Director - Law Enforcement Academy

Southeast Missouri State University•Cape Girardeau, MO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) invites applications for a highly qualified, results-oriented, professional to serve as Law Enforcement Academy Director. The Academy operates under the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology as a Missouri POST Commission authorized Training Center to provide initial training to new recruits, required annual training to officers, and specialized training to individual units and newly promoted officers. The Director is responsible for overseeing, managing, and supporting the design, implementation, management, and evaluation of all training programs for the Academy. The Director will facilitate professional development and continuing education and ensure all personnel are highly qualified and well equipped to perform their duties in a constitutional and impartial manner. The ideal candidate will be forward-thinking, strategic, and innovative, including leveraging information technology to help achieve continuous improvement. The Director will evaluate Academy faculty, develop new training curricula and lesson plans, and provide guidance on methods and practices of teaching to Academy staff and adjunct instructors. The Director will ensure the academic integrity of the Academy and the training programs offered, promote innovative teaching techniques, and manage partnerships with local law enforcement agencies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or related field; Master’s degree a plus. (Degree must be from a regionally accredited college or university.)
Missouri POST Class A Peace Officer License or ability to obtain within 6 months.
Missouri POST Generalist Instructor Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months.
Minimum of 12 years of progressive law enforcement experience, including advanced leadership training and supervisory duties.
Demonstrated knowledge of law enforcement training standards, principles, and adult education techniques.
Demonstrated knowledge and innovative approaches to modern law enforcement principles, techniques, and practices.
Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration with internal and external constituents.
Ability to work evenings or weekends as needed.
Ability to travel regionally for training coordination and academy promotion.
Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and oral and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree

Responsibilities

Serve as the POST-authorized Training Center Director and act under the Department Chairperson in that role.
Manage daily operations of training and standards for the Academy, including scheduling, logistics, and resource management.
Supervise training staff, adjunct instructors, and support personnel.
Maintain records for audit, accreditation, and funding purposes.
Ensure effective and efficient use of training budgets and personnel allocations.
Prepare reports, training metrics, and performance evaluations.
Lead strategic initiatives to evolve academy training methods.
Develop and maintain Continuing Law Enforcement Education (CLEE) certified curriculum and annual training calendar.
Coordinate advanced training opportunities for regional law enforcement personnel.
Ensure curriculum development, instructional quality, and regulatory compliance for the Law Enforcement Academy.
Collaborate with academic partners to integrate Academy training with higher education pathways.
Actively participate in law enforcement networks and advisory boards.