Director of Security

Mission of Austin Street Center: Founded in 1983, Austin Street Center provides emergency shelter and meets the basic need of the most vulnerable people experiencing homelessness in Dallas.

Core Values: Kindness, Trustworthiness, Empowerment, Determination

Position Purpose

The Director of Security is an operational leader responsible for protecting clients, guests, staff, volunteers, and facilities. Reporting to the Chief Programs Officer, this position oversees security staff and contractors, develops and enforces safety protocols, manages incident response, and partners closely with local law enforcement and internal teams.

This role is intentionally designed for mission‑driven operational stability: ensuring that safety practices are consistent, reliable, and grounded in respect for the people Austin Street Center serves. Success in this position looks like calm leadership, strong systems, well‑trained teams, and trust—earned over time—from staff, clients, and partners. Over the long term, this work shapes safety practices that can be sustained, strengthened, and carried forward as Austin Street Center’s impact grows.

At the same time, this is not a static role. As Austin Street Center grows and evolves, the Director of Security will have meaningful opportunities to expand authority, scope, and impact by helping design scalable security models, mentoring future leaders, and strengthening practices that can be carried forward across expanded facilities and partnerships. The role requires sound judgment, presence during critical incidents, and comfort leading in a complex, human‑centered environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, hire, train, and supervise security staff and contractors.
• Develop, implement, and audit comprehensive security and emergency response protocols.
• Ensure compliance with Texas DPS licensing, background check, and documentation requirements.
• Manage active incidents, investigations, lockdowns, and evacuations with professionalism and transparency.
• Maintain integrity of all reports, logs, and digital evidence.
• Conduct regular facility inspections, drills, and risk assessments.
• Build strong working relationships with program leaders, facilities, and law enforcement partners.

What We’re Looking For

• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s or Master’s degree preferred.
• At least three years of security, military, or law‑enforcement experience, including incident command.
• At least three years of people‑management experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Texas Level IV Commissioned Officer License with OC Spray certification.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with diverse populations and high‑stress environments.
• Prior experience in homelessness services, behavioral health, shelter operations, or similar settings preferred.
• Comfort using surveillance systems, access control platforms, and digital reporting tools.

Physical & Schedule Expectations

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors and indoors in varied weather conditions.
• Availability for occasional nights, weekends, holidays, and on‑call response as required for 24/7 operations.

Why This Role Matters

This position directly supports the safety, dignity, and stability of hundreds of people each day who are navigating homelessness and crisis. The Director of Security plays a central role in creating an environment where clients can focus on recovery and housing, and staff can do their work with confidence.

Commitment to Equity

Austin Street Center is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and strongly encourage candidates from historically underrepresented communities to apply. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs.