Director - Law Enforcement Academy

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the POST-authorized Training Center Director and act under the Department Chairperson in that role.
• Manage daily operations of training and standards for the Academy, including scheduling, logistics, and resource management.
• Supervise training staff, adjunct instructors, and support personnel.
• Maintain records for audit, accreditation, and funding purposes.
• Evaluate effective and efficient use of training budgets and personnel allocations.
• Prepare reports, training metrics, and performance evaluations.
• Lead strategic initiatives to evolve academy training methods.
• Develop and maintain Continuing Law Enforcement Education (CLEE) certified curriculum and annual training calendar.
• Collaborate with academic partners to integrate Academy training with higher education pathways.
• Coordinate advanced training opportunities for regional law enforcement personnel.
• Ensure curriculum development, instructional quality, and regulatory compliance for the Law Enforcement Academy.
• Actively participate in law enforcement networks and advisory boards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, or related field; Master's degree a plus.
• (Degree must be from a regionally accredited college or university).
• Missouri POST Class A Peace Officer License or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Missouri POST Generalist Instructor Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive law enforcement experience, including advanced leadership training and supervisory duties.
• Demonstrated knowledge of law enforcement training standards, principles, and adult education techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge and innovative approaches to modern law enforcement principles, techniques, and practices.
• Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration with internal and external constituents.
• Ability to work evenings or weekends as needed.
• Ability to travel regionally for training coordination and academy promotion.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and oral and written communication skills.

About the Role

The Law Enforcement Academy operates under the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology as a Missouri POST Commission authorized Training Center to provide initial training to new recruits, required annual training to officers, and specialized training to individual units and newly promoted officers.

Departmental Information

The Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology houses numerous degree programs and the Southeast Law Enforcement Academy. Academic offerings include undergraduate degree programs (BS) in Criminal Justice and Social Work; undergraduate minors in Criminology & Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology; an undergraduate certificate program in Law Enforcement; and a graduate degree (MS) in Criminal Justice. Several programs are available fully online, and the department strongly supports Prior Learning Credit (PLC) and experiential learning. More information regarding the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology can be found at https://semo.edu/cjsws/.

Benefits

The position offers benefits commensurate with experience.

Pay

The salary is dependent on qualifications.

Schedule

The schedule is not specified.

Qualifications

To ensure full consideration, application materials must be received by June 1, 2026. To apply, submit the following items online by clicking on the Apply button at the top of the page:

• A letter of interest addressing required position qualifications
• Your current resume
• Copies of POST Licenses and Certificates
• Unofficial copies of transcripts (official transcripts are required when an offer of employment is accepted)
• Names and contact information of three professional references

Additional Information

For more information, visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/semoedu/jobs/5345760/director-law-enforcement-academy. Southeast Missouri State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and to the principles of affirmative action. In accordance with this commitment, and in compliance with the requirements of applicable laws, it is the policy of the University to provide equal opportunity for all applicants and employees in its employment practices, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. The University believes that a diverse University community advances the academic purposes of the University and enhances the working and learning environment.