University Executive Director of Public Safety (University Administrator) - Revised

POSITION DETAILS

The City University of New York (CUNY) is seeking a strategic, innovative, and solutions-oriented leader to serve as the University Executive Director (UED) of Public Safety. Reporting to the Executive Vice Chancellor/Chief Operating Officer, the UED is the senior-most authority for public safety, security, emergency management, and risk mitigation across the University. This leader provides the strategic vision and operational oversight needed to modernize safety practices and ensure the well-being of the CUNY community.

As CUNY's chief public safety executive, the UED oversees safety operations across 26 urban campuses, managing a broad portfolio that includes crime prevention, investigations, access control, fire and life safety, emergency preparedness, crisis response, and complex risk assessments involving human, chemical, and cyber-related threats. The UED also directs the Public Safety Training Academy, ensuring personnel receive high-quality, compliant training aligned with state and municipal standards.

Working collaboratively with Campus Public Safety Directors, Peace Officers, and external partners, the UED leads the development of an integrated safety network across the University. Key priorities include implementing systemwide policies, strengthening alert and communication systems, scaling best practices and emerging technologies, and supporting campus leadership in maintaining safe and inclusive environments. The UED models exceptional leadership grounded in professionalism, accountability, and community trust ensuring that CUNY remains a national leader in urban university public safety.


Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Policy, Program Development & Operational Excellence

• Lead development, implementation, and continuous refinement of University-wide public safety policies and standard operating procedures.
• Standardize operational protocols, performance metrics, and accountability frameworks across campuses.
• Oversee quality assurance initiatives, compliance programs, and regular safety inspection processes.
• Assess, select, and implement modern security technologies and enterprise safety systems to enhance overall operational effectiveness.

Emergency Management, Crisis Response & Risk Mitigation

• Direct enterprise-level emergency preparedness, continuity planning, and disaster readiness efforts.
• Coordinate crisis response operations with internal stakeholders and external partners including law enforcement, fire services, and EMS.
• Manage mass-notification systems and ensure effective communication during emergencies.
• Conduct risk and threat assessments across the University and lead development of mitigation strategies targeting human, environmental, chemical, and cyber-related vulnerabilities.

Strategic Leadership, Planning & Interagency Coordination

• Provide strategic guidance and expert counsel to senior University leadership on public safety priorities, emerging risks, and resource needs.
• Lead execution of the Public Safety Strategic Plan, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and evolving security demands.
• Collaborate closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, coordinating multi-agency operations and joint initiatives.

Workforce Leadership, Training & Organizational Development

• Supervise 15 essential public safety and administrative professionals, promoting excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the Public Safety Training Academy to ensure personnel receive high-quality, compliant, and modernized training.
• Manage University-wide recruitment, retention, credentialing, training compliance, and competency tracking for all public safety personnel.

Community Engagement, Communication & Campus Partnerships

• Cultivate strong relationships with campus communities, partner organizations, and external stakeholders to promote a community-centered approach to public safety.
• Communicate Public Safety goals, policies, produces, emergency preparation protocols, and other important public safety information to the University.
• Serve as spokesperson during emergencies, providing timely, accurate, and transparent communication to the media and University leadership.
• Strengthen CUNY's reputation as a leader in progressive, community-focused campus safety models.

Budget, Resource & Performance Management

• Support responsible planning, allocation, and stewardship of public safety resources and budgets.
• Align budget decisions with strategic and operational priorities to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Oversee regulatory reporting, accreditation efforts, and development of monthly, quarterly, and annual performance reports for executive leadership.

Systemwide Collaboration & Institutional Support

• Participate in and/or manage University-wide strategic planning, emergency management committees, and senior-level forums.
• Conduct campus visits, operational briefings, and provide guidance to campus Public Safety leadership teams.
• Support cross-campus initiatives and specialized safety operations that advance institutional goals.

NOTES:

1. This position is subject to a satisfactory background investigation by the University Office of Public Safety, which may include, but is not limited to, criminal history review, drug test, credit checks, driving record review, work history verification, reference checks, etc. This position is subject to random drug testing, as well as re-fingerprinting and re-investigation every five years.
2. Within one year of appointment to this title or sooner based on the availability and satisfactory completion of mandated university training, a person appointed to this position must qualify for Peace Officer status in accordance with the requirements of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, Bureau of Police Standards. Persons appointed to this position must, within one year of appointment to this title, receive New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services certified firearms training in accordance with New York P.L. article 35 and be eligible to carry firearms.
3. Candidates who may require consideration under NYS 211/212 may apply but must indicate this
   requirement in their cover letter.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum:


This position is in CUNY's Executive Compensation Plan. All executive positions require a minimum of a Bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience.

Preferred:


The ideal candidate will possess the following experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, training or certifications:

• A baccalaureate or advanced degree in police science, criminology, public administration or related law enforcement discipline and 10 years of progressively responsible public safety/security, law enforcement, or equivalent military experience, including at least five years of managerial and supervisory experience.
• A valid New York State driver license, New York State Residency and United Stated Citizenship in order to satisfy the New York State Peace Officer Statute.
• Completion of professional law enforcement police executive training program such as the FBI academy, the Northwestern University Traffic Institute (long course), the Police Executive Research Forum (Senior Management Institute) at the Institute for Police, or any other nationally accredited certificate program in law enforcement administration.
• Thorough knowledge of public safety concepts and law enforcement and security methods.
• Law enforcement experience in a public higher education setting with knowledge of Federal and New York State laws regarding campus law enforcement i.e., Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Clery Act, Title IX, etc.).
• Experience liaising with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Prior experience overseeing a police academy or law enforcement-training academy setting with the ability to establish strong esprit de corps among public safety officers.
• Experience in enacting emergency preparedness and disaster control procedures.
• Experience in designing and conducting risk and threat assessments.
• Ability to manage public safety and security operations and budget/fiscal affairs.
• Sensitivity to and understanding of, the diverse academic, social, economic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of urban college students.
• Detail-oriented and accurate with strong critical thinking and evaluation/assessment skills.
• Proactive, collaborative, flexible, and customer focused with strong interpersonal communication, negotiation, conflict-resolution/de-escalation, and group facilitation skills.
• Ability to foster collaborative relationships with diverse members of the University community and external constituents.
• Strong organizational and follow-through skills to develop and execute work plans, prioritize work, manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Computer proficiency using administrative and financial programs, systems or databases.

CUNY TITLE


University Administrator


COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range is $210,000 - $220,000 , commensurate with credentials, education, and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.


HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, submit a cover letter and resume online via CUNY's web-based job system, addressing how your experience and credentials meet the responsibilities and qualifications outlined.

The direct link to the job opening from external sources is:

Current CUNY employees must apply through CUNYfirst Employee Self Service using their login credentials. After you login, click the Careers tile on the Employee Self Service Menu page to view job openings

CLOSING DATE

Open until filled; the review of applications will begin 2 weeks after posting.


JOB SEARCH CATEGORY


CUNY Job Posting: Executive


EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY


CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.