Legacy Haven Academy is a nurturing educational institution dedicated to providing hope, purpose, and a reimagined future for vulnerable youth ages 10-18, including orphans and homeless students. Our mission emphasizes lifelong learning through hands-on projects, guided mentorship, outdoor adventures, and a values-driven curriculum focused on integrity, selfless service, honesty, compassion, and community impact. We blend academics with real-world skills in STEAM, agriculture, fitness, and leadership to foster resilience, independence, and personal growth, achieving high graduation rates and successful post-graduation placements.

The Director of Security will serve as a critical leadership role, responsible for developing and overseeing comprehensive safety and security measures to protect our students, staff, and facilities. This position ensures a secure environment that supports the well-being of vulnerable youth while aligning with our core values and mission. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned security professional with a proven track record in law enforcement, military, or personal protective services, expertise in school safety, emergency response, and child protection, committed to creating a safe space for growth and learning. As Functional Area Manager for security, child protection, and volunteer management policies, the Director ensures holistic safety for vulnerable youth, coordinating with DCS, Mohave County Sheriff's Office, and internal teams to uphold ARS and federal standards.

• Develop and implement security policies, protocols, and emergency response plans tailored to a school environment serving vulnerable youth, including risk assessments and crisis management strategies.
• Oversee a 39-person security force, including shift rotations, fatigue management, and QRF operations to maintain 24/7 coverage.
• Oversee daily security operations, including campus patrols, access control, surveillance systems, and coordination with local law enforcement and emergency services.
• Manage security personnel, including recruitment, training, performance evaluations, and professional development to ensure a compassionate, integrity-driven team.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal safety regulations, child protection laws, and background check requirements for all staff and visitors.
• Develop and annually update Emergency Operations Plans (EOP) and School Safety Plans (SSP), conducting drills for active shooter, evacuation, and cyber incidents in coordination with ADE and local law enforcement.
• Manage background screening, training, and reporting procedures for abuse allegations, ensuring zero-tolerance compliance with ARS §13-3620 and DCS guidelines, including ASIST integration.
• Supervise volunteer onboarding, annual checks, and restrictions to prevent student interaction, aligning with IRS 501(c)(3) and security access controls.
• Conduct annual policy reviews, third-party audits, and incident reporting with notifications to parents/DCS; implement NIST SP 800-53 controls for data protection.
• Conduct regular safety audits, drills, and training sessions for staff and students on topics like active shooter response, evacuation procedures, and conflict resolution.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to integrate security measures with academic programs, mentorship, outdoor adventures, and community outreach initiatives.
• Monitor and report on security metrics, incident responses, and improvements to maintain a safe, supportive atmosphere aligned with the academy's values.
• Handle security aspects of admissions and student well-being, providing guidance on safety protocols for eligible youth and families.
• Promote a culture of selfless service, honesty, and compassion by fostering trust and proactive safety awareness across the academy.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in law enforcement, military, personal protective services, or related fields, with at least 5 years in a leadership or supervisory role, preferably in K-12 schools or institutions serving vulnerable populations; experience in school safety and emergency management is highly desirable.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing security programs, managing crisis situations, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations, with demonstrated success in protecting at-risk populations.
• Relevant certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP), CRASE Instructor, ALICE Instructor, FEMA certifications, or equivalent for advanced expertise in security and emergency response.
• Expertise in Arizona regulations (ARS Title 32/8/13, DCS guidelines), NIST cybersecurity (e.g., AC-3, IR-6), and child protection protocols, including mandatory reporting and ASIST.
• Demonstrated expertise in emergency management, risk assessment, crisis response, security technology, child protection protocols, and cybersecurity standards.
• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record in team management, policy development, and fostering safe, inclusive environments.
• Demonstrated success in policy development, annual audits, inter-agency coordination (e.g., Mohave County Sheriff's Office), and integrating physical security with volunteer/child safeguarding.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, with a commitment to supporting vulnerable youth in a values-driven setting.
• Ability to pass comprehensive background checks, including DPS/FBI criminal history checks and DCS/APS vulnerability checks.
• Alignment with Legacy Haven Academy's values of selfless service, honesty, compassion, and community-building.
• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, security management, emergency management, or a related field preferred; advanced degree is a benefit, but secondary to proven experience.