The Director of Security is responsible for enterprise-wide leadership, strategy, and oversight of all security operations across Sheppard Pratt hospital campuses, schools, and community programs. This role ensures a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment while aligning security practices with regulatory requirements and the organization's trauma-informed philosophy. The Director develops, implements, and manages security policy across all facilities while leading a team of security personnel to ensure appropriate staffing and standards are maintained.
Responsibilities:
Customer Relations
- Actively seeks to better serve the needs of the greater Sheppard Pratt community — comprised of persons receiving care, their families, visitors, and staff — through professionalism, effective problem solving, and proactive risk mitigation.
- Promotes a culture of security, professionalism, and service across all locations.
Security Leadership & Operations
- Directs all security operations across multiple locations, including staffing, supervision, and performance management.
- Develops, manages, and evaluates the Security Management Plan (SMP) in compliance with The Joint Commission, COMAR, CMS, and other auditing agencies.
- Develops and standardizes enterprise security policies, procedures, and response protocols; monitors laws, codes, and regulations to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Aligns the Public Safety Department's security plans, objectives, and procedures with organizational goals, developing short and long-term departmental goals.
- Oversees contract security providers and ensures service quality and compliance.
- Establishes and monitors key performance indicators to improve operational effectiveness.
- Demonstrates fiscal responsibility through effective management of the annual operating budget and forecasts manpower needs to maintain adequate staffing levels.
Environment of Care & Site Security
- Ensures regulatory compliance for security needs across hospital campuses, schools, and community programs.
- Oversees security practices including de-escalation, elopement prevention, access control integrity, and workplace violence response.
- Manages investigations to effectively resolve security problems internally and in conjunction with external entities.
- Directs key control, badge access systems, and safe daily transport of monies to the Finance Division and local bank.
- Partners with clinical, school, and program leadership to identify and mitigate security risks; maintains strong relationships with law enforcement and emergency response agencies.
- Addresses and mitigates security-related issues with outside agencies such as law enforcement, contract agencies, and private vendors.
- Chairs the Workplace Violence Prevention Committee and oversees its related activities to include event response, data management, analysis, and mitigation of workplace violence related events.
Emergency Management & Incident Response
- Seconds the Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness in enterprise emergency preparedness, business continuity, and incident command programs.
- Serves as the senior security response leader during critical incidents and maintains an active role in the Hospital Incident Command System.
- Ensures regular drills, exercises, and after-action reviews are conducted.
- Maintains 24/7 response readiness through on-call leadership coverage.
Compliance, Risk & Administration
- Ensures compliance with all regulatory, accreditation, and legal requirements; leads security-related audits and corrective action efforts.
- Conducts enterprise risk assessments and oversees mitigation strategies.
- Manages departmental budget relative to physical security and emergency response including staffing, technology, and training.
Personnel & Training
- Recruits, develops, and retains a high-performing security workforce; selects, trains, supervises, and appraises assigned staff; counsels employees and recommends disciplinary action in consultation with HR guidelines.
- Implements training programs in crisis intervention, safety and security awareness, and emergency response; fosters a culture aligned with mission, values, and trauma-informed care principles.
- Assures all security personnel are compliant with Article 41, Sec. 70A of Annotated Code of Maryland.
- Tracks employee performance and provides guidance in areas including patrol, policy enforcement, report writing, and customer service.
Security Systems & Technology
- Oversees physical security systems including visitor management, emergency communications, access control, surveillance, and alarms.
- Partners with IT and Facilities to integrate, maintain, and improve security infrastructure and technology.
Communication & Leadership Engagement
- Provides regular reporting to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
- Collaborates across departments including HR, IT, Facilities, and Clinical leadership.
Parking, Auto Registration & SPHS Licensing
- Oversees administration, monitoring, and enforcement of Security Fleet Management and Parking and Traffic Regulations policies; directs security personnel in managing pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic, parking concerns, and accident investigations.
- Oversees the automobile registration program and directs the administration and issuance of company Driver's Licenses to staff operating company vehicles.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or related field required; Master's preferred. HS/GED plus additional experience accepted in lieu of degree. Familiarity with Joint Commission security standards highly preferred.
- 7–10 years of progressive security leadership experience including multi-site operations; knowledge of healthcare security, regulatory standards, school safety, and behavioral health/trauma-informed environments preferred.
- Must obtain Incident Command System certification within 90 days; and acquire CPP and CHPA certifications within the first year of hire.
- Must possess a valid driver's license at time of appointment and continuously meet SPHS Driver's Licensing Policy standards.
- Strong leadership, communication, crisis management, risk assessment, and operational planning skills; ability to present to executive leadership and manage budgets and vendors.
- Proficiency with modern security technologies and Microsoft Office Suite including PowerPoint and Excel.
- Ability to lead in high-pressure situations, manage enterprise-wide initiatives, and travel and respond across multiple locations as needed.
- Thorough knowledge of applicable state laws and demonstrated ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
- Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with staff, outside agencies, and visitors; ability to train and lead security staff with sensitivity to the role of a Security Department in a behavioral health/educational setting.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
