Director, Safety and Security

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

20h

About The Position

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is led by the Office of the Chief of Police in the Division of Administration. VUPS is a dedicated team of over 400 professionals united by a shared commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all in the Vanderbilt community. Organized into several specialized units, our department includes commissioned officers, security professionals, and skilled administrative staff, all working collaboratively to uphold the highest standards of community-based policing . Key Functions and Expected Performance: Strategic Leadership & Administration Provide executive-level strategic and tactical leadership for all security units and shifts, optimizing staffing, resource allocation, and overall performance outcomes. Oversee the maintenance and review of shift schedules to ensure continuous and efficient departmental coverage. Lead routine, comprehensive audits and inspections of personnel, equipment, processes, and operational compliance with departmental and regulatory standards. Maintain comprehensive operational records and data, conduct high-level research, and prepare strategic proposals and contingency plans for senior management. Ensure all necessary reports and documentation are reviewed, complete, and meet required standards. Serve as the primary departmental representative in high-level management and key stakeholder meetings, keeping departmental leadership informed of all significant security-related incidents and trends. Lead accountability measures and implement frameworks to ensure fair, equitable, and consistent service delivery across the department. Personnel Management & Development Directly supervise Safety and Security Managers and oversee the comprehensive training and professional development of all departmental staff, including Weapons Detection Specialists and Community Service Officers. Oversee all aspects of personnel administration, including performance management, coaching, counseling, and leading corrective action processes. Direct the performance management process, ensuring formal performance evaluations are conducted and constructive feedback is provided to managers. Oversee preliminary investigations into employee misconduct complaints, providing disciplinary recommendations to the Chief of Police when warranted. Actively lead and participate in the recruitment, selection, and interview process for new staff candidates and managers. Oversee the management of time approval, payroll submissions, and leave requests, ensuring compliance with organizational policies. Security Operations & Service Delivery Oversee and manage the timely and effective execution of all service-oriented operations, including: Emergency response (fire, medical). Building security checks and directed patrols. Bi-weekly Emergency Phone Testing. Responses for vehicle access services, motorist assistance, and security/personal safety escort requests. Ensure the strict supervision of secure transport services for psychiatric patients, collaborating with medical personnel and adhering to all safety protocols. Serve as operational backup for Security Managers during critical staffing needs or emergencies. Community Engagement & Partnerships Cultivate and maintain strong, professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including enforcement officials, the public, and diverse university/medical center constituencies. Lead proactive patrol initiatives and foster collaborative problem-solving through community partnerships to identify and mitigate security risks and develop effective crime prevention strategies. Coordinate with Community Relations personnel on physical security, safety information, and crime prevention strategies. Manage and coordinate security operations for all high-profile special events, including athletic events, concerts, commencement, and visiting dignitaries, ensuring effective crowd control and order maintenance. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Business Management, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.
A minimum of five (5) years of progressive management experience in a law enforcement or similar high-level security setting, including experience supervising mid-level managers.
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record (subject to continuous third-party monitoring).
Successful completion of all VUPS training requirements within 30 days of hire, including: De-escalation, Pressure Point Control Tactics, and pepper spray training (or equivalent).
CPR and AED certification.
Community Service Officer training.
Demonstrated knowledge of all University and Police Department written directives, rules, and regulations.
Demonstrated expertise in strategic leadership, personnel development, performance management, and effectively handling complex disciplinary issues with fairness.
Proven ability to lead by example and function with significant independence and limited direction.
Exceptional ability to make timely, sound, fact-based decisions quickly, remaining objective, and accepting responsibility for outcomes.
Must demonstrate self-restraint and remain calm and objective during stressful or unpleasant situations.
Exceptionally demonstrated written and oral communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, enforcement personnel, and a diverse range of University and Medical Center constituents (students, faculty, staff, parents).
Exceptional customer service skills and the ability to maintain professionalism and credibility when interacting with diverse internal and external contacts.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
Must be able to stand for long periods, walk, climb, and lift.
Must meet written departmental standards for appearance and grooming.
Must pass a thorough background investigation and drug test demonstrating good moral character, a good driving record, and no prior criminal convictions that would prohibit certification under the State of Tennessee Private Protective Services Act.
Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays and be willing to work in inclement weather and various weather extremes.
Must be able to use necessary precautionary equipment (e.g., TB mask) and may encounter hazardous materials, infectious disease, blood-borne pathogens, loud noises, and potential physical danger from violent individuals.
Must obtain required immunizations and medical tests to work in patient care and high-risk areas.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of standard computer programs, including MS Word and Excel, is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide executive-level strategic and tactical leadership for all security units and shifts, optimizing staffing, resource allocation, and overall performance outcomes.
Oversee the maintenance and review of shift schedules to ensure continuous and efficient departmental coverage.
Lead routine, comprehensive audits and inspections of personnel, equipment, processes, and operational compliance with departmental and regulatory standards.
Maintain comprehensive operational records and data, conduct high-level research, and prepare strategic proposals and contingency plans for senior management.
Ensure all necessary reports and documentation are reviewed, complete, and meet required standards.
Serve as the primary departmental representative in high-level management and key stakeholder meetings, keeping departmental leadership informed of all significant security-related incidents and trends.
Lead accountability measures and implement frameworks to ensure fair, equitable, and consistent service delivery across the department.
Directly supervise Safety and Security Managers and oversee the comprehensive training and professional development of all departmental staff, including Weapons Detection Specialists and Community Service Officers.
Oversee all aspects of personnel administration, including performance management, coaching, counseling, and leading corrective action processes.
Direct the performance management process, ensuring formal performance evaluations are conducted and constructive feedback is provided to managers.
Oversee preliminary investigations into employee misconduct complaints, providing disciplinary recommendations to the Chief of Police when warranted.
Actively lead and participate in the recruitment, selection, and interview process for new staff candidates and managers.
Oversee the management of time approval, payroll submissions, and leave requests, ensuring compliance with organizational policies.
Oversee and manage the timely and effective execution of all service-oriented operations, including: Emergency response (fire, medical). Building security checks and directed patrols. Bi-weekly Emergency Phone Testing. Responses for vehicle access services, motorist assistance, and security/personal safety escort requests.
Ensure the strict supervision of secure transport services for psychiatric patients, collaborating with medical personnel and adhering to all safety protocols.
Serve as operational backup for Security Managers during critical staffing needs or emergencies.
Cultivate and maintain strong, professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including enforcement officials, the public, and diverse university/medical center constituencies.
Lead proactive patrol initiatives and foster collaborative problem-solving through community partnerships to identify and mitigate security risks and develop effective crime prevention strategies.
Coordinate with Community Relations personnel on physical security, safety information, and crime prevention strategies.
Manage and coordinate security operations for all high-profile special events, including athletic events, concerts, commencement, and visiting dignitaries, ensuring effective crowd control and order maintenance.
Performs other duties as assigned.