Director, Public Safety

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Public Safety leads the hospital’s security function to ensure a safe, secure, and compliant environment that supports high-quality patient care and staff wellbeing.  Reporting to the Chief of Public Safety and functioning with general direction, the Director of Public Safety is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic planning, and daily operations of the hospital's public safety, security and Emergency Management programs. This role ensures a safe and secure environment for patients, staff, visitors, and hospital property by developing and implementing effective security policies, emergency response procedures, and regulatory compliance strategies. The Director will oversee a team of Public Safety Officers and Supervisors and coordinate closely with local law enforcement and emergency responders.

Position: Director, Public Safety    

Department: Public Safety

Schedule: Full Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• Lead Security Operations: Oversee daily hospital security operations, including patrols, surveillance, access control, and visitor management. Ensure alignment with hospital goals and CBAs, and maintain 24/7 readiness across all facilities.
• Policy Development & Regulatory Compliance: Develop and enforce safety and security policies aligned with local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., TJC, CMS, OSHA). Monitor compliance through audits, staff training, and corrective action planning.
• Workplace Violence & Safety Culture: Lead the Workplace Violence Prevention Program and chair related committees. Coordinate education and engagement initiatives to promote a culture of safety, respect, and prevention for patients, staff, and visitors.
• Risk Management & Incident Response: Conduct regular risk and threat assessments.
• Lead response to security incidents, ensuring timely investigation, documentation, and reporting using departmental systems.
• Emergency Preparedness & Response: Support emergency management and business continuity planning. Coordinate drills and trainings (e.g., active shooter, infant abduction) to ensure staff readiness and regulatory compliance.
• Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate public safety personnel.
• Resource & Technology Management: Manage department budget and allocate resources to support operational priorities. Oversee security systems (e.g., CCTV, panic alarms, access control), working closely with vendors and Facilities.
• External Coordination & Law Enforcement Liaison: Serve as primary liaison to Boston Police, Fire, and emergency responders. Coordinate investigations, incident response, and crime prevention strategies.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Healthcare Administration, or a closely related field; and a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public safety, hospital/healthcare security, law enforcement, emergency management or related profession; of which at least 3 years must be in a leadership or management role. Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience with:
  • Policy development, crisis management, and emergency preparedness and leading workplace violence prevention programs.
  • Managing teams in a 24/7 operation, including scheduling, training, and performance evaluations.
  • Collaborating with union representatives and applying collective bargaining agreements.

Security technologies including access control, CCTV, incident management systems.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s Degree preferred in a relevant discipline (e.g., Public Administration, Healthcare Management, Security Studies)
• Prior experience working in a unionized hospital, academic medical center, or behavioral health setting.
• MOAB (Management of Aggressive Behavior) or AVADE training.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License required.
• CPR certification required within 6 months of hire.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS PREFERRED:

• AHSS Certified Healthcare Protection Administrator (CHPA) 
• FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 certifications 
• Incident Command System (ICS) and HICS (Hospital Incident Command System)
• Management System certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSAs):

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organization, including executive leadership, frontline staff, patients, and visitors. 
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, including performance development, conflict resolution, and staff motivation. 
• Advanced organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and large-scale operations simultaneously. 
• Effective problem-solving and critical decision-making skills, especially during emergencies and high-risk situations. 
• Expertise in crisis management and de-escalation techniques, including conflict mediation in sensitive environments. 
• Proficiency in modern security systems, including video surveillance (CCTV), electronic access control, alarm systems, and incident management software. 
• Thorough knowledge of healthcare safety, security, and emergency preparedness regulations, including Joint Commission (TJC), CMS, OSHA, and state/federal laws. 
• Familiarity with regulatory standards such as those from The Joint Commission (TJC), CMS, OSHA, and NFPA. 
• Incident Command System (ICS) and HICS (Hospital Incident Command System) Management System knowledge.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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