Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Fire Safety Director

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a leader with a passion for safety and a calm, commanding presence in a crisis? This role requires a highly qualified and proactive Fire Safety Director to serve as the cornerstone of our building's life safety program. In this pivotal role, you will be entrusted with the well-being of all occupants, ensuring the highest standards of fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance. You will be the primary authority on life safety systems and emergency response, responsible for everything from system integrity and staff training to commanding operations during an incident. This is a high-visibility position that demands exceptional expertise, unwavering attention to detail, and the ability to lead with confidence and clarity. If you are ready to take ownership of a comprehensive safety program in a dynamic environment, we want to hear from you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Fire Safety Manager or Coordinator
Security Supervisor with FSD/EAP certifications
Facilities Manager with a strong focus on life safety systems
Experienced First Responder (Firefighter, Paramedic) transitioning to the private sector

Advancement To:

Regional Director of Safety & Security
Corporate Director of Emergency Management
Vice President of Facilities & Operations
Director of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)

Lateral Moves:

Corporate Security Director
Business Continuity Manager
Risk Management Consultant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop, implement, and continuously update the building’s comprehensive Fire Safety Plan and Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to ensure full compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., FDNY codes).
Act as the designated Incident Commander from the Fire Command Center during any fire, smoke, medical, or other emergency, directing building staff and coordinating with first responders.
Plan, schedule, and conduct all mandatory fire and EAP drills, meticulously documenting participation, performance, and any necessary corrective actions for continuous improvement.
Supervise, train, and mentor the building's Fire Brigade, EAP Wardens, and other emergency response personnel, ensuring they are proficient in their assigned roles and responsibilities.
Guarantee the 24/7 operational readiness of all building life safety systems, including fire alarm panels, sprinkler systems, standpipes, smoke control systems, and emergency communication systems.
Manage a robust inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) program for all fire protection equipment, maintaining immaculate records for review by authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Serve as the primary liaison and single point of contact for the Fire Department, EMS, Police, and other governmental agencies during both emergency incidents and routine inspections.
Maintain a detailed and audit-ready logbook of all system activities, including impairments, inspections, tests, drills, and incidents, as required by law.
Immediately address any impairment or out-of-service condition for life safety systems, implementing and supervising fire watch procedures until the system is fully restored.
Develop and deliver comprehensive life safety training programs for all new hires, building tenants, and occupants, covering evacuation procedures, fire prevention, and EAP awareness.
Conduct thorough investigations of all fire alarms and emergency incidents, preparing detailed post-incident reports with root cause analysis and recommendations for future prevention.
Oversee the building's Hot Work permit program, ensuring all high-risk activities (such as welding or cutting) are conducted with strict adherence to fire safety protocols.
Perform regular, in-depth tours of the entire property to proactively identify and mitigate fire hazards, code violations, and obstructions in egress paths.
Function as the building’s subject matter expert on all fire code, life safety, and emergency preparedness matters, providing guidance to management, tenants, and staff.
Ensure all required staff Certificates of Fitness (COF) are obtained and remain current, managing the training and application process.
Review and approve tenant construction and alteration plans to ensure they comply with building life safety standards and fire codes.
Manage relationships and contracts with third-party vendors responsible for the inspection and maintenance of fire protection systems.
Communicate critical safety information, drill schedules, and emergency preparedness tips to the entire building community through newsletters, memos, and tenant meetings.
Lead the building's Safety Committee, facilitating productive meetings and driving initiatives to foster a strong, proactive safety culture.
Ensure that all emergency signage, including exit signs, floor diagrams, and stairwell markings, is accurate, visible, and compliant with code.

Secondary Functions

Assist in developing and managing the annual budget for the life safety department, including equipment, services, and training expenditures.
Collaborate with the security and engineering departments to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to building safety, security, and emergency operations.
Participate in capital project planning to provide expert input on life safety system upgrades and building modifications.
Support the property management team by addressing tenant inquiries and concerns related to fire safety and emergency procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Valid Fire Safety Director Certificate of Fitness (e.g., F-89/T-89)
Valid Emergency Action Plan Director Certificate of Fitness (e.g., F-85)
In-depth knowledge of local fire codes (e.g., FDNY, NYC Building Code) and national standards (NFPA).
Hands-on proficiency operating Fire Alarm Control Panels (FACP) and associated annunciation systems.
Comprehensive understanding of standpipe, sprinkler, and fire pump systems and their operation.
Certificate of Fitness for Supervision of Fire Alarm Systems (S-95) or ability to obtain.
Experience with incident command and control procedures (ICS 100/200 certification preferred).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite for creating detailed reports, training materials, and compliance records.
Knowledge of fire watch procedures and requirements during system impairments.
First Aid/CPR/AED certification is highly desirable.
Experience managing Hot Work and other special permit processes.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Leadership: Ability to take decisive command and project authority in high-stress situations.
Calm Under Pressure: Unflappable demeanor with the ability to think clearly and logically during a crisis.
Superior Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for training, reporting, and liaising with first responders and tenants.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to investigate incidents and identify preventative measures.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to record-keeping, compliance documentation, and building inspections.
Interpersonal Skills: Ability to effectively train, mentor, and build rapport with a diverse group of staff and tenants.
Proactive Mindset: A forward-thinking approach to identifying potential hazards and improving safety protocols before an incident occurs.
Integrity: Unwavering ethical standards in all aspects of safety management and reporting.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Fire Science
Emergency Management
Criminal Justice
Homeland Security
Public Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

5-10+ years of verifiable experience in a role with direct responsibility for fire and life safety.

Preferred:

Experience as a Fire Safety Director in a large, high-rise commercial or residential building.
Prior supervisory or management experience leading a security or life safety team.
Experience with union and non-union workforces.
Documented experience managing large-scale emergency drills and incidents.