Director of Security and Safety

Nebraska Wesleyan University is seeking a Director of Security and Safety who has experience in a higher education setting to lead the planning, development, and management of a comprehensive campus safety, security, and emergency preparedness program. The Director plays a pivotal role in ensuring a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors while supporting the University's mission and values.

This position is a full-time, 12-month professional staff position designed to provide flexibility and work-life balance while supporting our vibrant residential community. The incumbent will report to the Vice President for Finance and Administration and will oversee the security team while working alongside university administrators, employees, and students, to ensure effective strategies are implemented to maintain a secure campus environment. The incumbent will collaborate with internal stakeholders and local emergency response agencies to ensure effective strategies are implemented to maintain a secure campus environment. The Director will work to ensure the university is in compliance with federal regulations and safety initiatives including the Jean Clery Act, Threat Assessment Team and university Risk Management protocols.

A successful leader in this role will consistently deliver effective programs and efficient security services based on sustainable and collaborative outcomes aligned with the University's core mission. Candidates must possess strong leadership and organizational development skills that can develop and align operational capabilities and capacities with an overall approach that will encourage innovation, strengthen teamwork and relationship building, and lead to the accomplishment of well-defined strategic goals and objectives.

Prior to employment, applicants will have to successfully complete a criminal background check. NWU offers a competitive wage and comprehensive benefits plan including Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Retirement, generous paid vacation and sick leave, and 100% tuition remission after one year of service.

Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership and direction on all aspects of campus security and safety, including strategic planning.
• Conducts an on-going evaluation and analysis of the emergency, routine and preventative security and safety procedures for campus.
• Develops or enhance all written operation policies and procedures for campus safety while collaborating with Student Affairs, Human Resources, the Risk Management Team, Threat Assessment Team, Physical Plant team and university administration.
• Provides administrative direction, develop training, and supervise a third-party security team regarding safety and security procedures.
• Evaluates the current security and safety program for the campus on an ongoing basis and suggest necessary modifications.
• Maintains the campus crime log with accurate and timely records of incidents, crime statistics, and required reports for accurate reporting of crime statistics to the US Department of Education.
• Monitors campus security, camera systems, as well as campus fob system for door access and control.
• Participates in various committees as a representative for campus safety and security.
• Promotes a culture of safety through awareness campaigns, training sessions, and community engagement.
• Possesses extensive knowledge of strategic planning practices and experience developing and implementing multi-year strategic plans that reflect best practices and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
• Collaborates with the Physical Plant team to conduct mandatory building evacuation drills, ensure all fire alarm systems work correctly, record the date and time of all building evacuation drills and necessary corrective actions to ensure safety.
• Effectively manages large crowds, assesses the danger of situations, and works as liaison with first responders and law enforcement as needed on campus.
• Works with a team of colleagues to prepare and distribute the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, education, public administration, or another relevant field is preferred. Direct experience may be substituted for bachelor's degree.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in law enforcement, safety and security, investigations, community relations, university or educational setting, or similar environmental experience.
• Prior experience working in a university or school setting with supervisory experience is highly preferred.
• Experience planning, developing, and managing budgets to deliver emergency, routine and preventative security and safety protocols for the campus.
• Demonstrated ability to build strategic working relationships and communicate effectively within a diverse work environment.
• Must have good oral and written communication skills and demonstrate emotional intelligence and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated computer skills using a variety Microsoft Office Products including Outlook, Word, Excel and other related software for job-specific tasks.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including walking, running, lifting up to 50 lbs., and working in all weather.
• Must have -- or will need to obtain within 6 month -- CPR, First Aid, and AED certification.
• Other preferred certifications or trainings include: Clery Compliance Officer certification or National Incident Management System/Incident Command System training, Mental Health First Aid, Crowd Management, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Defensive Driver, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response.

Nebraska Wesleyan University provides equal educational and employment opportunities to qualified persons in all areas of university operation without regard to religion or creed, age, genetic information, gender identity and expression, sexual identity and orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status, race, or national or ethnic origin, in compliance with state and federal laws, including but not limited to Title XII, Title IX, and the ADA. E-Verify, EOE.

Please visit the NWU website for more information about our institution: nebrwesleyan.edu