Associate Vice President of Public Safety

Associate Vice President of Public Safety As you take your first step onto a Western University of Health Sciences campus, each path, each person, each structure comes with a transformative story. WesternU is more than the practice of medicine. We are defined by character and culture. At WesternU, you will discover humanism at the heart of every interaction: a warm welcome, a sincere smile, a positive word, a kind deed, a thoughtful gesture. You will see students work together on case studies; a parade of pets in campus parks; student clubs offering opportunities for career growth and community involvement; and faculty, staff and students designing their future and the future of WesternU. We display a collaborative mindset in how we operate, educate, and serve others. Although, geographically, we are two campuses - as humanists, we are one: to enhance and extend the quality of life in our communities and achieve excellence in everything we do. We attract diverse, professional faculty, staff and students that thrive in an environment of humanistic health care education. Join our team of faculty and staff and make a difference. Position Title Position Title Associate Vice President of Public Safety Position Control Number Position Control Number A04078 Type of Position Type of Position Administration Position Status Position Status Full-time Department Department 5702-Campus Security Campus Campus Western University Campus-Pomona, CA Position Location Position Location California Job Summary The Associate Vice President ( AVP ) of Public Safety is the senior leader responsible for the strategic direction, operational management, and continuous improvement of campus security/safety, emergency management, and environmental health & safety ( EHS ) across WesternU’s California and Oregon campuses. The AVP will ensure a safe, secure, and compliant environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors, and will champion a culture of humanism, accountability, and operational excellence. The AVP will directly supervise the Director of Campus Security, Clery Compliance Specialist, Security Clerk, and Oregon Campus Security Supervisor. This role reports to the Senior Vice President of Institutional Shared Services & Chief Operating Officer. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Comprehensive knowledge of public safety, campus security, emergency management, and environmental health & safety ( EHS ) best practices in higher education. Strong understanding of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements (e.g., Clery Act, OSHA , Title IX, FERPA ) and the ability to integrate compliance into daily operations. Expertise in crisis management, business continuity, risk mitigation, and threat assessment. Familiarity with emerging technologies in public safety, including emergency notification, access control, surveillance, and incident reporting systems. Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire multi-site teams with a culture of accountability, professionalism, and humanism. Excellent strategic planning, organizational management, and resource allocation skills. Skilled communicator with the ability to build trust, foster collaboration, and partner effectively with students, faculty, staff, external agencies, and community stakeholders. Strong conflict resolution, negotiation, and consensus‑building abilities, particularly in sensitive or high‑stakes situations. Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and performance metrics to support decision‑making and continuous improvement. Ability to remain calm, decisive, and effective during crises, while exercising sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality. Capacity to balance strategic leadership with operational detail and to adapt quickly to evolving institutional and environmental needs. Demonstrate a commitment to working in an organization that values and promotes humanism. Required Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public safety, emergency management, environmental health & safety, law enforcement, or related field. Experience Must be a current or retired sworn Peace Officer with a minimum of 15 (fifteen) years of experience, including at least 7 (seven) years as a supervisor. Minimum 7 years of progressive leadership experience in public safety, campus security, emergency management, environmental health & safety, or law enforcement, preferably in higher education. Demonstrated experience managing multi‑site operations and matrixed teams. Proven track record in regulatory compliance, risk management, and crisis response. Certifications/Licenses and Qualifications Must possess or have the ability to obtain a current and valid Bureau of Security and Investigative Services ( BSIS ) Firearms Permit/Exposed Firearms Permit (including Guard Card) and a legal firearm, as defined by the State of California. Must hold a valid California Concealed Weapons Permit if the incumbent plans to carry a concealed weapon. Valid California drivers’ license (or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire). Must pass the CORI criminal background check. Preferred Qualifications Professional certifications (e.g., CPP , CEM , CHMM ). Key Responsibilities Leadership & Oversight Develop and implement a comprehensive public safety strategy aligned with WesternU’s mission, values, and strategic plan. Directly supervise the Director of Campus Security, Security Clerk, and Oregon Campus Security Supervisor. Coordinate safety activities for the Oregon campus in collaboration with the AVP of ISS Oregon Operations. Serve as the primary liaison to university leadership, external agencies, and community partners on public safety matters. Directly supervise the Clery Compliance Officer to ensure accurate reporting, training, and adherence to Clery Act requirements. Operations & Compliance Oversee daily operations of campus security/safety, emergency management, and EHS departments. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (Clery Act, OSHA , Title IX, etc.). Direct safety training, drills, and professional development for all public safety staff. Emergency Management & Continuity Develop, implement, and maintain emergency management plans, business continuity strategies, and crisis response protocols. Oversee environmental health & safety programs, hazard assessments, and regulatory compliance. People & Culture Build a high‑performing team that reflects WesternU’s commitment to humanism. Promote professional development, collaboration, and open communication within the public safety division and perform other related duties as assigned to support the mission and evolving needs of the University and the ISS Division. Posting Details Continued Work Schedule While standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the Associate Vice President of Public Safety position requires a high degree of flexibility and responsiveness in support of a 24/7 university environment. The incumbent is expected to be available on‑call as needed for emergencies, critical incidents, threat assessment matters, major campus events, and other operational or safety‑related issues that may arise outside normal business hours. We believe in making an impact in the lives of our employees, personally, and professionally. Every employee has different individual and/or family needs. We offer benefits that are both comprehensive and flexible to address your unique needs. We believe work‑life harmony is positive and achievable. Benefits We offer competitive salaries, generous paid time off, insurance plans, reimbursements, and retirement benefits. Our faculty, staff, and administrators are 100% focused on student success. Our University culture creates the context for a nurturing and supportive environment. Faculty, staff, and students can expect to make deep, personal relationships within the University community. As a Faculty, Staff, or Student at WesternU, you can focus on work that you love, be your authentic self, and lead to the future with innovation in health sciences. WesternU’s core value of humanism encourages all to bring their whole self in all that they do. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, equity, collaboration, and fun at all levels for all people! Expected Pay Scale Minimum Minimum $195,000.00 Annually Maximum Maximum $212,000.00 Annually Physical Demands Do the essential functions of this job require lifting? Do the essential functions of this job require lifting? Yes If yes, list maximum weight and duration The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to operate a PC in the performance of job duties, and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to sit, and reach with hands and arms, and occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus. Describe Work Environment The AVP will work in a dynamic university environment, with responsibilities spanning office, campus, and field settings, and may be required to carry a firearm as part of their duties, in accordance with university policy and applicable laws. The #J-18808-Ljbffr Western University of Health Sciences