Job Description Summary:
The Associate Director Safety & Security is responsible for working with the Director of Risk Management, Safety & Security to ensure the plans and programs in place (that protect lives and property, prevent accidents and incidents, and preserve the learning environment and business operations of the University) are enforced and updated as needed. Reporting directly to the Director of Risk Management, Safety & Security the Safety & Security Manager provides support in the areas of Security Operations, Risk Management and Insurance, Environmental Health and Safety, and Emergency Management. This position will focus on program management of security operations, hazard-based risk identification, mitigation, and controls. The Associate Director of Safety & Security will also provide support and expertise to university, local, state and federal partners.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Job Duties and Accountabilities:
An Asterisk (*) denotes an “essential job function” for ADA purposes.
(35%) Security Operations
- Develop and manage security policies, protocols, and procedures in line with best practices and regulatory requirements.
- Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential security threats. Develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks and enhance campus safety.
- Organize regular training sessions and drills for security staff and the university community to ensure readiness and awareness of security procedures and emergency protocols.
- Manage site security, alarm monitoring, and other safety & security service vendors.
- Collaborate with Facilities and IT regarding access control, surveillance cameras, and emergency notification systems to ensure alarm / reporting controls are in order.
- Conduct investigations into student, faculty, and staff inquiries, suggestions, and complaints regarding campus security incidents, as directed.
- Maintain accurate records of all security-related incidents and prepare reports for university administration and regulatory bodies as required (e.g., Annual Clery Report)
(20%) Risk Management and Insurance
- Assist with follow-up on recommendations made by insurance carriers or broker to prevent or minimize losses.
- Support the administration of insurance policies that require ongoing management; examples may include processing registrations, tracking exposure data, or reporting of information.
- Assists with the development and oversight of the risk management program.
- Assists in the development, maintenance and communication of risk management policies, procedures, and plans.
- Coordinates the development and delivery of risk, safety and insurance programs and services for all leased or owned University properties.
- Conduct claims evaluations, accident inquiries, and evaluate risk management claims information to identify significant hazards and loss trends; identify and recommend preventative measures and corrective actions.
- Assists the Director of Safety, Security, and Risk Management with administering the University’s workers’ compensation program and insurance.
- Investigates and analyzes work-related accidents and injuries. Works closely with selected broker, insurance carrier, and employee to monitor and resolve claims.
- Works alongside selected broker within the Risk Management Program to ensure that all claims are entered and accurate in the system.
- Provide reports and assist with identifying claim trends within the Risk Management Program.
- Coordinates with the Office of People and Culture to obtain required records and manage employee return to work.
- Identify potential areas of risk and recommend and implement preventive measures.
- Creating reports and presentations through risk management program.
- Collaborating with departments across the university to identify and mitigate risks.
(20%) Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S)
- In coordination with the Director of Safety, Security, and Risk Management to develop, maintain and communicate health and safety policies and procedures.
- Assists with the development and oversight of safety program.
- Work collaboratively with key stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of health and safety programs.
- Perform periodic inspections of workplace facilities to detect fire and life safety hazards and conditions.
- Make recommendations for corrective measures.
- Perform job safety analysis and recommend safety equipment, safe work procedures, and communicate with departments to achieve safety excellence.
- Conduct investigations into employee inquiries, suggestions, and complaints regarding workplace health and safety issues.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge and understanding of federal, state and local fire, safety, environmental and health regulations and procedures.
- Creating reports and presentations in the area of EH&S.
(20%) Emergency Management and Business Continuity
- Develop and manage Emergency Response Team (ERT) program.
- Serve as a primary coordinator during emergencies at the Oakland campus, facilitating effective communication between security personnel, local law enforcement, and emergency response teams.
- Member of the Crisis Response Team (CRT).
- Assist in the Development, monitoring, and evaluation of a comprehensive EOP to be administered University-wide to ensure appropriate emergency preparedness and response from all students, faculty, and staff.
- Ensures all University locations have the necessary safety equipment and supplies.
- Maintains effective, collaborative and proactive relationships with local, state and federal emergency response agencies, as well as other college and university emergency management departments.
(5%) Other duties as assigned
Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Knowledge of CA Building Codes and Fire Life Safety Codes.
- Demonstrates flexibility and good judgment when adjusting to changing job demands.
- Skills in developing strong community relations as well as building bridges between the campus community and the surrounding community.
- Ability to work effectively with the culture of the University, with sensitivity to issues of diversity.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and respond under pressure.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, combined with strong leadership and organizational skills which will enable him/her to work effectively with all encountered individuals, groups or organizations.
- Courteous and professional manner at all times.
- Ability to organize and prioritize workload.
Education and/or Experience:
- High school diploma required
- Bachelor’s Degree in a related field preferred
- Professional Designations and/or Certifications in a related field is highly desirable (e.g., ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
- Minimum of 3-5 years of security management experience preferably in an educational or campus setting.
- Possession of a valid California Driver’s License
Work Environment:
Office Location: Oakland Campus – Onsite
- This is an onsite position based in Oakland, CA, requiring regular in-office presence to support daily operations, collaboration, and student or team engagement.
- Travel: Must be willing to travel to other SMU campuses to evaluate safety and security needs and implement measures, if needed.
- Work is performed primarily on campus in a dynamic academic environment, with direct interaction across multidisciplinary teams.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to lift up to 10 pounds, and to carry, push, pull, climb, kneel, and stoop.
- Computer use and handling material required.
Up to $131,000 [annually/exempt], depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant factors.
Organization:
At Samuel Merritt University (SMU), we are dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive community committed to advancing healthcare through exceptional education, compassionate care, and community service. Known for our leading-edge programs in health sciences, SMU equips students and faculty with the knowledge and skills to make impactful contributions to health and wellness.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. SMU welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where anyone can thrive and reach their full potential.
Samuel Merritt University currently provides base salary ranges for all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on local requirements. Individual compensation will ultimately be determined based on a variety of relevant factors including but-not limited to qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant skills.
Benefits
Samuel Merritt University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Mental health and wellness resources
- Education reimbursement
- Employee discounts through Marketplace
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
- Nine paid holidays, plus a paid holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s Day
- Two floating holidays
- One paid Volunteer Work Day
- Five Education Leave Days
Important Notice: Beware of Fraudulent Job Offers
Samuel Merritt University has been made aware of individuals posing as SMU recruiters, particularly for remote positions. To help protect yourself, please keep the following in mind:
- All legitimate job openings are posted on the SMU Careers page and trusted job boards.
- We will never ask you to provide payment for equipment or submit sensitive personal information before completing the formal hiring process.
- Official offers of employment are issued through Workday, not by text message or informal email.
Please remain cautious and protect your personal information throughout your job search.
Notice to Recruitment Agencies
Samuel Merritt University does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our job application email address, SMU employees, or any other university location. Samuel Merritt University is not responsible for fees associated with unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions.
Skills Required
- High school diploma
- Bachelor's degree in a related field
- Professional designation or certification in a related field, such as ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
- 3-5 years of security management experience, preferably in an educational or campus setting
- Valid California driver's license
What We Do
Samuel Merritt University is a private health sciences institution founded in 1909, offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in fields such as nursing, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, with a focus on hands-on learning and community service.
