This position is located in the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL). The mission of the DCPL is to provide environments that invite reading, learning and community discussion and to equip people with the resources they need to learn all their lives. The purpose of the DC Public Library is to be a cornerstone of community progress by activating dreams with knowledge, access and hope.

For the past decade, the DC Public Library (DCPL) system has been undergoing an aggressive transformation to modernize its facilities and set the strategic direction for 21st century public library services in the District of Columbia. The current library campus is comprised of 25 neighborhood libraries and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Central Library (reopened in late 2020 after a major modernization), representing a grand total of 900,000 square feet of space that serves customers seven days a week. We want every resident to have a consistently excellent experience in every interaction they have in our buildings, which requires welcoming safe spaces for staff and customers alike.

The Director of Public Safety and Security is a member of the Senior leadership team at the Library, with responsibility to lead, plan, develop, implement, administer and supervise a comprehensive safety and security program. The emphasis is on creating atmospheres that support community policing, de-escalation, crisis intervention, and creating welcoming environments for all. The position directly supervises the Office of Public Safety, including a team of dedicated Captain(s), Lieutenant(s), Sergeants, Lead Officer(s), and Special Police Officers, all of whom play a critical role in the daily safety experience in our libraries

Duties and Responsibilities

Lead the Office of Public Safety

• Serves as the Director of Public Safety and Security with full management and overall responsibility for the services and activities of the Office of Public Safety.
• Oversees and develops yearly and long-term strategic and operational plans in the areas of safety and security.
• Provides leadership and direction to subordinate staff with an emphasis on a collaborative work ethic.
• Ensures compliance with applicable laws, DC Code, DCRA municipal regulations, MPD General Orders (especially Use of Force), and guidelines, along with the priorities and mission of the Library.
• Provides professional advice, consultation and guidance to senior management on methods and remedies to reduce security vulnerability and risks and advises on current and future security requirements.
• Engages, trains, and inspires staff with a commitment to intellectual freedom. Brings a sense of humor and a positive, can-do approach to library services and operations.
• Enthusiastically collaborates with the Senior Management Team peers on successful implementation of agency initiatives.
• Communicates regularly with peers and staff on OPS initiatives and issues.
• Represents DCPL as necessary before stakeholder bodies that include the Library Board of Trustees, the Office of the Mayor, and the DC Council.

Assess and Improve Operations

• Advises Executive leadership of methods and remedies to reduce security vulnerability and risk, and assesses safety and security levels at DCPL.
• Develops a system-wide safety and security program that includes emergency/crisis response procedures.
• Responsible for assuring safe conditions for staff and public in all library facilities. Advises library managers and administrative staff on recommendations for improved safety conditions. Represents library management on the Health and Safety committee established under collective bargaining.
• Establishes and manages programs to combat terrorist acts, surveillance, investigations, and evacuation plans for all library facilities.
• Establishes and maintains relations with the Metropolitan Police Department Security Officers Management Branch as well as other pertinent units, Federal Bureau of Investigation, US Attorney’s Office, Office of Attorney General , Department of Real Estate Services, and other security organizations.

Advance a Culture of Safety at DCPL

• Ensures the development of written public safety policies, procedures, and programs that include community policing, de-escalation, crisis intervention, and creating welcoming environments.
• Identifies and oversees the implementation of training and awareness programs to ensure employees understand their roles and expectations with regard to safety and security.
• Coordinates and networks with District agencies (MPD/SOMB/DCRA,DPR), community-based organizations, and other urban library systems to stay abreast of safety trends and contribute to intervention programs.
• Leads a Safety and Security excellence team with representatives from departments and locations within DCPL; convenes working groups as needed.

Qualifications & Experience

The incumbent must be a graduate from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors' degree, plus a minimum of five (5) years of work-related skill, knowledge or experience in a field such as community development, civic engagement, public administration, law enforcement, or safety and security to include at least two (2) years of supervisory experience or at least 1 Year of Specialized Experience at the next lower grade level. A Master’s degree or relevant industry certifications and accredited additional training preferred. In addition, the following is required:

• Extensive knowledge of principles, techniques and methods in areas such as trauma-informed approaches, community policing, restorative justice, de-escalation, and/or crisis intervention.
• Superior analytical ability to assess and evaluate policies, programs and issues.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in providing leadership in a supervisory/managerial capacity.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing to develop and sustain positive business relationships
• Demonstrated skills in providing excellent customer service to both internal and external constituents.

Residency Requirement

A person applying for a position in the Career Service, Educational Service, Management Supervisory Service, an attorney position in the Legal Service (series 905) other than the Senior Executive Attorney Service (SEAS), or an attorney position in the Excepted Service (series 950) who is a bona fide District resident AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected the person shall be required to present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

General Suitability Screening

This position is subject to general suitability screening; verification of employment history, reference checks and degree/license, as applicable. The appointee to the position may be offered employment contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory general suitability screening.

Enhanced Suitability Screening

The position for which the individual is applying has been identified and designated as requiring enhanced suitability screening; If tentatively selected for the position, a criminal background check, traffic record check, consumer credit check, and mandatory drug and alcohol test will be conducted (as appropriate); and the appointee to the position may be offered employment contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory enhanced suitability screening.

Employment Benefits

Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the District of Columbia government's retirement plan. However, if a selectee was previously employed in the District of Columbia government under an appointment for which he/she was eligible for Civil Service Retirement (CSR), contributions to CSR will resume upon re-employment.

Licenses and Certifications

Must possess or be able to obtain an armed Special Police Officer license.

Must be able to obtain a background clearance to oversee yearly agency licenses i.e weapons and commissions.

Working Conditions/Environment

While the bulk of the work is performed in an office setting, the nature of the work and visibility of the position will mandate that the Director regularly visit staff throughout the system as time permits and circumstances dictate. In addition, while DC Public Library actively encourages and supports work/life balance for its employees, the nature of the position requires that the Director and other senior managers who are responsible for the safety of visitors and staff, and who oversee library facilities, are available at any time in the case of an emergency.

Other Significant Factors

Duration of Appointment: Management Supervisory Service (MSS).

MSS At-Will Statement: Positions in the Management Supervisory Service (MSS) serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under a collective bargaining agreement.

Promotion Potential - None

Equal Employment Opportunity

The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited.

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