Director of Security at Davidson Academy – Nashville, Tennessee

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, statement of faith, references, and completed employment application (available at davidsonacademy.com under the “About” tab) to Dr. Lindsey Judd at ljudd@davidsonacademy.com.

Position Overview

Davidson Academy is seeking a Christ-following, motivated, organized, detail-oriented, Director of Security. The Director of Security leads the school's comprehensive safety and security program, ensuring a secure campus while aligning with Davidson Academy's Christian mission, values, and biblical principles.

Davidson Academy is an Infant-12th grade Christian private school located in Nashville, TN. Serving a diverse student population from Davidson County, Sumner County, Robertson County and the surrounding counties, we believe in the Biblical-based instruction of preparing our students for college, life, and eternity. All Davidson Academy personnel must adhere to our statements of faith.

Job Summary

The Director of Security provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all aspects of campus safety and security at Davidson Academy. This role ensures a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for students (preschool through grade 12), faculty, staff, families, and visitors. The Director develops, implements, and manages security policies, emergency response plans, training programs, and daily operations in full alignment with the school's Christian philosophy, mission to glorify God, Tennessee state regulations, and best practices in school safety. The position models integrity, vigilance, and servant leadership while fostering a culture of safety rooted in biblical principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all campus security operations, including daily patrols, access control, visitor management, surveillance systems (cameras, alarms), and on-site security personnel or contracted services.
• Develop, update, and implement comprehensive safety and emergency management plans, including protocols for fire, severe weather (tornado), intruder/active threat, medical emergencies, lockdowns, evacuations, and crisis response.
• Coordinate and conduct regular safety drills (fire, tornado, intruder/active shooter) and training for faculty, staff, and students; ensure compliance with state requirements and best practices.
• Collaborate with local law enforcement, emergency services, fire department, and other agencies to enhance preparedness, conduct joint trainings, and respond to incidents.
• Manage security technology and infrastructure, including CCTV, access systems, communication tools (radios, mass notification), and emergency equipment; recommend upgrades as needed.
• Lead threat assessment, risk analysis, and vulnerability evaluations; develop mitigation strategies and incident reporting procedures.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate security staff or officers; provide ongoing professional development in de-escalation, first aid/CPR, emergency response, and Christian worldview integration.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for security-related matters; respond to incidents, conduct investigations, document reports, and ensure confidentiality and biblical conflict resolution (Matthew 18 principle).
• Partner with administration, faculty, and parents to promote a proactive safety culture; communicate safety policies, updates, and resources effectively.
• Oversee security budgeting, equipment procurement, and resource allocation to maintain fiscal responsibility.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, accreditation standards (e.g., Cognia), insurance requirements, and school policies.
• Participate in administrative meetings, chapel/events, and community outreach as needed to represent security positively.
• Model Christ-like character, professionalism, and calm under pressure; apply Christian principles in all interactions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

Qualifications and Requirements

Bachelor's degree

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in security, law enforcement, military police, or school/campus safety; prior leadership/supervisory role strongly preferred. MNPS or similar experience is preferred.
• Experience in a K-12 school environment or private/Christian school setting is highly desirable.
• Whole-hearted agreement with Davidson Academy’s Statements of Faith, Philosophy of Christian Education, and mission; active member in good standing of a local evangelical church aligned with the school's beliefs.
• Demonstrated Christian character and role model in attitude, speech, and actions.
• Certifications preferred: Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Physical Security Professional (PSP), ASIS certifications, CPR/First Aid/AED instructor, Stop the Bleed, or similar; must maintain current certifications.
• Strong knowledge of school safety best practices (e.g., ALICE, Run-Hide-Fight, threat assessment), emergency management, risk mitigation, and relevant Tennessee laws/regulations.
• Excellent leadership, communication (verbal/written), organizational, and interpersonal skills; ability to remain calm and decisive in high-stress situations.
• Proficient in technology for security systems, reporting, and administrative tasks.
• Clear criminal background check, fingerprinting, and drug screening; valid driver's license.
• Physically able to perform duties, including patrolling campus and responding to emergencies.

Statements of Faith

• We believe God has revealed Himself, His purposes, and His ways in the Bible, which is therefore absolute in its truth and authority over daily living. (II Timothy 3:15-17; II Peter 1:20-21)
• We believe God is one, absolute in power and authority over all people. He has revealed Himself as Heavenly Father and is the first person of the Trinity. (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19, John 10:30)
• We believe Jesus Christ is the second person of the Trinity, the physical embodiment of God; He is fully God and fully man, a mystery that calls us to worship. (John 1:14, John 3:16, Luke 3:22, Galatians 4:4, Hebrews 4:15)
• We believe the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He is the invisible and contemporary presence of God. (Genesis 1:2; Matthew 28:19, John 14:26)
• We believe all humankind are separated from God by sin and are in need of a Savior. (Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12, Ephesians 2:12, Hebrews 7:25)
• We believe salvation comes only through belief (faith) in Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His sacrificial death upon the cross and His resurrection from the dead. (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23)
• We believe Christians should live their lives in community, as members of a body of believers, and in subjection to the will of God, holding one another accountable for their decisions and choices and offering encouragement and prayer support in all things. (Matthew 18:20, Hebrews 10: 24-25)
• We agree that the unique roles of male and female are clearly defined in Scripture, and we’re called uphold these Biblical commands (Romans 1:24-32; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; 1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:19-22; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2:15-17: 1 John 3: 1-3; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

Organizational Philosophy

Davidson Academy is a place where...

• All persons are given a variety of opportunities to discover and develop their individual intellectual, physical, social, spiritual gifts and abilities to the fullest.
• All persons can become responsible, self-reliant, self-motivated, life-long learners.
• All persons are treated with courtesy, fairness, dignity, and respect.
• Students, parents, teachers, and staff cooperate as a team. Active communications among all the school’s constituents allow everyone to know what is taking place within the organization.
• Everyone understands the results expected from his or her work, how his or her work relates to the work of others, and why it is important to the fulfillment of the school’s mission.
• This leadership position offers the opportunity to steward a safe, faith-affirming environment where students can thrive spiritually, academically, and personally within a supportive Christian community. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, statement of faith, references, and completed employment application (available via the school's website) to the Head of School or designated contact (e.g., via info@davidsonacademy.com or check https://www.davidsonacademy.com/about/employment for current openings and instructions). Davidson Academy is an equal opportunity employer committed to its Christian mission.