Police Lieutenant

Agency: Northern Virginia Community College – Division of Administration. Location: Fairfax County. Employment type: Full‑time. Pay range: $100,000 – $115,000. Work schedule: Rotating schedule. Telework: No (subject to change based on business needs). Position is an exempt, emergency/essential personnel role.

General Description

The Police Lieutenant is a sworn police officer with command‑level authority within the NOVA Police Department. The role is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing goals across the College in multiple geographic jurisdictions while providing administrative support and coordination for campus police. The department maintains safety and security of all employees, students, visitors, and College property. Officers may be reassigned to different locations, rotating schedules, and duties as needed.

Duties and Tasks

• Evaluate college‑wide and police department goals and directives, analyze complex situations (including emergencies), and ensure compliance with federal, state, NOVA policies, and department orders across multiple locations.
• Make decisions and coordinate resources within the command structure to ensure operational components and officers at multiple campuses can respond to health and safety matters.
• Ensure staff retain required Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) certifications and complete training required by the Commonwealth of Virginia, NOVA, and the Chief of Police.
• Make high‑level decisions concerning law, policy, and general orders; safeguard lives and College property; and proactively manage threats.
• Monitor and evaluate all staff, including supervision during non‑working hours.
• Maintain frequent contact with College leadership, staff, and students.
• Organize and coordinate joint enforcement efforts with other law‑enforcement agencies.
• Provide security through crime prevention, patrol, investigations, and enforcement of state laws.
• Make regular requests for employee updates and share feedback with supervisors for inclusion in the NOVA Brief.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of Police or designee, including special assignments during emergency declarations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Ability to work under pressure and independently.
• Effective communication with department and College leadership.
• Understanding of federal and state laws, NOVA policies, and procedures.
• Excellent organizational, communication, customer service, and administrative skills.
• Significant knowledge of law‑enforcement principles, security, crime detection, prevention, and investigation.
• Ability to draw logical conclusions from data and explain reasoning.
• Presentation skills.
• Knowledge of administrative functions and supervision of department personnel.
• Ability to plan security for special events.
• Strong oral and written communication.
• Physical and mental fitness to meet job demands.
• Proficiency with MS Windows, Office, and Outlook.

Minimum Work Experience and Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age.
• U.S. citizenship.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Certified police officer by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.
• Law‑enforcement experience at Sergeant level or above, including supervision, within the NOVA Police Department.
• Pass a thorough background investigation and fingerprint‑based criminal background check.
• Ability to testify in court proceedings.
• Unrestricted valid driver’s license in good standing.

Additional Considerations

• BA/BS in a related field or equivalent training and experience.
• Law‑enforcement experience at Lieutenant level or above, including supervision.
• Experience supporting senior‑level management.
• Experience with police equipment and campus police settings.
• Ability to speak another language.
• Operation of a state vehicle.
• Supervises employees.
• Travel to all NOVA campuses may be required.

Pay

Hiring range: $100,000 – $115,000.

Schedule

Rotating schedule. Full‑time position. No telework options (subject to change based on business needs).

Benefits

NOVA offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, generous paid leave, deferred compensation plans, paid parental leave, state employee discounts, and a solid retirement program. The College also provides tools and development opportunities to support its mission.

Additional Information

Northern Virginia Community College is the largest public institution of higher education in Virginia, enrolling nearly 75,000 students across six campuses and online programs. NOVA is committed to an inclusive community and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Employees must reside in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia.