Director of Security and Risk Management

Title:

Director of Security and Risk Management Position Summary:

The Director of Security and Risk Management is responsible for leading the Diocese's integrated safety, security, and risk‑management programs to protect diocesan employees, offices, schools, parishes, and property. The Director provides parish and school focused security leadership while also overseeing the broader risk management and compliance oversight functions necessary to support the mission and operations of the Diocese of Charleston.

Classification:

Exempt, Full Time Reports To:

Director of Planning & Operations Key Responsibilities Safety, Security, and Emergency Planning Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive safety, security, and emergency‑preparedness plans for diocesan offices, parishes, and schools. Lead regular risk‑based assessments of physical and operational threats across all sites. Coordinate with local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency‑management agencies to align diocesan protocols with community standards. Security Operations and Campus Safety Oversee or coordinate security staff, security contractors, and volunteer safety teams across Diocesan offices, parishes and schools. Monitor and respond to security incidents (e.g., trespassing, threats, suspicious activity) and ensure proper documentation, reporting, and follow‑up. Policy, Guidance, and Training Develop and update Diocesan safety, security, and risk‑management policies in alignment with canon law, civil law, and best practices. Provide guidance and training to pastors, principals, and administrators on safety protocols, incident reporting and crisis response. Conduct regular safety and security training for staff, clergy, and volunteers (e.g., active‑threat response and emergency procedures. Communication and Coordination Serve as the primary point of contact for security and risk‑management matters across the Diocese. Communicate policy changes, security updates, and emergency instructions in a clear, timely manner to leadership and entities. Develop and participate in safety, security, and risk‑management committees at the diocesan and parish/school levels. Qualifications Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, emergency management, risk management, public administration, or a related field required. Master's degree or advanced leadership training in security management, risk management, or emergency planning preferred. Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in security, law enforcement, or risk‑management roles, including supervisory or command‑level responsibilities.

Strongly preferred background:

Former law enforcement, federal agency, or military service with investigative, protective, or threat‑assessment experience. Demonstrated success managing security operations across multiple locations and coordinating with outside agencies, insurers, and legal professionals. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong knowledge of security best practices, incident response, and emergency‑management principles. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact respectfully with the Bishop, Diocesan leadership, pastors, principals, staff, and parishioners. Proficiency with security technologies (alarms, cameras, access control) and Microsoft Office/related reporting tools. Personal and Professional Attributes Commitment to the mission and values of the Catholic Church and a respect for its pastoral and sacramental life. Discretion, maturity, and sound judgment when handling sensitive information and potentially volatile situations. Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and respond effectively under pressure. Valid driver's license required. Working Conditions / Physical Requirements Ability to operate standard office equipment including computers, copiers, and telephones. Requires periods of standing, walking, sitting, talking, listening, and occasional lifting up to 25 pounds. Regular travel across the diocese to visit parishes, schools, and other facilities. On‑call availability for emergencies or critical incidents as needed. Occasional evening or weekend hours for events, drills, or training sessions. Interested candidates please send a cover letter, resume/CV and 4 professional references to apply@charlestondiocese.org