This position is located in the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL) within the Public Services Division. The mission of the DCPL is to provide environments that invite reading, learning and community discussion and to equip people with the resources they need to learn all their lives.

For the past decade, the DC Public Library (DCPL) system has been undergoing an aggressive transformation to modernize its facilities and set the strategic direction for 21st century public library services in the District of Columbia. The current library campus is comprised of 25 neighborhood libraries and the MLK central library (scheduled to reopen in late 2020 after a major modernization), representing a grand total of 900,000 square feet of space that serve customers seven days a week. We want every resident to have a consistently excellent experience in every interaction they have in our buildings, which requires welcoming safe spaces for staff and customers alike.

The Director of Safety and Security is a member of the senior leadership team at the library, with responsibility to lead, plan, develop, implement, administer and supervise a comprehensive safety and security program. Emphasis is on best practices in community policing, de-escalation, crisis intervention, and creating welcoming environments for all customers. The position directly supervises the Office of Public Safety, including a team of dedicated Captain(s), Sergeants, and Special Police Officers, all of whom play a critical role in the daily safety experience in our libraries.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the Office of Public Safety
• Serves as the Director of Safety and Security with full management and overall responsibility for the services and activities of the Office of Public Safety.
• Oversees and develops yearly and long-term strategic and operational plans in the areas of safety and security.
• Provides leadership and direction to subordinate staff with an emphasis on collaborative work ethic.
• Ensures compliance with applicable laws, codes, regulations and guidelines along with the priorities and mission of the Library.
• Provides professional advice, consultation and guidance to senior management on methods and remedies to reduce security vulnerability and risks and advises on current and future security requirements.
• Engages, trains, and inspires staff with a commitment to intellectual freedom. Brings a sense of humor and a positive, can-do approach to library services and operations.

Assess and Improve Operations

• Collaborates with managers and senior leadership to assess safety and security levels at DCPL.
• Develops a safety and security program for the newly renovated MLK central library. Ensures the successful transition of Public Safety staff to the new location.
• Establishes, within DCPL guidelines, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures.
• Analyzes and recommends improvements to the agency’s safety approach. Collaborates with data analysts to collect and produce reports as required. Advance a Culture of Safety at DCPL
• Ensures the development of written public safety policies and programs that focus on community policing, de-escalation, crisis intervention, and creating welcoming environments for all customers.
• Oversees the implementation of training and awareness programs to ensure employees understand their roles and expectations with regard to the safety and security.
• Coordinates and networks with District agencies (MPD/SOMB/DCRA), community-based organizations, other library systems to stay abreast of safety trends and contribute to intervention programs.
• Lead a Safety and Security excellence team with representatives from departments and locations within DCPL; convene working groups as needed

Qualifications

The incumbent must be a graduate from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors' degree, plus a minimum of five (5) years of work-related skill, knowledge or experience in a field such as community development, civic engagement, public administration, or safety and security to include at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Experience working with law enforcement and/or safety teams preferred. A Master’s degree or relevant industry certifications and accredited additional training preferred. In addition, the following is required:

• Extensive knowledge of principles, techniques and methods in areas such as trauma-informed approaches, community policing, restorative justice, de-escalation, and/or crisis intervention.
• Superior analytical ability to assess and evaluate policies, programs and issues.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in providing leadership in a supervisory/managerial capacity.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing to develop and sustain positive business relationships
• Demonstrated skills in providing excellent customer service to both internal and external constituents.

Residency Requirement

A person applying for a position in the Career Service, Educational Service, Management Supervisory Service, an attorney position in the Legal Service (series 905) other than the Senior Executive Attorney Service (SEAS), or an attorney position in the Excepted Service (series 950) who is a bona fide District resident AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected the person shall be required to present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

General Suitability Screening

This position is subject to general suitability screening; verification of employment history, reference checks and degree/license, as applicable. The appointee to the position may be offered employment contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory general suitability screening.

Enhanced Suitability Screening

The position for which the individual is applying has been identified and designated as requiring enhanced suitability screening; If tentatively selected for the position, a criminal background check, traffic record check, consumer credit check, and mandatory drug and alcohol test will be conducted (as appropriate); and the appointee to the position may be offered employment contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory enhanced suitability screening.

Employment Benefits

Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the District of Columbia government's retirement plan. However, if selectee was previously employed in the District of Columbia government under an appointment for which he/she was eligible for Civil Service Retirement (CSR), contributions to CSR will resume upon re-employment.

Licenses and Certifications: None

Working Conditions/Environment: The work is performed in an office setting.

Other Significant Factors:

Duration of Appointment: Management Supervisory Service (MSS).

MSS At-Will Statement: Positions in the Management Supervisory Service (MSS) serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under a collective bargaining agreement.

Promotion Potential: None

Equal Employment Opportunity

The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited.