Captain

About the Institute

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One—the first university-based quantum computer in the world.

About the Role

The Special Service & Community Engagement Captain leads continual recruitment, background, hiring, and on-boarding efforts, coordinates Active Shooter/Hostile Intruder training programs, and oversees Institute safety and security preparedness. The role involves developing technical solutions and enhancements to alarm systems, maintaining compliance with the Facility Clearance Program, conducting emergency drills, and managing training programs such as the NYS Security Guard Certification program, Campus Safety Officer program, leadership development, and Mental Health/EDPRT training. The Captain also implements new programs to strengthen community engagement, including Residence Life Liaison and Greek Life Liaison programs, and coordinates special event planning requiring outside law enforcement assistance.

Responsibilities

• Maintains Public Safety records, logs, and files in accordance with Federal, State, Local laws and regulations, and Institute standards; reviews crime and incident data for compliance and to improve training and preparedness.
• Plans and coordinates the background and hiring process, including initial screening, interviews, fingerprinting, and reference checks; coordinates staffing, field training, and shift bids.
• Coordinates liaison programs with student, faculty, and staff groups, including student and faculty senates, residential cohorts, and fraternity/sorority housing groups.
• Collaborates with the Associate Director to conduct large-scale emergency drills and tabletop exercises; oversees safety training programs, including Active Shooter/Hostile Intruder training.
• Assists the Director and Associate Director with department administration; coordinates updates to technical solutions, camera systems, and alarm enhancements.
• Oversees research and piloting of safety solutions such as weapons detection and analytics for existing camera systems.
• Manages the Facility Clearance Program and Rensselaer Critical Facility Clearance program.
• Leads the Community Policing/Community Outreach program, focusing on public safety improvement, education, and outreach both on- and off-campus.
• Improves communication systems for off-campus students; coordinates staffing for special events and athletic events.
• Supervises, directs, and guides subordinates, including performance reviews, hiring recommendations, and disciplinary actions.
• Ensures training compliance and documentation for staff, including Campus Safety Officer/Public Safety Officer and Security Guard Training, Field Training, and Mental Health Training.
• Assists in developing and executing strategic training programs to improve Public Safety response readiness, including specialized training for special populations.
• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with Institute, state, and federal guidelines, including FERPA.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in a public safety or law enforcement environment, including at least six (6) years in a supervisory role.
• Must possess and maintain a valid U.S. state driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Criminal Justice, Management, or a related field.
• Advanced degree in Public Policy, Criminal Justice, or Management.
• Minimum of four (4) years of supervisory experience in a campus law enforcement environment.

Skills

• Knowledge of criminal procedure law, penal law, and family court act, and the ability to apply them appropriately.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations, and the ability to apply them appropriately.
• Ability to develop new programs and provide training.
• Excellent customer relation skills and ability to effectively relate with a diverse community.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written; ability to prepare and present reports.
• Effective planning, organizing, and time management skills.
• Proficiency with personal computers.

Schedule

• Shift work with occasional weekends or evenings required.
• Local travel between campus locations only.

Pay

Expected hiring range: $100,000 - $106,000. The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors including available budget, internal equity, and the candidate’s qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related credentials.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable health and retirement benefits.
• Generous paid time off program.
• Tuition remission.
• Opportunities for career growth.
• Comprehensive retiree medical and prescription plan.