Associate Vice President of Public Safety

Job Summary

The Associate Vice President (AVP) of Public Safety is the senior leader responsible for the strategic direction, operational management, and continuous improvement of campus security/safety, emergency management, and environmental health & safety (EHS) across WesternUs California and Oregon campuses. The AVP will ensure a safe, secure, and compliant environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors, and will champion a culture of humanism, accountability, and operational excellence.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of public safety, campus security, emergency management, and environmental health & safety (EHS) best practices in higher education.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements (e.g., Clery Act, OSHA, Title IX, FERPA) and the ability to integrate compliance into daily operations.
• Expertise in crisis management, business continuity, risk mitigation, and threat assessment.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies in public safety, including emergency notification, access control, surveillance, and incident reporting systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire multi-site teams with a culture of accountability, professionalism, and humanism.
• Excellent strategic planning, organizational management, and resource allocation skills.
• Skilled communicator with the ability to build trust, foster collaboration, and partner effectively with students, faculty, staff, external agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Strong conflict resolution, negotiation, and consensus-building abilities, particularly in sensitive or high-stakes situations.
• Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and performance metrics to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Ability to remain calm, decisive, and effective during crises, while exercising sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Capacity to balance strategic leadership with operational detail and to adapt quickly to evolving institutional and environmental needs.
• Demonstrate a commitment to working in an organization that values and promotes humanism.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors degree in criminal justice, public safety, emergency management, environmental health & safety, law enforcement, or related field.
• Experience: Must be a current or retired sworn Peace Officer with a minimum of 15 (fifteen) years of experience, including at least 7 (seven) years as a supervisor. Minimum 7 years of progressive leadership experience in public safety, campus security, emergency management, environmental health & safety, or law enforcement, preferably in higher education. Demonstrated experience managing multi-site operations and matrixed teams. Proven track record in regulatory compliance, risk management, and crisis response.
• Certifications/Licenses and Qualifications: Must possess or have the ability to obtain a current and valid Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) Firearms Permit/Exposed Firearms Permit (including Guard Card) and a legal firearm, as defined by the State of California. Must hold a valid California Concealed Weapons Permit if the incumbent plans to carry a concealed weapon. Valid California drivers license (or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire).
• Background Checks: Must pass the CORI criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in a relevant discipline.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CPP, CEM, CHMM).