Associate Vice President for Public Safety and ...

Towson University, in Towson, Maryland, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for its associate vice president for public safety and chief of police. This is an on-site leadership role. Towson University is Maryland's university of opportunities. With more than 160 years of excellence, TU is a nationally recognized comprehensive public research university serving over 20,000 students across more than 200 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs. As the largest university in greater Baltimore, TU is known for its commitment to inclusive excellence, social mobility, academic innovation and preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly changing world. The associate vice president for public safety and chief of police (AVP/Chief) serves as Towson University's (TU) chief law enforcement executive and senior public safety administrator. As a member of the President's Cabinet, the AVP/Chief provides strategic leadership and institutional perspective on matters of campus safety, security, and emergency preparedness while overseeing the programs, operations, and services that ensure the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. With responsibility for an annual budget of approximately $16 million and a workforce of more than 100 sworn and civilian personnel, the AVP/Chief provides executive leadership for the Towson University Police Department (TUPD), a fully state-certified, sworn law enforcement agency, and oversees Parking Services, campus-wide access control, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) security systems. The AVP/Chief directs the strategic planning, development, implementation, management, and evaluation of policies, procedures, and operational initiatives that support a safe, secure, and welcoming campus environment. The salary range is $215,000 - $230,000. Qualifications The successful candidate will hold a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, education, social sciences, or a closely related field, with at least ten years of demonstrated leadership in the law enforcement profession as a sworn officer, including an increasing level and scope of responsibilities, supervisory experience, and management capacity. Preferred qualifications include: a master's degree, experience working in or with a college or university campus safety environment; experience working effectively in a unionized environment and fostering constructive labor-management relationships; and completion of a recognized law enforcement executive leadership program, such as the FBI National Academy or a comparable program. Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in community policing, campus security, crime prevention, education and training, and program assessment, along with a proven record of collaborating with campus and municipal stakeholders to address safety concerns and student behaviors, are preferred attributes. Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, public speaking, and active listening skills are highly desirable, as are demonstrated leadership abilities that foster accountability, teamwork, professional development, and positive working relationships across the university community. Application and Nomination Towson University has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin November 17, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://apptrkr.com/9910819 Contact Heather Larabee at mailto:hjl@spelmanandjohnson.com for confidential inquiries. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email mailto:info@spelmanjohnson.com. Visit the Towson University website at https://www.towson.edu/ Towson University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Towson University's policies, programs and activities comply with federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression and veteran status. je-b2cd7a1c3e85410bbdd76c6343816035