Director of Safety and Security, 2026/2027 School Year

Director of Safety and Security, 2026/2027 School Year

AZACS continues to grow, and we invite you to apply to be part of our award-winning team!

AZACS was awarded the 2023/2024 National ESEA Distinguished Schools Award for Arizona and the 2022 YASS Prize for innovation in education and providing a transformational experience by expanding unique individualized learning programs for autism charter schools.

Under to Supervison of the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Director of Safety and Security provides leadership and oversight for all aspects of safety, risk management, and emergency preparedness across AZACS campuses. This role ensures that AZACS remains compliant with federal, state, and local regulations while fostering a proactive safety culture tailored to the unique needs of students with autism. The Director of Safety and Security is a strategic leader who collaborates with staff, families, and external agencies to safeguard students, staff, and the broader community.

Key Responsibilities: 

Policy & Compliance
● Develop, implement, and enforce comprehensive safety and security policies.
● Ensure compliance with OSHA, ADA, IDEA, FERPA, state charter school regulations, and public health
requirements.
● Coordinate compliance audits, reporting, and corrective action plans.

Emergency Preparedness & Crisis Response
● Lead the development and execution of emergency preparedness plans, including fire, lockdown, crisis
intervention, and natural disaster drills.
● Provide staff with training and resources on emergency response procedures.
● Serve as the primary point of contact during crisis events and coordinate with local emergency
services.

Risk Management
● Conduct regular safety audits of facilities, classrooms, and transportation systems.
● Identify, assess, and mitigate risks that could impact students, staff, or operations.
● Partner with insurance providers to document improvements that may reduce premiums.

Student Health & Wellness Coordination
● Collaborate with school nurses, counselors, and external medical professionals to ensure student
health needs are met.
● Oversee medical accommodations, crisis intervention support, and specialized safety protocols for
students with autism.

Culture of Safety

● Build a visible, accountable safety program that fosters trust among families, staff, and governing
bodies.
● Lead initiatives to embed health and safety awareness into daily school life.
● Engage families and staff in developing and reinforcing safety priorities.

Leadership & Collaboration

● Work closely with the Directors of the campuses, Facilities, Transportation, and Technology to ensure
safety is integrated across all operational functions.
● Provide regular safety updates to the executive team and governing board.
● Supervise and support campus-level safety staff.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health, Public Health, Safety Management, Emergency
Management, or related field (preferred, not required).

Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in health and safety, preferably within
education, healthcare, or public sector settings.

Strong knowledge of federal and state compliance requirements (OSHA, ADA, IDEA, FERPA, public
health).

Demonstrated experience in risk management, emergency preparedness, and compliance oversight.

Excellent communication, training, and leadership skills.

Commitment to AZACS’ mission of providing a safe, supportive environment for students with autism.

Valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card

Performance Metrics:

● 100% staff completion of annual safety training.
● Compliance audit scores at or above required benchmarks.
● Reduction in incident response times and safety violations.
● Demonstrated cost savings from insurance and liability management.
● Positive feedback from families and staff regarding safety confidence.

Benefits:

The school is located at a new state-of-the-art Autism Center

Competitive pay based on experience ($70,000 to $110,000 DOE)

Eligible to participate in benefits including medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, critical care, hospitalization, scheduled accident coverage, voluntary supplemental life, and pet insurance

Group Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and a Calm Health account for you and 5 of your loved ones at no cost to you!

Paid Time Off (128 hours)

Paid federal holidays and school breaks (fall, winter, spring, and summer)

Eligible to participate in our 401(k) (Traditional and/or Roth) with company match

ADA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Positions in this class require: stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Light Work:  

Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. 

Working Conditions:  

Work is routinely performed in an indoor office environment.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed by this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position, and additional duties may be assigned.

Arizona Autism Charter Schools, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Civil Rights Act Title VII of 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Arizona Autism Charter Schools, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,