Police Chief
Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) is a public, open-access institution of higher education in the Virginia Community College System. The main campus is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, serving the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. PVCC is recognized for its exceptional faculty and staff, quality programs and services, and student success.
About the role
The Police Chief 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 availability during emergencies or authorized closings.
The PVCC Police Department provides professional law enforcement services comparable to a municipal police department, along with services unique to an academic institution. The Chief will oversee patrol operations, security services, and departmental personnel, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and manage the Police Department, including patrol supervisors and departmental personnel.
- Oversee day-to-day patrol operations and security services for the college.
- Conduct internal investigations, including citizen complaints and criminal activity reports.
- Develop and implement departmental general orders, policies, and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act, Title IX, OSHA regulations, and Virginia Fire Code.
- Manage emergency preparedness, crisis drills, and threat assessment planning.
- Act as a liaison to local, regional, and state law enforcement agencies and emergency responders.
- Foster community policing through visibility at college events and engagement with students and staff.
- Oversee the handling of recovered/lost property and evidence in accordance with state law.
- Evaluate emergency drills and ensure timely, complete reporting.
- Represent PVCC in professional law enforcement and emergency management associations.
- Provide proactive leadership in areas such as Title IX, emergency response, and community outreach.
- Maintain certification in Taser, First Aid, CPR, AED, and other required training.
- Perform foot and vehicle patrols, secure buildings, and assist other departments as needed.
- Respond to safety/security hazards and take appropriate corrective actions.
- Cultivate partnerships with local law enforcement and other colleges in the Virginia Community 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 perform the physical duties of a sworn law enforcement officer.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Demonstrated experience in Virginia state laws, investigations, and crisis intervention.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Commitment to cultural competencies and providing professional law enforcement services to a diverse community.
- Knowledge of the Jeanne Clery Act, Title IX, OSHA regulations, and Virginia Fire Code.
- Reputation for honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct.
Benefits
This is a full-time, exempt position with a hiring range of $87,000 - $98,000, depending on experience. PVCC offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees.
Schedule
This position requires a work schedule of 40+ hours weekly, primarily during PVCC’s regular office hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday). Some weekend, evening, and summer hours may be required based on business needs. The role is designated as essential, requiring availability during emergencies or authorized closings.
Operation of a state vehicle is required, and limited travel may be necessary. This position supervises employees.