Chief of Police/Executive Director of Public Safety

Rice University•Houston, TX

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Rice University seeks a visionary and community-oriented leader to serve as the next Chief of Police and Executive Director of Public Safety. As the university advances its strategic vision, anchored by excellence in research, transformative undergraduate education, and deep engagement with the city of Houston. The Chief will play a pivotal role in ensuring a campus environment where innovation and safety coexist. This position is not merely about enforcement; it is about building a broad umbrella of protection that integrates traditional policing with emergency medical services and comprehensive emergency management, all while reflecting the culture of care that defines the Rice community. The Chief will oversee a sophisticated, integrated safety ecosystem that includes a commissioned police department (RUPD), a student-run Emergency Medical Services (REMS) program, and a comprehensive Emergency Management office. This role reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Research Security. As the public face of the Rice University Department of Public Safety, you will be a champion for transparency and collaboration. The Chief is expected to move beyond the station, actively engaging with campus committees, faculty, and student leadership to foster open lines of communication. By aligning public safety initiatives with the university’s mission, the Chief will ensure that the department’s strategic planning directly supports the academic and research goals of a premier global institution. The Chief will lead a team dedicated to providing a stable, secure foundation that allows our students and scholars to push the boundaries of knowledge. Beyond the hedges, the Chief serves as a vital link between the university and the broader Houston landscape. The Chief will be responsible for integrating Rice’s safety initiatives with Federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, ensuring a seamless response to regional challenges while advocating for the unique needs of a private research campus. We are looking for a strategic administrator who can execute sophisticated safety programs that protect our physical campus and enhance the well-being of the surrounding community. If you are a leader who values equity, modern policing standards, and the pursuit of a safe, inclusive environment, we invite you to help shape the future of Rice University.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration or related field
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Six or more (6+) years of experience in executive or senior command-level in a sworn law enforcement agency
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Exceptional leadership skills
Excellent knowledge of the role of a police department, medical services and emergency management within the university community and Rice University, with the ability to support the strategic plan, mission, and goals of the University
Ability to apply the University parking and traffic regulations and the appropriate state penal laws in a uniform, consistent, and fair manner
Excellent communication skills
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Ability to manage multiple priorities under stressful circumstances
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and how applicable to the RU community
Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as presentation skills
High comfort level working with leadership, faculty, staff, students, and the community
Proven ability to quickly assess complex organizations, manage crises, and communicate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Must be a licensed Peace Officer in the State of Texas (or able to obtain TCOLE licensure within 6 months).

Nice To Haves

Experience in a higher education or institutional environment
Master’s Degree

Responsibilities

Responsible for the strategic planning and solutions to the administrative challenges of the Rice University Department of Public Safety
Meets with administration and campus committees to provide updates and gain insight into campus security needs
Responsibly, manages the current operational budget for public safety, to include the Rice University Police Department (RUPD), Rice Emergency Medical Services (REMS), and Emergency Management (EM), ensuring fiscal prudence while maintaining critical services
Oversees all law enforcement activities, patrol, and investigations, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws, and university policies (e.g., Clery Act, Title IX, FERPA)
Directs the recruitment, selection, promotion, evaluation and accountability of staff
Determines ways to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of department staffing, functions and work process improvement
Oversees the investigation of crimes, management of evidence, and the analysis of safety trends to mitigate future risks
Implements and sustain a campus policing model that prioritizes relationship-building, cultural competency, and de-escalation
Develops and enforce departmental General Orders and Standard Operating Procedures that align with national best practices and CALEA standards
Provides administrative support and high-level guidance for Rice EMS, a unique, student-run volunteer organization
Ensures seamless coordination between RUPD, REMS and EM during medical emergencies and large-scale campus events
Monitors compliance with state health protocols and ensure student providers have the resources and training necessary for advanced life support
Overseeing the development, testing, and execution of the University’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)
Serves as a primary advisor to the President’s Office and the Crisis Management Team during active threats, weather emergencies, or public health incidents
Contributes to the design and enablement of university-wide table-top exercises and active-threat drills to ensure institutional readiness
Reinforces commitment to community-oriented policing, transparency, and accountability within the department
Performs comprehensive, objective assessment of the current organizational structure, policies, procedures, staffing, and technological resources across all public safety units
Addresses immediate and high-priority issues (e.g., personnel gaps, policy deficiencies, training needs) that require attention
Performs all other duties as assigned