Chief of Police/Director of Public Safety

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.

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:
• A 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.
• A 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.