Assistant Director of Public Safety and Deputy ...

Founded in 1870, Wellesley College is one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges for women and a global leader in women’s higher education. Consistently ranked among the top liberal arts institutions in the United States, Wellesley is currently ranked #7 among National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report and is widely recognized for the strength of its academic programming and undergraduate teaching. Located approximately 12 miles west of Boston, Wellesley’s beautiful 500-acre residential campus features more than 70 academic, residential, and administrative buildings, colorful gardens, landscaped grounds, and beautiful views of Lake Waban. The campus is home to approximately 2,400 students representing all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with over 30 languages spoken. More than half of Wellesley students identify as students of color, and approximately 20 percent are first-generation college students.

About The Position

The Deputy Chief works closely with campus leadership, students, faculty, and staff to foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive campus community while advancing a proactive approach to safety, education, and engagement. The position requires a leader who understands the unique dynamics of a residential academic environment and can build trust across a diverse campus population. The successful candidate will bring strong operational experience, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex situations with professionalism and discretion. Equally important is the capacity to approach campus safety through collaboration and problem-solving, recognizing that effective public safety in higher education often requires thoughtful engagement, prevention, and partnership across the institution.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police in the leadership, management, and strategic coordination of the department and assumes command in the Chief’s absence.
• Responsible for emergency management planning and response, and participating on the College’s Emergency Operations Team (EOT).
• Oversees the emergency notification system and related safety communication protocols.
• Leads and supervises criminal and administrative investigations, including oversight of internal affairs and professional standards.
• Supports recruitment, hiring, and professional development of sworn personnel.
• Serves as the department’s Clery Act Compliance Coordinator and works collaboratively across campus to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Assists with the preparation and publication of the College’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
• Develops and delivers campus safety education programs for students, faculty, and staff.
• Supports department budgeting, policy development, and operational planning.
• Collaborates with campus partners and external law enforcement agencies on safety initiatives.
• Assists with labor relations matters, including grievance review and collective bargaining support.
• Serves as training supervisor and ensures departmental compliance with POST and MPTC training standards.
• Supports the advancement of department technology, communication systems, and operational practices that enhance services to the campus community.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or other related field from an accredited college or university.
• At least 10 years of progressive policing experience, including at least 3 years of management or command-level experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Prior experience in emergency management, including with the Incident Command System (ICS) and emergency response coordination.
• Knowledge of Clery Act compliance and campus safety regulations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain POST certification in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts within six months of hire.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Massachusetts License to Carry within two months of hire.
• Ability to meet certification requirements under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 22C, Section 63 as a Special State Police Officer.

Skills

• An approach to campus safety that centers students’ experience and is committed to their success and well-being.
• The ability to lead and motivate staff while creating and maintaining a collaborative departmental culture.
• Strong communication skills—to build and sustain collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Sound judgment—to navigate complex situations with professionalism and discretion.
• Strategic thinking—to contribute to the department’s long-term success.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in criminal justice or other related field from an accredited college or university.
• Demonstrated experience in criminal and internal affairs investigations.
• Completion of advanced police leadership or management training, such as the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), the FBI National Academy, or comparable executive leadership training.
• Experience in labor relations or collective bargaining environments.
• Experience developing and delivering crime prevention and safety education programs within a campus or community setting.

Pay

The salary for this position is $130,000-$140,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Excellent benefits.