Security Coordinator

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Operations, the Security Coordinator, Systems and Preparedness is responsible for administering and continuously improving The School at Columbia University’s security operations infrastructure and preparedness practices for students, employees, and visitors. The role involves access control, security documentation, incident reporting, event security risk review support, and readiness training and drill coordination. The position assesses evolving security and safety situations and exercises some independent judgment in determining appropriate preventive or responsive actions to protect students, teachers, staff, families and visitors, including escalation to University partners and external emergency services when warranted.

The Security Coordinator demonstrates professionalism at all times and also exhibits The School’s core organizational values of caring, respect, integrity, and diversity in carrying out daily responsibilities.

This role requires post coverage, patrol and fixed position monitoring. In addition there are system responsibilities, documentation, and preparedness deliverables.

Standard schedule:
Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with flexibility to support events, drills, tabletop exercises, and incident response outside standard hours as needed, which includes weekends.

• Administers the School’s access control system and related security technology workflows, including access provisioning and credential lifecycle management. When requested, access audits and documentation of access standards.
• Maintains a high visibility when conducting security checks throughout The School.
• When requested, maintains system data integrity, access groups, permissions, and reporting outputs; troubleshoots access issues and coordinates resolution with the Manager of Operations and vendors as needed.
• Maintains standard operating procedures for visitor access, credentials, and access exceptions; implements approved updates with the Operations Manager and communicates process changes to stakeholders.
• Safeguards The School property.

• Maintains and updates site specific security documentation for daily operations and events to ensure alignment with established School procedures and applicable University standards.
• Reviews security plans for on site and off site events and conducts risk reviews with the Operations Manager that identify vulnerabilities, required mitigations, and technology or process needs; supports implementation of approved measures, including access configurations and communications plans.

• Prepares incident reports, routes information correctly, and maintains logs in a timely manner.
• Coordinates post incident reviews focused on lessons learned and corrective action; tracks completion of improvements and documents outcomes.

• Coordinates the schedule, logistics, materials, and evaluation tools for drills and tabletop exercises; documents results and improvement actions.
• Provides age appropriate security and safety education to Kindergarten through Grade 8 children in partnership with school leadership.
• Provides CPR Training to Administration, Teachers and Staff.

• Assess security and safety situations in real time, evaluates severity and potential impact, and makes independent judgment calls on immediate protective actions consistent with established protocols and legal requirements.
• Independently determines appropriate escalation and coordination steps, including notification of leadership, University Public Safety partners, and external responders when warranted.
• Applies independent judgment to implement interim safeguards during elevated risk situations, including access control adjustments, movement controls, and documentation requirements, while ensuring timely communication to appropriate stakeholders.

• Stays current on laws and…