Police Chief

Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) is a public, open-access institution of higher education in the Virginia Community College System. Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, PVCC serves the residents of the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. The college is recognized for its exceptional faculty and staff, quality programs and services, and student success.

About the role

The Chief of Police will lead the PVCC Police Department, ensuring a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff. This role requires a leader committed to 21st Century Policing Strategies and community engagement. The Chief will report directly to the Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services and may be required to work some weekend and evening hours.

This position is designated as essential, requiring the Chief to work during authorized closings or emergencies to maintain critical operations. The PVCC Police Department provides professional law enforcement services comparable to a municipal police department, along with services unique to an academic institution.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage the day-to-day functions of the PVCC Police Department, including patrol operations and security services.
• Direct and evaluate departmental patrol supervisors and personnel, ensuring performance management and professional development.
• Oversee internal investigations, including citizen complaints and criminal activity, ensuring thorough and timely resolution.
• Develop and implement departmental general orders, policies, and procedures in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Coordinate and participate in emergency preparedness drills, threat assessment, and emergency response planning.
• Serve as a liaison to emergency responders and represent PVCC in professional law enforcement and emergency management associations.
• Foster community policing through visibility at college events, interaction with students and staff, and collaboration with local law enforcement agencies.
• Manage the department’s use of database resources, evidence handling, and property disposal in accordance with state law.
• Ensure compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act, Title IX, OSHA regulations, and Virginia Fire Code.
• Provide proactive leadership in crisis intervention, investigations, and community outreach.
• Maintain certification in Taser, First Aid, CPR, AED, and other required training as mandated by the college and DCJS.
• Conduct foot patrols, secure buildings, and report maintenance or safety deficiencies.
• Respond to emergencies, enforce Commonwealth laws, and assist other departments within and outside the college system.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree in Police Science or equivalent education/experience.
• Current certification by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) as a police officer.
• NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 300, and 700 level certifications.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Significant years of progressively responsible experience as a certified full-time police officer, including supervisory experience.
• Ability to be on-call 24/7 and respond to emergencies with calm and quick decision-making.
• Demonstrated experience in Virginia state laws, investigations, and crisis intervention.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with a commitment to fostering a positive work environment.
• Ability to perform the physical duties of a sworn law enforcement officer as defined by VA Code and DCJS.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Training in cultural competencies and a commitment to serving a diverse community.
• Working knowledge of the Jeanne Clery Act, Title IX, OSHA regulations, and Virginia Fire Code.

Skills

• Excellent customer service and communication (written and oral).
• Initiative, efficiency, and strong teamwork within the department.
• Sound decision-making aligned with the mission of the department and college.
• Professional handling of complaints and visitor inquiries.
• Ability to establish and maintain partnerships with local and regional law enforcement agencies.
• Experience in budget management, community relations, and emergency preparedness.
• Proficiency in using database resources for investigations and evidence management.

Benefits

• Designated as an essential position with responsibilities critical to maintaining college operations during emergencies.
• Opportunity to lead a professional police department within a supportive academic community.
• Engagement in community policing, emergency response planning, and professional development.

Pay

Hiring range: $87,000 - $98,000, depending on experience.

Schedule

Full-time (exempt) position requiring 40+ hours weekly. Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend and evening work for classes, events, or emergencies. Summer hours may vary based on business needs.

This role is designated as essential, requiring availability during authorized closings or emergency situations.