Yale Deputy Director of Public Safety

Yale University•New Haven, CT

56d•$150,000 - $240,000•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Head of Public Safety, the Deputy Director of Public Safety administers the efficient daily operations of the Office of Public Safety and the development and implementation of comprehensive and integrated campus public safety programs. Assists in the planning, organization, and direction of various functions in the Office of Public Safety. Conducts meetings with staff to identify solutions to operational challenges presented. Ensures delivery of services aligns with contemporary best practices and regulations, policies, and community expectations. Participates in the preparation and administration of department and unit budgets. Coordinates and collaborates with internal and external partners in matters related to Public Safety operations. Evaluates effectiveness of programs administered by the department and compiles and issues reports regarding department performance. Monitors allocation of resources for mission effectiveness or potential realignment. Events or incidents on campus may require off-hours or weekend presence. Reporting to the Head of Public Safety, the Deputy Director of Public Safety provides strategic and operational leadership across all Public Safety functions to ensure a safe, secure, and welcoming campus environment. The Deputy fosters integration, efficiency, and collaboration across police, security, and safety operations while advancing service excellence and meaningful community engagement. This role plays a critical part in shaping operational strategy, performance management, and resource alignment to support the University's mission and Public Safety's commitment to safety, trust, and service excellence. The Deputy represents the department at internal and external meetings with faculty, staff, students, local agencies, and senior University leadership to promote transparency, collaboration, and partnership across all Public Safety initiatives. The Deputy Director identifies opportunities to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, reduce duplication, and elevate the quality of services across Public Safety units. The role collaborates with leaders on strategic planning initiatives involving safety and security programs, community outreach, customer service, training, and special events, and develops programs that strengthen the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Strategic initiatives under the Deputy's direction include planning and implementation of capital projects, integration of the Yale Police Department dispatch center into the new Public Safety Operations Center, and the collaborative deployment of police and security field operations to ensure visibility, responsiveness, and agility. The Deputy will also enhance collaboration across departmental functions related to accreditation, professional standards, scheduling and billing, recruitment, fleet management, labor relations, and other initiatives as directed by the Head of Public Safety. The Deputy advises the Head of Public Safety on matters of operational accountability, strategic planning, and resource stewardship; contributes to the development of both short- and long-term plans; and assists with the creation of key performance indicators to support departmental goals and mission outcomes. Serving as a key representative of the Head of Public Safety, the Deputy engages with faculty, staff, students, vendors, community partners, and University leadership to ensure communication, collaboration, and coordinated service delivery. Success in this role requires proactive partnership across University functions-including the Office of the General Counsel, Facilities, Risk Management, Human Resources, Faculty Affairs, Yale College Dean's Office, Yale School of Medicine, Student Affairs, and Health Services-to deliver comprehensive, forward-thinking solutions to campus safety challenges. Provide strategic leadership and oversight of assigned Public Safety operational units, ensuring efficiency, integration, and consistency across police, security, and safety functions. Advance the Office of Public Safety's mission by providing clear direction and strategic vision for department initiatives and long-term goals. Identify and implement process improvements that enhance operational effectiveness, reduce duplication, and align with best practices and compliance standards. Oversee major departmental projects including technology integration, accreditation, professional standards, scheduling, fleet management, and labor relations. Drive implementation of key strategic initiatives that enhance safety, service quality, and operational excellence-including capital projects, the Public Safety Operations Center, and unified field operations that promote visibility and responsiveness. Lead operational planning and performance management through the development of measurable goals, key performance indicators, and accountability systems aligned with departmental and University objectives. Convene regular leadership and project meetings, including weekly unit forums and the Risk Management Working Group, to ensure coordination, accountability, and progress on departmental priorities. Promote professional development, training, and staff engagement to cultivate a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative workforce. Partner with internal and external stakeholders-including faculty, staff, students, and local and regional public safety resources, including law enforcement-to strengthen collaboration, communication, and community engagement. Serve as the principal liaison to the Office of the Yale Fire Marshal and oversee fire prevention and related safety programs. Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as University policies-including Clery Act reporting, emergency preparedness, and fire safety coordination. Provide leadership and oversight of specialized initiatives such as Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED), drone operations, and other strategic safety programs. Manage the portfolio of Public Safety facilities and spaces, ensuring alignment with operational and programmatic needs. Represent the Office of Public Safety at University and community meetings, fostering transparency, collaboration, and partnership across all stakeholders. Serve as Acting Head of Public Safety when designated, maintaining continuity of leadership, decision-making, and communication across all Public Safety units.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge of current issues and best practices in law enforcement, crime prevention, and public safety.
Must also have a sense of vision, strong leadership and interpersonal skills, and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
Knowledge of emergency planning and management.
Possess an appreciation for the complexity of public safety in the context of a residential and dynamic university campus with a significant international population, as well as an unwavering commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in every facet of the department's activities.
Experience work with a unionized work force and a record of success establishing and maintaining positive labor/management relations, proven ability to motivate a diverse workforce to succeed as a high-functioning team, and the capacity to inspire trust and confidence among staff.
CT Operator's License
Bachelor's Degree in related field.
Eight years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of 7 years of progressive senior level management experience in law enforcement or related public safety field.
Advanced degree in a related field.
Prior command experience within a higher education environment.
Previous experience working in a an accredited environment. An understanding of student life and the needs/issues of a campus community.

Responsibilities

Directs one or more functional areas within an administrative department of the University and ensure compliance with University policies and procedures.
Directs analytic and research support for educational policies and planning and develops and approves administrative policies affecting assigned functional areas of the University.
Directs and establishes parameters for major projects for the department and University.
Interprets federal policies and regulations and educates staff and administration about regulations, restrictions, and the legal responsibilities of the University.
Directs and implements policy and program modifications and develops standards to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
Develops and administers an operating budget for the assigned department consistent with University policies and procedures.
Develops cost savings objectives and goals; authorizes major purchases and negotiates contracts that range from routine to complex in nature.
Establishes and implements long- and short-range goals for the functional area consistent with University goals and objectives.
Directs the development of related automated systems to support the function; determines office policies and procedures for use of automated systems.
Directs the evaluation and selection of vendors and negotiates contract details including work steps and pricing with the vendors on behalf of the assigned functional area.
Works with internal and external contacts to solve problems that range from routine to complex in nature.
Represents the University in discussions and negotiations with various governmental agencies.
Directs a staff of exempt and nonexempt employees.
May perform other duties as assigned.