Director of Public Safety

Job Description

Job Description

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Experience, the Director of Public Safety is primarily responsible for leading, managing, and evaluating all Public Safety personnel, programs, and services. The director provides effective leadership in times of crises, conflict, and other challenges facing the safety of the campus. Responsibilities include: development, implementation, and evaluation of public safety programs and services; management of a comprehensive campus parking program, effective implementation of federal and university standards and regulation for safety/security; developing effective relationships and coordination with relevant law enforcement agencies including government investigation units and mutual law enforcement functions; effective financial management of department funds and budgets; development of effective emergency protocols and plans as they relate to assigned areas; and delivering security/safety training to the campus community.

As a member of the Student Experience leadership team, the Director serves in an on-call capacity, responding to campus emergencies and collaborating with senior leadership. The Director participates in student conduct investigations and hearings as needed and serves on campus-wide committees. Working collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external partners, this role will work to enhance campus safety and ensure the department reflects the University’s commitment to inclusive, transparent, and community-centered practices.

Salary: $62,354-$64,853 annually

Essential Functions
Under the direction of the Vice President for Student Experience, the Director will plan, organize, and oversee all aspects of the Department of Public Safety, including but not limited to:

• Provide leadership for a department operating 24/7, ensuring effective daily operations.
• Develop and articulate a strategic vision grounded in professional best practices for Public Safety.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, schedule, and retain qualified Public Safety Officers and student guards.
• Develop and implement comprehensive training programs, including field training, in-service, and ongoing professional development.
• Establish and maintain policies and operational procedures that ensure consistency, compliance, and coordination of personnel, equipment, and processes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and University regulations, including Clery Act requirements and preparation of the Annual Security Report, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act.
• Prepare and manage the department’s operational budget.
• Maintain and update the University’s Integrated Contingency Plan with campus partners.
• Lead planning, implementation, and assessment of Public Safety initiatives and related University strategic plan initiatives.
• Oversee parking enforcement across campus and all University-owned property.
• Coordinate and oversee investigations related to Alfred University community members.
• Lead campus-wide emergency preparedness and response efforts by coordinating tabletop exercises and drills.
• Manage, operate and activate the University’s emergency notification system; developing clear, timely, and responsive emergency communications (i.e., RAVE emergency alerts).
• Develop and conduct emergency preparedness training programs for faculty, staff, and students.
• Assess physical security and emergency management systems and recommend enhancements (e.g., cameras, card access, public address systems).
• Coordinate campus-wide safety communications.
• Serve on the CARE team, Behavioral Assessment Team, and Safety Committee.
• Assist with Title IX investigations and hearings as needed.
• Represent Alfred University in partnerships with the Village of Alfred, Village of Alfred Police Department, Alfred State College, NYS University Police, and other local, state, and professional organizations.
• Participate in professional development at the national, state, and regional levels.
• Engage in Student Experience meetings, forums, retreats, and other assigned activities.

Other  Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain 24/7, year-round on-call availability.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and advisor to senior leadership on safety, security, and emergency management initiatives.
• Maintain a service-oriented approach to working with colleagues, students, faculty, staff, as well as other community stakeholders and a willingness to embrace the University’s mission and values.
• Work independently with reliability while exercising ethical leadership, sound judgment, and sensitivity to the unique role of public safety in higher education.
• Ensure appropriate staffing coverage and accountability through effective scheduling.
• Monitor departmental compliance with university policies and operational standards.
• Oversee safety operations, communications, dispatch, and patrol functions.
• Foster a compassionate, inclusive, and community-minded Public Safety team.
• Build and sustain relationships that promote trust between Public Safety and the campus community.
• Maintain a safe working environment in compliance with safety regulations, including proper handling of Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information.
• Participate in all required training, including safety and professional development programs.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, professionalism, and the ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Exhibit cultural competence and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Qualifications-Education & Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Psychology, Sociology, or related field
  • A minimum of eight (8) years of experience in safety and security, law enforcement, or emergency management
  • A minimum of five (5) years of experience in a leadership (supervisory) capacity.
  • Valid New York State driver’s license and a driving record which is aligned with the University’s motor vehicle policy

The successful candidate will also possess proven managerial ability with specific training in supervisory /management skills and responsibilities in a 24/7 university setting; demonstrated success in managing complex projects; demonstrated experience building consensus; working with teams; exhibiting sound judgment; practicing flexibility; working within a constantly changing environment; and exhibiting strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master’s degree
  • NIMS/ICS, CPR/AED certification
  • Knowledge of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

Highly desired qualifications and skills include the ability to lead change and foster continuous improvement across an organization; experience overseeing and managing budgets; a solid commitment to customer service, working courteously and effectively with students, faculty, staff, the media, and the community; excellent administrative, organizational, oral, and written communication, interpersonal, and public relations skills; commitment to a team-oriented leadership style; ability to build enduring, collaborative working relationships that engender trust and respect; demonstrated knowledge of Clery Act, Title IX, and other compliance requirements; strong data analysis capability; ability and willingness to work flexible hours; and an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and to promoting an inclusive campus climate.

Physical Demands & Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when required. A respiratory function test and the ability to use respirators may be required. Stairs and uneven surfaces may be present; artificial lifts, etc. may or may not be available. The position may require the incumbent to walk outdoors in all types of weather to other buildings or offices located on the campus. The Campus is located in an area that contains numerous hills and slopes and may not always be fully accessible for mobility impaired individuals. 

About Alfred University
Lighting the way for students since 1836. "We've always been a place for makers, especially those who make the future. Our commitment to independent thinking, creativity, academic rigor and community have made us a unique kind of leader since 1836."

Alfred University (AU) was founded on principles of social justice in 1836 by liberal, independent thinkers who placed high value on education for all citizens. The University has retained and built upon the strong values of its founders, developing as an institution of national and international renown that is responsive to the needs of contemporary society while remaining consistent with the spirit of its origins. Alfred University is the second oldest coeducational college in the United States as well as one of the earliest nineteenth century colleges to have enrolled African American and Native American students. It has a long-standing history of educating socially conscious students who make a difference in their professions and their communities. 

Over the course of the twentieth century, Alfred University evolved into a complex institution offering a full range of programs in the liberal arts and sciences, art and design, engineering, business, education, counseling, and school psychology to its nearly 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students that live, learn, and play on a 232-acre campus located in an idyllic, creative valley in Western New York. To learn more, visit alfred.edu. 
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Alfred University actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee, student or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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