Executive Director Division of Public Safety and Security

About the role

The University of Michigan seeks an experienced, strategic, and community-centered leader to serve as Executive Director of the Division of Public Safety and Security. Reporting directly to the President, the Executive Director will lead an integrated, university-wide public safety and security division serving the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses, as well as Michigan Medicine.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Division of Public Safety and Security, advancing a unified vision for campus safety while fostering greater interoperability among the Divisions integrated departments and preserving the distinct missions, expertise, and operational responsibilities of each function.
• Ensure institutional compliance with the Clery Act and all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and professional standards governing public safety and security across the university.
• Lead implementation of the university's Unified Public Safety Standard Practice Guide, aligning policies, procedures, technology, training, and operational practices across all public safety and security functions.
• Develop, manage, and steward the Division's operating budget, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, achieve economies of scale, and strategically align resources across departments.
• Preserve the Division's strong culture of service, professionalism, and operational excellence.
• Serve as the President's principal advisor on matters related to campus safety, security, emergency response and preparedness, risk mitigation, and institutional resilience.
• Partner with university leadership, governance committees, student organizations, and communications professionals to develop and execute a comprehensive communications and brand strategy that enhances understanding of the university's public safety mission and promotes awareness of the Division's coordinated, specialized service model.
• Collaborate with the university's Safety and Security Steering Committee to advance strategic initiatives that strengthen coordination, integration, and continuous improvement of campus safety and security operations.
• Establish measurable strategic priorities, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance the Division's effectiveness, strengthen community trust, and support a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all members of the university community.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in public safety, security, or related fields.
• A proven track record of developing and implementing strategic plans and initiatives.
• An understanding of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing public safety and security.
• Experience in managing budgets and overseeing operational processes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.
• Experience working in a large, complex organization with multiple units and functions.
• Knowledge of modern safety and security technologies and best practices.
• Ability to navigate and influence complex organizational structures and processes.
• Experience in crisis management and emergency response.
• Strong commitment to equity, social justice, and community engagement.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, including students, faculty, staff, patients, administrators, law enforcement, and the general public.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• A Master's degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Security Studies, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in public safety, security, or related fields.
• A proven track record of developing and implementing strategic plans and initiatives.
• An understanding of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing public safety and security.
• Experience in managing budgets and overseeing operational processes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.
• Experience working in a large, complex organization with multiple units and functions.
• Knowledge of modern safety and security technologies and best practices.
• Ability to navigate and influence complex organizational structures and processes.
• Experience in crisis management and emergency response.
• Strong commitment to equity, social justice, and community engagement.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, including students, faculty, staff, patients, administrators, law enforcement, and the general public.

Skills

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Leadership and team-building abilities.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of public safety and security best practices.
• Ability to manage complex organizational structures and processes.
• Experience in crisis management and emergency response.
• Strong commitment to equity, social justice, and community engagement.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, including students, faculty, staff, patients, administrators, law enforcement, and the general public.

Benefits

The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health insurance coverage for employees and dependents.
• Vision and dental insurance.