Director of Police and Security

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute • Boston, MA

24d

About The Position

Join a Public Safety Department where your leadership helps shape a growing program. Be part of an expanding team building a modern, professional police function within a world-class healthcare environment. You’ll have the opportunity to mentor, develop, and lead dedicated professionals while helping define the future of public safety. If you’re passionate about team leadership, service, and building a first-class program from the ground up, your impact will be felt every day.

Receiving general direction from the Associate Vice President for Public Safety & Emergency Management, the Director of Police and Security leads and directs all law enforcement and security operations for the Institute. The role ensures a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for patients, families, visitors, faculty, and staff while protecting critical assets.

The Director oversees a professional hospital police and security workforce, guiding strategic planning, policy development, risk assessment, and technology integration to prevent and respond to threats. They develop and implement patient- and family-centered safety strategies that support dignity, access, and a healing environment.

Collaborating closely with clinical teams, patient advocates, and community partners, the Director balances a welcoming, therapeutic setting with effective safety protocols, emphasizing de-escalation, cultural competency, trauma-informed care, and procedural fairness. The role also manages budgeting, performance metrics, training, accreditation and licensure, incident reporting, and continuous quality improvement to meet contemporary standards and regulatory requirements.
Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Requirements

• Knowledge of healthcare security and hospital-based policing best practices, including IAHSS Healthcare Security Industry Guidelines.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts laws and regulations governing hospital police and security, including M.G.L. c. 22C §63 and POST Commission standards.
• Knowledge of Joint Commission, CMS, and other healthcare regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Knowledge of workplace violence prevention, behavioral threat assessment, and emergency management.
• Leadership and operational management of police and security functions in complex organizations.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication with patients, families, staff, leadership, and external partners.
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and risk assessment skills.
• Policy development, program implementation, and performance management skills.
• Budget development, financial oversight, and resource allocation skills.
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills in high-stress and emotionally charged environments.
• Ability to analyze data and metrics to drive continuous improvement.
• Ability to lead, develop, and hold accountable a diverse public safety workforce.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Ability to remain composed and exercise sound judgment during critical incidents.
• Ability to represent the organization professionally with regulators, law enforcement, and the community.
• Bachelor’s degree required in Criminal Justice, Healthcare Administration, Public Safety, Emergency Management, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in law enforcement, security operations, or public safety, with at least 5 years in senior leadership or management roles.
• Prior experience in healthcare or public safety environments, preferably within a hospital, academic medical center, or complex institutional setting.
• Proven record of developing and managing comprehensive security and police department programs, including policy, training, budgeting, operations, and community engagement.
• Must be eligible for appointment as a Special State Police Officer under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 22C, Section 63
• Must meet the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission certification requirements and maintain compliance with annual in-service and other mandated training standards.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred in Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead all police and security operations, ensuring alignment with the Institute’s mission, values, and patient- and family-centered care.
• Serve as the healthcare security subject matter expert, advising senior leadership on best practices, emerging threats, regulatory changes, and risk mitigation.
• Ensure full compliance with Massachusetts laws, POST Commission requirements, and relevant accreditation and regulatory standards; develop and enforce corresponding policies.
• Foster and promote a safe, welcoming, and therapeutic environment by embedding de-escalation, trauma-informed care, cultural competence, and procedural justice into all practices and policies.
• Oversee daily operations, risk assessments, workplace violence prevention, and emergency preparedness, while coordinating with Patient Experience, Clinical Operations, Behavioral Health, and Risk Management team and external law enforcement partners.
• Recruit, develop, and evaluate sworn and non-sworn staff, maintaining high professional standards, required certifications, and ongoing education.
• Use data-driven metrics, incident analysis, and budget management to guide resource allocation and continuous quality improvement. Prepare reports and presentations for executive leadership, governing bodies, and accreditation surveys.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director