Full Time Police Academy Commander

Lorain County Community College (LCCC) is seeking an experienced, student-focused law enforcement professional to serve as Police Academy Commander. This full-time leadership position oversees the administration and daily operation of the LCCC Police Academy, ensuring compliance with all Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) standards and state regulations. The Commander will also lead LCCC's OPOTA Close to Home Regional Training Program, providing advanced law enforcement training and fostering partnerships with local, state, and regional public safety agencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all OPOTA-approved LCCC Police Academy programs.
• Serve as the Academy Commander of record with OPOTA, ensuring full compliance with all applicable standards, audits, reporting requirements, and recordkeeping.
• Coordinate with the assigned OPOTA Field Agent and maintain effective communication regarding Academy operations and compliance matters.
• Develop and manage Academy schedules and training calendars while ensuring appropriate student-to-instructor ratios and efficient use of facilities.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, mentor, and evaluate Academy instructors, promoting excellence in instruction and a culture of professionalism.
• Collaborate with the Academic Dean to develop, manage, and monitor the annual operating budget.
• Work collaboratively with campus departments and external law enforcement partners to coordinate facilities, equipment, and training resources.
• Advise, mentor, and support prospective and enrolled cadets throughout the admissions process and Academy experience.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, student-centered learning environment that promotes professionalism, accountability, integrity, and student success.
• Ensure the proper accountability, security, maintenance, and storage of Academy equipment, firearms, ammunition, and training resources.
• Coordinate and oversee the scheduling and delivery of OPOTA Close to Home advanced regional training courses.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to support recruitment, training partnerships, and workforce development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school graduate or possession of a General Education Development certificate.
• Seven years of experience as a full-time law enforcement officer, two of which must be as a full-time law enforcement supervisor.
• Completion of ninety quarter hours or sixty semester hours at an accredited college or university.
• Professional references from three current police administrators of the rank of lieutenant or above.
• No convictions for a felony, crime of moral turpitude, offense of violence, sexually oriented or child-victim-oriented offense, or any other peace officer disqualifying offense.
• Hold an OPOTA teaching certificate.
• Completion of a commander training program approved by the executive director upon hiring.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree.
• Demonstrated organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience instructing or leading a state-certified police academy.
• Experience administering OPOTA-approved training programs.
• Experience developing partnerships with law enforcement agencies and coordinating regional training initiatives.
• Experience managing budgets, compliance documentation, and audits.

Pay

Minimum starting salary: $69,200. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits

A comprehensive benefits package is provided.

About the Organization

Established in 1963, Lorain County Community College is the first community college in Ohio with a permanent campus. For six decades, LCCC has served the diverse needs of the greater Lorain County region by providing affordable access to higher education and now serves approximately 13,000 students each year in certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs. Since 1963, one in four Lorain County residents have taken classes at LCCC, and more than 43,000 have earned a degree. LCCC was recently ranked in the top 10% of most affordable colleges in the nation, and more than 90% of LCCC graduates live and work in Northeast Ohio. Forty-five percent of Lorain County’s high school graduates earn college credits through LCCC’s high school dual enrollment programs. LCCC also partners with more than 700 employers and offers 170 industry-recognized credentials to better prepare the workforce for the future. LCCC is a dynamic, student-centered college intentionally designed to support individuals balancing multiple roles on their path to college completion. Eighty-five percent of LCCC students work while attending college, with the majority working at least half-time. The average age of LCCC’s students is 24, and many bring life experiences that include caring for dependents, serving in the military, or completing some prior college. Over 80% of LCCC students receive financial assistance through grants and scholarships, and LCCC has been nationally recognized for holistic, fully integrated services and commitment to student success.