Job Summary

Ashland Community and Technical College is accepting applications for a Safety and Security Specialist. This position is responsible for providing leadership, planning, coordination, and oversight of all campus safety, and security for the college as well as ensuring a safe and secure environment for students, employees, visitors, and college property while supporting the institution's mission of teaching and learning.

Job Duties:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Administration:
• Provide leadership and direction for all campus safety and security operations include supervision of the contracted security guards.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate policies, procedures, and practices related to campus safety, security, emergency management, and risk reduction.
• Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate safety and security personnel.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation related to safety and security activities and assist with Cleary and Minger reporting.

Campus Security Operations:
• Oversee campus security functions, including patrol operations, and incident response.
• Monitor and assess campus security risks and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Coordinate investigations involving safety and security concerns.
• Promote a visible and proactive security presence across all campus locations.
• Serve as a member of the college's emergency response and crisis management teams.
• Act as the primary liaison with emergency responders during significant incidents.

Compliance and Safety Programs:
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local safety and security regulations.
• Develop and administer training programs related to workplace safety and violence prevention
• Monitor and implement best practices in higher education safety and security.
• Assist with regulatory reporting and documentation requirements.

Collaboration and Community Engagement:
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with local law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, and community partners.
• Serve on institutional committees related to safety, risk management, and emergency preparedness.
• Provide safety and security education programs for students and employees.
• Support a culture of safety, preparedness, and accountability throughout the college.
• Cultivate relationships with students, visitors and college employees.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Public Administration or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in law enforcement, campus security, emergency management, public safety, or a related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Valid driver's license.
 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to applicants that have graduated from the police academy.
• Prefer an applicant with SRO certification
• Experience in a higher education environment.
• Prefer an applicant that has current knowledge of the college’s campus and operations.

 Professional certifications such as:
o Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
o Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
o Certified Healthcare Protection Administrator (CHPA)
o Physical Security Professional (PSP)
o FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) certifications

Additional Skills Requested:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Demonstrated skills in de-escalation techniques.
• Knowledge of campus safety, security, emergency management, and risk assessment principles.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and best practices affecting higher education safety and security.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage emergency situations calmly and effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to develop partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

Physical Demands
• Ability to patrol campus facilities and grounds.
• Ability to respond to emergencies at any campus location.
• May require standing, walking, climbing stairs, and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.

Employee Rights - Employee Polygraph Protection Act

Equal Opportunity Employer - The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution.