GENERAL STATEMENT OVERVIEW

The Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety (CPDPS) is the senior public safety and law enforcement official at Johnson C. Smith University. Reporting to the President or the President’s Designee, the person in this role is responsible for providing strong strategic leadership for campus safety, policing, security operations, emergency management, crime prevention, regulatory compliance, and institutional preparedness.

The CPDPS is expected to lead a professional, community-centered, prevention-focused campus police and public safety unit that supports the University’s educational mission-vision and community-engaged initiatives. This includes maintaining the operational readiness necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, campus visitors, and University assets; implementing a forward-leaning University safety and security plan; and submitting reports/records as required by the University and local, state, and federal agencies. The position also serves as a trusted advisor to University leadership on matters involving safety, emergency preparedness, crisis response, institutional risk, and campus events, and as a mentor for personnel in their respective unit.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety will:

Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for campus police and public safety operations while providing guidance in handling emergencies and urgent issues.
Advance a community-oriented policing philosophy that emphasizes trust, visibility, accessibility, prevention, and engagement..
Direct sworn police officers, civilian security personnel, contracted personnel, and other assigned public safety functions.
Maintain professional standards governing patrol, investigations, use of force, emergency response, reporting, accountability, and employee conduct.
Conduct and ensure timely completion of investigations.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and external law enforcement and emergency response agencies.
Lead University emergency management and preparedness efforts, including emergency planning, exercises, Incident Command System implementation, emergency notifications, and crisis coordination, and provide updated emergency plan to the campus community.
Provide leadership and institutional coordination regarding Clery Act responsibilities and other applicable campus safety requirements, and ensure accurate, timely submissions.
Conduct risk-based planning for on-campus events to include student activities, athletic events, Homecoming, Commencement, VIP visits, and other major University events.
Support multidisciplinary threat assessment, behavioral intervention, crime prevention, and early intervention efforts.
Develop departmental policies, training programs, performance standards, succession plans, and professional development opportunities, and conduct performance management evaluations for team members.
Evaluate and recommend public safety technology/equipment, staffing, and security improvements.
Develop and administer the Public Safety budget and ensure resources are aligned with identified risks and institutional priorities.
Provide senior leadership with timely and professional public safety recommendations.
Promote collaboration across Student Affairs (to include Residence Life and Housing), Academic Affairs, Athletics, Facilities, Human Resources, Information Technology, Communications and Marketing, Title IX, and other areas at the University.
Maintain a culture of professionalism, accountability, service, integrity, preparedness, and continuous improvement. This includes interacting with people (all colleagues, students, families, complainants, suspects, victims, witnesses, medical personnel, emergency response agencies, law enforcement, and the general public).
Remain knowledgeable of local, state, and federal, and University rules and regulations.
Perform other duties as required to meet organizational needs.

STRATEGIC EXPECTATIONS

Move Johnson C. Smith University toward a comprehensive public safety model that integrates:

Professional campus policing
Emergency management and institutional preparedness
Clery and regulatory compliance
Event safety and incident command
Community engagement (students, faculty, staff, alumni)
Threat assessment and prevention
Employee development and succession planning
Technology and data-informed decision-making
Institutional collaboration and executive-level risk management

QUALIFICATIONS, TRAINING, & EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate will be a sworn law enforcement officer in North Carolina with considerable knowledge of public safety, law enforcement, security methods, and strong management practices. Experience with community policing is desirable. A valid NC driver’s license, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively at an HBCU are also required. Preference will be given to those who fulfill the following qualifications:

Master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Emergency Management, Organizational Leadership, or a related field is preferred. However, consideration will be given to someone with a Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of law enforcement experience.
Higher education or campus police/public safety experience, preferably at 4-year college.
Emergency Management and Incident Command System experience.
Advanced law enforcement certification and/or executive leadership training.
Possess NC Basic Law Enforcement Certification, First Aid and CPR certifications, and a valid state driver's license and good driving record.
Knowledge and experience with the Clery Act and higher education compliance
Experience with threat assessment, public safety technology, and organizational change.
Experience with progressively responsible law enforcement models.
Demonstrated supervisory experience related to managing personnel, operations, policies, investigations, and organizational resources.
Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and executive communication skills.
Desire and ability to work effectively at an HBCU.
Ability to satisfy all applicable North Carolina requirements for appointment and certification as a campus law enforcement officer.

To apply, please include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three supervisory references.

Finalists for this position are subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

Johnson C. Smith University - JCSU

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