Director of Public Safety

Salem Academy and College•Winston Salem, NC

12h•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Public Safety leads Salem Academy and College’s non-sworn, unarmed Department of Public Safety and reports directly to the Executive Director of Operations. The Director is responsible for the department’s strategic planning, personnel administration, employee development, policies, and overall operations. The role maintains partnerships with the Winston-Salem Police Department and other local law enforcement, fire, EMS, and emergency response agencies for matters requiring sworn law enforcement action, arrest authority, or criminal investigation. As an essential employee, the Director implements campus safety best practices and community-oriented services, ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, and prepares and distributes the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report required by the Clery Act. The Director fosters a welcoming, service-oriented department culture and helps maintain a safe and secure campus for students, staff, and guests. The position requires rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and work during inclement weather or other circumstances requiring public safety staffing. The Director also provides after-hours support for emergency facility-related matters as needed. Salem Academy and College is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in criminal justice, public administration, higher education administration, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in campus safety, security administration, higher education, or a related field, including supervisory or management experience.
Demonstrated experience with emergency management planning, Clery Act compliance, and collaborative partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency response agencies.
Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification, or ability to obtain certification within six months of hire.
Ability to pass a background check; subject to drug testing.
Valid driver’s license.
Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, and presentation communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, Salem community members, surrounding community, and law enforcement and emergency response partners.
Knowledge of campus safety and security best practices in a non-sworn, unarmed public safety environment.
Ability to handle situations calmly, courteously, tactfully, and impartially, with an emphasis on de-escalation and trauma-informed response.
Ability to multitask and work independently, with demonstrated problem-solving skills.
Ability to supervise and guide individuals or groups, balance employee concerns with management requirements, give constructive feedback, and manage performance and disciplinary issues fairly.
Skill in developing and coordinating department training programs, including customer service, de-escalation, and emergency response training.
Knowledge of office administration, business operations, budgeting, and reporting.
Knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework governing campus safety, including the Clery Act, Title IX, and related federal and state requirements.
Ability to manage documentation and records related to safety incidents, reports, and investigations.
Knowledge of purchasing and inventory control practices.
Ability to organize work and maintain schedules, adapt to changing requirements and priorities, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, and provide collaborative leadership grounded in community trust.
Physical ability to bend, squat, stand, kneel, walk, climb, regularly ascend and descend stairs, walk long distances, sit for varying lengths of time, reach above shoulders, handle keys, tools, and objects, and push, pull, carry, or lift up to 40 pounds.
Ability to access and work in confined or elevated spaces, safely perform assigned duties, and operate required equipment.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in changing temperatures and weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Experience within a non-sworn, unarmed campus safety environment is strongly preferred.
Bachelor’s degree emphasis in criminal justice, public administration, higher education administration, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Executive Director of Operations on departmental advancement, capital, strategic training, campus safety, and operating plans.
Direct, supervise, and evaluate departmental staff and supervisors, and ensure employees receive appropriate training.
Recruit, hire, train, and develop public safety officers using a community-focused, service-oriented approach.
Assist with departmental budgets; order equipment and supplies, monitor inventory, and request capital expenditures as needed.
Establish department goals, plans, objectives, policies, directives, and procedures, and evaluate departmental effectiveness.
Maintain and update department practices, policies, and procedures consistent with a non-sworn, unarmed campus safety model.
Serve as Clery Compliance Officer in partnership with Salem administration and prepare the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
Coordinate with the College Title IX Coordinator on campus-wide training, investigations, and safety planning.
Inspect and oversee department personnel, equipment, and operational practices, identifying opportunities to improve operations and service.
Ensure timely notification to appropriate Salem stakeholders and departments.
Oversee staff discipline and make recommendations on disciplinary decisions; ensure complaints against employees are investigated thoroughly and fairly.
Plan and maintain customer and stakeholder relations, outreach, and educational programming on safety, crime prevention, and risk reduction.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with local law enforcement, fire, EMS, and first responder agencies, serving as the college’s primary liaison for matters requiring their authority or response.
Participate in community organization meetings focused on safety and security.
Oversee campus building and property security, including access control, key/card systems, and camera systems; develop contingency and emergency plans and advise senior staff on safety matters.
Oversee campus patrols and ensure prompt response to safety concerns, with appropriate escalation to law enforcement or other agencies when required.
Serve as the college’s primary contact for campus emergency incidents, directing internal response and coordinating with campus partners and outside responders as needed.
Serve on Salem’s Emergency Operations Response team and other task forces as appointed.
Maintain daily contact with students, staff, faculty, parents, and other community members in a manner consistent with Salem’s values and student-centered environment.
Lead and manage the department and take ultimate responsibility for its operations, performance, and culture.
Provide after-hours support for emergency facility-related matters as needed.
Work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, during inclement weather, and when other circumstances require public safety staffing.
Perform other tasks, duties, and responsibilities as assigned.