that is designed to inspire every student to dream big and make their own future.

POSITION:

Under the direction and guidance of the Chief Operating Officer, the Executive Director directs all safety and security functions for the District, establishing relevant policies and procedures that build a strong cultural climate and ensure safe learning and working environments for students, staff and visitors. The Executive director will serve as advisor to District administration and the Board of Education for all matters related to safety and security, protection of district property and emergency preparedness and response. Directs

investigations and works very closely with relevant departments regarding matters of District safety.

As part of a values-based organization, the Executive Director achieves Board of Education Ends and goals through our shared commitment to Students First, Integrity, Equity, Collaboration, Accountability and Fun. The Executive Director plans, assigns and supervises the work performed in the areas of responsibility and ensures compliance with District policy and practices and appropriate federal, state and local rules and regulations.

The ideal leader for Denver Public Schools is strategic, collaborative, and has a deep understanding of how to remove or reduce security and safety risks.

We are looking for A…

• Strategy Leader. Visionary and collaborative leader to lead district change through developing and implementing nationally recognized or leading strategies using industry expertise, in depth knowledge and best practices. This leader will prioritize, interpret and disseminate district goals to functional leaders and teams.
• Operational Leader. Creates and designs integrated systems and processes that drive ongoing improvements, to meet both strategic and tactical goals. The leader will develop, maintain and monitor operational budgets, to meet financial objectives.
• Collaborative Leader. Create and build collaborative relationships and proactive communication channels between the district, functions, departments, and external stakeholders.
• Community Leader. Ensures compliance with state and federal laws, Board of Education policies and regulations, and maintains and directs activities related to the District's safety and security efforts.
• People Leader. Maintain a culture of trust and developed leadership across functions. Manage succession planning, career development, and performance per function. This leader will ensure functional effectiveness by building high-performing teams, communicating contributions, and engaging leadership.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Executive Director provides leadership to develop effectively lead a function and the ability to develop, plan, and implement long-range goals, establish priorities, and organize resources This leader has demonstrated experience performing as an effective leader and team player, recognizing, and resolving conflicts or potentially controversial situations through diplomacy. The Executive Director looks for ways to significantly improve business performance and growth while focusing on strategic goals.

Other accountabilities include:

1. Sets overall vision and strategy for climate and safety in the district, collaborating with district and community stakeholders to develop and implement programs that are in alignment with established District safety, cultural climate and educational goals
2. Develops proactive plans to appraise, remove or reduce security and safety risks through collaboration and use of resources within the District, the community and with law enforcement and public safety agencies
3. Provides senior leadership and directions to all staff, encouraging optimal security awareness, incident response, investigations, problem solving effort and operational efficiency
4. Develops and manages the department general fund operating and special funds budgets and resource allocation; ensures effective and adequate security personnel and resources are in place to meet the security needs of the District.
5. Ensures that all required emergency preparedness and evacuation plans, drills and communications are in compliance with policies and law; ensures the enforcement of local, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to K-12 school security processes
6. Oversees investigations and resolution of security violations and threats to the safety and well being of students, staff and visitors
7. Responsible for ensuring that security systems are deployed properly and maintained at the highest level of effectiveness; maintains accuracy and confidentiality of department databases
8. Researches current law enforcement and security best practices; directs ongoing training for security personnel and directs the implementation of applicable policies and assist in the review of related District policies and practices
9. Provides appropriate levels of security and protection are provided for District School Board Members or other District staff members at any locale where it is deemed necessary or as requested Represents the Security Department to local, state, and federal law enforcement and public safety agencies and associations with other agencies and organizations in matters of mutual interest

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in Criminal justice, law enforcement, or related field or equivalent advanced training in the areas of security, social sciences, criminology, or law enforcement. Equivalent experience accepted in lieu of a degree/formal education.
• Five (5) more years years experience in leadership and safety/ security industry
• Seven (7) or more years of management experience
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching and mentoring skills.
• Strong inter-personal skills and ability to work with individuals at all different levels in the organization
• Experience creating strategies through an equity lens and working with multicultural communities.
• Encourages diversity and mutual respect among team members and demonstrates compassion and sensitivity

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit cover letter, resume, and salary expectations. Position will remain open until filled.

• Apply via email to Joelle Allen at joelle@kpcompanies.com.
• Apply by mail at: Denver Public Schools c/o kpcompanies, ATTN: Joelle Allen 5775 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 700, St. Louis Park, MN 55416.

All submissions received in strictest confidence. Both kpCompanies and Denver Public Schools are equal opportunity employers.

Equity & Salary Disclosure

We believe in practices that create real equity and pay parity regardless of background or identity and we freely discuss compensation with all qualified candidates the first time we interview them. Saving the salary discussion for the first conversation allows us to fully understand the needs of each candidate and to ensure that qualified candidates, even those who’ve historically been overlooked and/or underpaid, don’t self-select out of the processes based on salary alone, as our experience and research suggests. In addition to those who opt out because they fear the salary may be out of reach for them, we equally don’t want to miss out on conversations with candidates who are slightly over the range when in some cases the total compensation including factors such as bonuses, flexibility, and better health benefits, etc may exceed expectations. Finally, as a search firm – we are always looking for top-notch talent to introduce to our clients. Should the salary or any other requirement not be a fit, there is often a chance that someone on our team is working on another position you may be a better fit for. If you would like to discuss your qualifications for this role as well as discuss salary and compensation - just give us a call, we’d be happy to discuss!