The Kansas City Public Library - Director of Public Safety chez The Kansas City Public Library

Using a trauma informed and person-centered compassionate approach, the Public Safety Director will lead the organization’s safety, security and emergency preparedness programs, ensuring a positive experience for library customers by balancing security authority with keeping the Library a friendly place to visit. Provides strategic leadership by directing safety and security programs to promote and ensure safe environments. Prepares and ensures presentation of safety and security related training to all library staff, including emergency preparedness and response. When applicable, hires, trains, supervises Library security staff and other safety and security personnel.

This is a full-time exempt position with a starting salary of $85,000 with excellent benefits. Position is open until filled.   

Job Duties (Essential Functions)

1. Directs the Library's Public Safety staff including the Public Safety Assistant Manager. 
2. Manages the Library's contract security providers at Central and the branches including processing of invoices for payment.
3. Collaborates with senior leadership, Community Resources, HREE, Plant Operations and public services to develop, prepare and implement public safety procedures and policies. 
4. Proactively collaborates with library staff and outside agencies, such as social workers, mental health professionals, and law enforcement and emergency responders, to anticipate, prevent, and respond to serious or emergency situations.
5. Leads and directs the Library’s relationships with law enforcement agencies, including contracting for services, coordinating responses, and building strategies to address safety and security needs in the neighborhoods the Library serves. 
6. Evaluates the effectiveness of the library’s safety, security, and emergency preparedness programs.
7. Collaborates with public services directors to monitor incident reports, issue, and manage suspensions of individuals as needed based on the library's policy on the enforcement of library use rules and notice of suspension.
8. Plans, implements, and monitors the library’s safety and security training programs. Includes conducting training for new hires and ongoing training for all staff and coordinating with contract security to assure training for guards and ambassadors. 
9. Promotes a proactive safety culture, working with library staff to prevent and manage incidents occurring on library property, including analyzing incidents for root causes and other factors, preparing and reviewing written incident reports, tracking the effectiveness or programming, and completing necessary follow-up on incidents.
10. Recommends policies, practices, and services for daily operation and special events which maximize a safe and secure environment for people and library property. 
11. Develops standard operating procedures for all safety and security issues as well as annual review of these SOPs.
12. Collaborates with Plant Operations, Special Events and Public Affairs to coordinate safety and security needs for special events. 
13. Collaborates with Plant Operations to monitor security video systems. 
14. Prepares monthly report of activities and submits annual budget request. 
15. Keeps abreast of current trends and developments in the profession and in the Kansas City community. 
16. Performs other related work and undertakes special projects as assigned.

1. The ability to work with the public and other staff members in a professional, positive, and empathetic manner. 
2. The ability to diffuse tense situations and engage in difficult conversations, communicating clearly and calmly regardless of the situation.
3. Ability to recognize potential security threats and diffuse them without significant disruption with trauma informed crisis intervention practices and/or restorative justice practices when appropriate.
4. Broad cultural competency knowledge and skills, and the ability to work effectively with a culturally diverse workforce and community.
5. Dedication to the pursuit of equity, diversity, and inclusion and commitment to anti-racist behaviors and policies.
6. Ability to follow and implement Library policies and procedures fairly and in accordance with our Values-Based Service philosophy and the Library Bill of Rights. 
7. Ability to exercise reasonable and independent judgment and discretion.
8. Can communicate clearly and calmly regardless of the situation.
9. Understanding of and commitment to Library ethics regarding intellectual freedom, confidentiality, and privacy.
10. This position may require availability to work nights and weekends and be available on call during those time periods.  
11. Microsoft Office proficient and experience with CCTV preferred. 
12. Ability to speak and understand English is required. Additional consideration will be given to individuals that are proficient in any non-English languages utilized in Jackson County, MO, including Spanish, American Sign Language, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, and Swahili.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's and / or Master's degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology, Public Administration, Emergency & Disaster Management, or other related / relevant degree(s). 
• Must have at least 5 - 8 years of experience in safety, security, or criminal justice leadership roles AND working with marginalized populations.
• Must have a strong customer / public service background of at least 5 years.
• Must have at least 5 years of supervisory, managerial, or leadership experience.

In case of no Bachelor's or Master's degree in relevant fields mentioned above,

• Candidates must have at least 8 years of experience working in non-profit, criminal justice, social work, or library settings in a customer / public service capacity. 
• Candidates must have a strong customer / public service background of at least 5 years. 
• Candidates must have a strong background of working with marginalized populations for at least 4 years.
• Candidates must have at least 5 years of supervisory, managerial, or leadership experience.

Work Environment

Work is performed at the Central Library and Library Branches throughout the district. Primary workspace is shared with co-workers in an office environment, other work will be performed in a public space amongst staff and patrons from a diverse socio-economic community. 

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The employee must perform the position's essential functions and job requirements satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.

How to Apply

Please apply for this position through our web application system. We only accept applications for specific currently open positions made through our online system. Access the online application from the job listing on the Job Opportunities page. The application system allows you to attach a document (such as a cover letter or a resume) to your application (10MB limit per document). When you submit your application, an acknowledgement will be sent to the email address you provided. You are welcome to apply for as many positions as you wish. However, to minimize problems, close and restart your browser between each application. 

All online Application for Employment forms must be completely filled out. For technical assistance, call 816.701.3712.

Kansas City Public Library is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.