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 leads ASC’s Safety and Security department with full accountability for the protection of clients, guests, staff, and facilities. This is not a passive post-and-patrol role. You will build and steward a security culture rooted in trauma-informed practice — one that is assertive without being intimidating, visible without being oppressive, and rigorous without losing its humanity.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Designing and executing comprehensive safety protocols and emergency response plans
• Leading, developing, and holding accountable a team of security staff and contractor partners
• Conducting monthly risk assessments and quarterly compliance reviews across all facilities
• Managing digital evidence systems, camera infrastructure, and access credentialing
• Building and maintaining formal relationships with Dallas law enforcement
• Coordinating incident response — lockdowns, evacuations, active threats — with calm command presence
• Ensuring all documentation, incident reports, and footage logs meet ASC’s rigorous accuracy standards
• Overseeing security staffing for inclement weather operations and expanded campus programming

The Director reports to the Chief Programs Officer and is a key member of ASC’s leadership team. Expect to be on-call for significant incidents, and expect your team to reflect the values you model.

What We’re Looking For

• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s or Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum three years of military, law enforcement, or professional security experience
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Level IV Commissioned Officer License with OC Spray certification (Texas DPS)
• Competency with surveillance systems, access control platforms, and digital evidence management
• Strong written and verbal communication — you write accurate reports and lead clear briefings
• Experience working with diverse populations, including people in crisis; trauma-informed approach is essential
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage contractors, and maintain standards under pressure
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office proficiency

We know the best candidate may come from a background we haven’t anticipated. If you have the leadership instincts, the operational discipline, and the genuine belief that safety and compassion belong in the same sentence — we encourage you to apply.