Chief Security Officer - Downingtown Area School District

id='p4431_'>Chief Security Officer - Downingtown Area School District JobID: 4431

Position Type:

Administrator

Date Posted:

6/18/2026

Location:

Downingtown Area School District

Closing Date:

07/01/2026

Additional Information: Show/Hide

CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER

Job ID: 5579

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Position Information

Position: Chief Security Officer

Location: Administration Building

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Effective Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: July 1, 2026

About Downingtown Area School District

Are you passionate about helping all students learn in a collaborative environment? If so, we may have the career for you! The Downingtown Area School District (DASD) is excited to announce an opening for a Chief Security Officer located at the District Administration Building.

At DASD, we are committed to diversity, inclusion, and educational excellence. We believe that recruiting and retaining employees with diverse backgrounds and perspectives strengthens our educational environment and promotes student success.

Our Team Values

We seek employees who:

• Communicate openly to build relationships and trust
• Partner with team members to ensure team success
• Demonstrate a growth mindset and pursue continuous improvement
• Embrace and support a safe and inclusive environment
• Enthusiastically support student learning
• Practice kindness and reflection
• Focus on solutions and put people first
• Lead by example

If you want to be part of our "Downingtown Proud" team, we encourage you to apply!

Job Summary

The Chief Security Officer (CSO) oversees all security matters throughout the school district and directs, coordinates, and supports the development and implementation of district policies and procedures related to school safety and security.

Qualifications

To successfully perform this position, candidates must possess:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a related field, plus documented training in security and police procedures
• Minimum of five (5) years of institutional security management and/or police supervisory experience
• Proficiency in current security procedures
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, employees, and the public
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License and safe driving record
• Proficiency with current technologies
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills
• Current Act 126 training
• Current Act 34, Act 151, and Act 114 clearances

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Security Systems and Video Surveillance

• Review district video security needs
• Advise principals regarding surveillance camera locations
• Coordinate camera replacement and repair needs with the Facilities Department
• Assist principals with command center planning and emergency communication systems
• Support investigations involving video footage

Advisor and Consultant to District Leadership

• Advise the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendents, Business Manager, Principals, Maintenance Supervisor, and Transportation Supervisor regarding security and safety matters
• Meet regularly with principals and designated staff to discuss security concerns
• Conduct and oversee required emergency drills
• Coordinate follow-up debriefing activities after drills
• Provide ongoing support to enhance emergency preparedness
• Remain available to district leadership 24/7 via telephone and email
• Present security and safety information to the School Board, leadership teams, faculty, and staff as requested

Emergency Drills and Preparedness

Coordinate and oversee:

• 3 Intruder Drills
• 2 Weather Emergency Drills
• 2 Building Evacuation/Fire Drills
• 2 Lockdown Drills
• Reunification Protocol Exercises

The CSO will personally oversee all drills whenever possible and may designate a qualified representative when necessary.

Collaboration with Law Enforcement and Emergency Services

• Maintain regular communication with local Chiefs of Police and Pennsylvania State Police
• Collaborate with the Chester County Fire Marshal and local Fire Chiefs
• Coordinate with federal, state, county, and local public safety agencies as needed
• Represent DASD at state and county Safe Schools meetings and summits

Building Assessments and Emergency Planning

• Review all Emergency Operations and Communications Plans
• Identify gaps and make recommendations for improvement
• Assist with development of updated emergency planning guides
• Conduct site assessments of all 16 school buildings and the Administration Building
• Prepare written reports with security recommendations
• Maintain records of all district emergency drills
• Obtain and maintain certification required by PCCD to conduct school safety and security assessments

Security Guard Supervision

• Supervise contracted security personnel assigned to the district
• Maintain communication with security service providers
• Ensure proper staffing levels
• Address performance and conduct concerns

Note: This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned by the supervisor.

Salary

20262027 School Year

$95,868 $115,042 annually

Placement on the salary scale is based upon experience in a similar position. Salary will be prorated based on the start date.

Work Schedule

• 7 hours per day
• 5 days per week
• 260 days per year
• Full-time, 12-month position

Benefits Summary

Health Benefits

Medical Coverage

• Independence Blue Cross (IBX) Personal Choice C4-F4-02
• No Primary Care Physician required
• No referrals required
• Extensive local and national provider network

Prescription Coverage

• CVS/Caremark

Dental Coverage

• Delta Dental Active PPO
• In-network and out-of-network options available

Vision Coverage

• Vision Benefits of America (VBA)

Eligibility

• No waiting period
• Coverage effective on date of hire into a benefits-eligible position

Eligible Dependents

• Legally married spouse
• Children up to age 26

Enrollment

Employees have 31 days from becoming benefits-eligible to make elections.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employees may participate in:

• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

These plans allow employees to pay eligible expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Wellness and Employee Support

Fitness Program

Receive $150 reimbursement after completing 120 workouts within 365 days at an approved fitness facility.

Nutritional Counseling

Up to six free visits per year with a registered dietitian.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Health Advocate provides confidential support for personal, family, work-life, healthcare, insurance, and Medicare-related concerns.

Telemedicine

SwiftMD telemedicine services are available to all DASD employees at no cost.

Retirement Benefits

Pennsylvania School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS)

Employees participate in the state pension system and contribute toward retirement benefits through PSERS.

Student Loan Forgiveness

Employees may qualify for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Insurance Benefits

Basic Life and AD&D Insurance

District-paid group term life and accidental death & dismemberment coverage.

Optional Life Insurance

Additional employee-paid coverage available.

Income Protection

• Begins after 61 days of disability or exhaustion of sick leave
• Pays 60% of monthly salary
• Maximum benefit: $10,000 per month

Life Benefit

• 3× annual salary
• Maximum benefit: $800,000

Executive Flexible Benefits Plan

Employees receive funds equal to 2.5% of annual base salary, up to $2,500 annually, to help offset healthcare-related expenses.

Tuition Reimbursement

• 100% reimbursement for approved graduate and doctoral coursework
• Grade of B or higher required
• Annual maximum: $15,000

TSA Contribution

District contribution of 3% of annual salary to a 403(b) account after one year of service.

Paid Time Off

• 12 Sick Days annually
• 3 Personal Days annually
• 20 Vacation Days annually
• Additional vacation days after 10 years as an administrator
• Vacation payout for up to 10 unused days annually
• 19 Paid Holidays annually

Retiree Benefits

Health Insurance

Eligible retirees may purchase medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage for themselves and their spouse until age 65 or for up to 10 years.

Life Insurance

2.5 times annual salary until age 65 or for up to 10 years.

Additional Benefits

• Personal Day Payout
• Sick Day Payout
• Vacation Day Payout

Salary Increases

Annual Increase

Up to 3% annually based on performance.

Merit Pay

Up to 1% annually based on achievement of performance goals.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)

Attachments

• 20262027 DASD School Calendar
• Administrators' Compensation Plan (Act 93) 20242029
• Chief Security Officer Position Description