Director - Safety and Security

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago partners with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need by improving lives and nourishing spirits; strengthening and empowering people, families, and communities; and committing to being present to our times through the eyes of faith.

Job Description

The Director of Safety & Security is responsible for overseeing all aspects of safety, security, emergency preparedness, and life-safety compliance for CCAC with operations across ~40 locations including 22 housing locations in Cook and Lake County. This role ensures safe, secure, and welcoming environments for residents, staff, volunteers, and visitors while advancing the organization's mission of providing stable housing and supportive services to individuals and families.

Role-Specific Responsibilities

Security Operations & Resident Support

Oversee security operations across all housing locations, including management of third-party security vendors and contracted services.

Develop and maintain security protocols that balance resident safety with a trauma-informed, resident-centered approach.

Manage building access control systems, surveillance equipment, visitor management procedures, and security technology vendors.

Partner with Property Management, Housing Operations, and Resident Services teams to address safety concerns and security-related incidents.

Review and investigate security incidents, resident complaints, and building access issues; implement corrective actions as necessary.

Serve as a primary point of contact during emergency situations, critical incidents, and after-hours escalations.

Foster collaborative relationships with local law enforcement, emergency responders, community organizations, and neighborhood stakeholders.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain safe environments and oversee life-safety systems, including lighting, signage, accessibility, fire prevention, and emergency equipment.
• Develop and implement slip and fall prevention initiatives across all housing locations, including hazard identification, corrective action planning, staff training, incident analysis, and continuous monitoring to reduce resident, visitor, and employee injuries.
• Develop, update, and communicate emergency plans, evacuation procedures, and conduct life-safety training and drills.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations; perform regular safety audits and implement corrective measures.
• Monitor and apply best practices in safety and security, staying current on trends and risk management strategies.

Safety & Security Governance

• Monitor and control security budgets; review and approve invoices; communicate any discrepancies to finance.

Evaluate program or resident changes to assess impacts on safety and security operations.

• Develop and implement strategies that continually optimize building safety and security.

Other duties as assigned.

Team Member Responsibilities

• Exhibit alignment with the team's clear goals that are mission-focused, grounded in Catholic Charities history, and tied to action.
• Contribute to a joy-filled culture built upon respect and inclusion, team pride, and community spirit.
• Collaborate effectively to support excellent process, accountability, and constructive conflict.
• Demonstrate a commitment to growth through learning, forgiveness, and reflection.

Living Our Values

• Courageous Compassion: Welcome and serve all with an open heart, empathic listening, and a commitment to radical hospitality.
• Solidarity: Embrace shared humanity by celebrating and giving voice to our differences and choosing the path of collaboration and inclusion.
• Faith-filled Hope and Joy: Uplift each other in times of darkness and celebrate together in times of light, leaning in with humility, humor, and hope.
• Meaningful and Measurable Impact: Meet human need with love, balance immediate action with lasting change, and act with accountability through dialogue, analyses, and reflection.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Security Management, Safety Management, Facilities Management, or related field.

Minimum of 5+ years relevant experience in companies with multi-site operations

Preferred Education & Experience

MBA or Masters' degree in relevant field of study

7+ years relevant experience in companies with multi-site operations

Experience working in Nonprofit Management

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

• Strong knowledge of emergency planning, risk assessment, incident management, life-safety systems, and regulatory compliance.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

Familiarity with HUD, IHDA, City of Chicago, and other affordable housing compliance requirements.

Experience with financial reporting and budgeting

Minimum Certifications & Licensures

N/A

Preferred Certifications & Licensures

PP, PSP, CHPA, CEM, or related safety and security credentials

Physical Requirements

X Kneel and move from sitting, bending, kneeling, or standing multiple times a day

X Lift up to 25 pounds

X Push and pull up to 25 pounds

X Climb up and down three (3) or more flights of stairs

Additional Requirements

X Background check, including any program specific requirements

X Driver's License and reliable transportation Agency-specified automobile insurance

$75,000 - $85,000 / year

Pay Transparency

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 (820 ILCS 112/5, et seq.), Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is required to provide the wages and benefits that it reasonably expects in good faith to offer for any specific job positions posted. Please note that the exact compensation package ultimately offered to an applicant may vary based on skills, experience, and location, amongst other permissible factors.

Locations

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Employer Privacy Policy

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and consideration for employment is made without regard to: race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Catholic Charites is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an email to or call and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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