Director of Athletics and Safety

For the 2026-2027 school year

Full time position

Posting Period: Open until filled

Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Exempt

Director of Athletics and Safety
Position Summary:

Serves under the administrative supervision of an Executive Director of Teaching and Learning. The Director of Safety and Athletics provides strategic direction and comprehensive oversight to ensure an effective, safe, and compliant environment for all students, staff, and the school community. The Director of Safety and Athletics also oversees and ensures the compliance of the District's athletics programs.

Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree from an accredited institution is highly preferred
• Expertise in the strategic development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive safety programs
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, both oral and written, with a proven ability to engage diverse partners and groups, including district leadership, law enforcement, and community partners
• Demonstrated capacity to analyze data and incorporate evidence-based decision-making in safety and security operations
• Proven ability to conduct critical system-level assessments, identify vulnerabilities, and strategically implement continuous improvement initiatives across the district
• Experience with best practices and regulatory compliance in all facets of school district safety, emergency preparedness, and physical security
• A track record of exercising sound judgment and maintaining strict confidentiality while operating effectively under high- pressure, crisis-response scenarios
• Demonstrated success in managing and coordinating complex, cross-departmental projects
• Proficiency with specialized safety management technology platforms
• Successful leadership experience, including the ability to provide strategic guidance, direct staff development, and develop a culture of service and teamwork
• Skilled in conflict resolution and de-escalation for both internal personnel and external community concerns

Essential Functions:

Safety

• Departmental Leadership and Oversight

o Provide leadership and direct supervision over all aspects of the District Safety Department, including supervision and evaluation of the District Resource Officer (DRO) Lead and the District Safety Coordinator
o Oversee all district-wide safety systems, protocols, and continuous improvement processes, including technology platforms for visitor/volunteer management (e.g., Raptor), facility access control, and security camera infrastructure
o Develop and manage the comprehensive plan for district safety program and security operations
o Facilitates and resolves parental, staff, and community concerns regarding safety issues in conjunction with other district leadership staff

• Crisis Management and Emergency Response

o Lead district-wide emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, including serving as the incident commander for major safety events
o Direct the development, maintenance, and testing of the district-level crisis response plan, coordinating with school principals to ensure robust individual crisis management/emergency response plans are in place
o Coordinate threat assessment systems and multidisciplinary teams to proactively mitigate potential risks to student and staff safety
o Advises and collaborates with Executive Directors of Teaching and Learning and principals to develop, implement, and support individual school safety plans

• Law Enforcement, Investigations, and Legal Compliance

o Serve as principal safety liaison to law enforcement agencies, including Vancouver Police Department and Clark County Sheriff’s Department
o Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal safety laws within the educational environment
o Ensure appropriate investigation and referral of criminal incidents involving staff, students, and/or property to appropriate jurisdictions. Assist in legal hearings and criminal proceedings on behalf of the district, as needed.

• Safety Program Management and Training

o Oversee the District safety committee and facilitate cross-departmental safety alignment and strategic meetings
o Manage the District Safety Coordinator's responsibilities, including coordination and review of building safety meetings and management of district volunteer/visitor clearance system
o Contribute content and implemention strategies relating to mandatory safety training programs for site-based administrators, bus supervisors, and relevant personnel in collaboration with district executive leadership team
o Manage District Resource Officer (DRO) Lead responsibilities, including oversight and compliance with all DRO training (e.g., to safety, physical restraints, and de-escalation techniques), documentation, and operational protocols.
o Coordinate security coverage for district-wide athletic and social events
o Communicates with other school systems on matters related to school safety

• District Risk Management Practices

o Support District risk management practices including by receiving, analyzing, and maintaining data on criminal incidents and safety trends to inform evidence-based decision-making and continuous program improvement.
o Reviews and Coordinates, as necessary, with site-based administrators and the Facilities Department to address and correct safety issues in school buildings or on school grounds

Athletics

• Provides strategic leadership in the development and oversight of a comprehensive district-wide athletics program, including the coordination and direction of building athletic directors
• Ensures compliance with District, league, and state athletic policies, including student-athlete eligibility, transportation safety, supervision protocols, accident reporting, and disciplinary matters
• Develops, advises on, and enforces appropriate standards for athletics supervision, facility safety, equipment maintenance, and injury reporting to ensure a safe environment for all student-athletes
• Maintains oversight of equipment safety standards and facility inspections to mitigate organizational risk and improve safety outcomes for student-athletes
• Directs the district’s Title IX athletics compliance program to ensure equitable opportunities and adherence to federal and state mandates
• Manages the recruitment, hiring, evaluation, and contract management for all district coaching staff[TR1.1]
• Directs the development and implementation of professional development and training programs for coaching staff
• Manages and directs the budget and fiscal operations for the district-wide athletics department.
• Serves as the primary District liaison to the WIAA, District #4, and the Greater St. Helens League (GSHL) to ensure coordinated athletic vision and procedural consistency across all school athletic programs

Benefits/Compensation:

• 2026-27 Contract: 241 days
• Salary range: $171,192
• Benefits: Employees who are anticipated to work at least 630 hours may be eligible for health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life, and disability insurance benefits. Detailed information, including further eligibility criteria, can be found here .
• Retirement: Employees may be eligible for retirement benefits through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Eligibility is based on FTE. Detailed information can be found here .
• Time Off: Includes paid time off, sick, personal, religious, military and bereavement leave.
• Sick Leave: 8 hours per month (part-time employee accrual will be proportionate to their FTE).
• Personal Leave: 3 days per school year

Such alternatives to the above requirements and desirable qualifications may be made as the district finds appropriate