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 Chief of Police will lead the PVCC Police Department, ensuring a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff. This position 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 is an essential, full-time (exempt) position providing in-person services.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the Police Department, including patrol operations, personnel management, and performance evaluations.
• Oversee emergency preparedness, crisis drills, and threat assessment planning.
• Manage budget, community relations, and partnerships with local/regional law enforcement agencies.
• Conduct foot patrols, secure buildings, and report maintenance deficiencies.
• Enforce Commonwealth of Virginia laws and college regulations.
• Serve as a liaison to emergency responders during incidents.
• Oversee internal and criminal investigations, ensuring thorough and timely completion.
• Develop and implement departmental policies, general orders, and directives.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including Title IX, Clery Act, OSHA, and Virginia Fire Code.
• Manage recovered property, evidence, and lost-and-found procedures.
• Respond to Maxient submissions and other administrative reports.
• Represent PVCC in professional law enforcement and emergency management associations.
• Provide proactive leadership in community policing, emergency response, and campus safety initiatives.
• Maintain visibility at college events and foster positive interactions with students and staff.
• Obtain and maintain certifications in Taser, First Aid, CPR, AED, and other required training.
• Establish and maintain liaisons with other Virginia Community College System police chiefs and emergency managers.
• Cultivate partnerships with local law enforcement to enhance campus safety.
• Practice excellent customer service, communication, and teamwork.
• Complete reports promptly and ensure accuracy and completeness.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree in Police Science or equivalent education/experience.
• Current DCJS certification as a police officer in Virginia.
• 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.
• Demonstrated experience in Virginia state laws, investigations, and crisis intervention.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse populations, including students, faculty, staff, and the public.
• Ability to perform the physical duties of a sworn law enforcement officer as defined by VA Code and DCJS.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Working knowledge of the Clery Act, Title IX, OSHA regulations, and Virginia Fire Code.
• Commitment to cultural competencies and the mission of providing professional law enforcement and community outreach.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Sound decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Proactive leadership and teamwork.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Proficiency in managing personnel, budgets, and departmental operations.
• Experience in community policing and relationship-building.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Initiative, efficiency, and dependability.

Pay

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

Schedule

Full-time, exempt position requiring 40+ hours weekly. Regular office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional weekends for classes or events. Summer hours may vary. This role is designated as essential, requiring availability during emergencies or authorized closings.