Major

Mercer University•Atlanta, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Mercer University is searching for a Major for the Atlanta campus. The Major serves as the senior law enforcement administrator for Mercer University's Atlanta Campus and is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and operational effectiveness of campus public safety and police services. The Major provides strategic direction and oversight for personnel, training, policy development, fleet and equipment management, emergency preparedness, community engagement, crime prevention initiatives, and interagency partnerships. The Major ensures that police operations align with the University's mission while maintaining a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff, patients, visitors, and campus partners. This position serves as the primary liaison between Mercer University and local, state, and federal law enforcement, emergency management, and public safety agencies. The Major is expected to foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, service, and community-oriented policing while developing future leaders within the department.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Emergency Management, Higher Education Administration, or a related field and two years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including supervisory roles or command-level role with demonstrated use of law enforcement technology systems.
In lieu of a degree, an equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered.
Candidates must have current Georgia POST Peace Officer Certification in Basic Law Enforcement or the ability to obtain Georgia POST certification through reciprocity within three months of employment.
Demonstrated experience in personnel management, leadership development, policy administration, and organizational management.
Experience managing complex investigations, critical incidents, and emergency response operations.
Extensive knowledge of modern law enforcement practices, community policing philosophies, and campus safety principles.
Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate policies and operational procedures.
Ability to build partnerships and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Knowledge of emergency management, threat assessment, and critical incident response.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of professionalism and integrity.
Knowledge of emergency preparedness, response, and recovery protocols.
Proficiency with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, Records Management Systems (RMS), and incident reporting software to review, approve, and analyze reports, track calls for service, and monitor resource deployment.
Competence in using email systems, scheduling tools, and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom) for internal and external collaboration.
Adaptability to new technologies, which includes the ability to quickly learn and implement emerging software and technology solutions relevant to law enforcement operations.
Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Subject to on-call duty and emergency response.
Selection of the final candidate is contingent upon successful background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a college/university law enforcement environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Direct, supervise, and evaluate all police and public safety operations on the Atlanta Campus.
Develop operational goals, objectives, and performance standards consistent with departmental and University priorities.
Provide leadership, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for supervisory and line personnel.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, POST, and University policies and regulations.
Coordinate daily operations, special events, security initiatives, and emergency responses.
Serve as acting commander during critical incidents and major events.
Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, and evaluate sworn and non-sworn personnel.
Develop and administer training programs to ensure personnel maintain proficiency and professional standards.
Identify leadership development opportunities and succession planning initiatives.
Conduct performance evaluations and assist with disciplinary processes when necessary.
Ensure departmental compliance with Georgia POST training requirements and accreditation standards, where applicable.
Develop, review, revise, and implement departmental policies, procedures, and directives.
Ensure policies reflect current laws, best practices, risk management principles, and University expectations.
Conduct audits and inspections to ensure compliance with departmental standards.
Lead initiatives related to professional standards, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Promote community-oriented policing strategies that enhance relationships with students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Serve as a visible and accessible leader within the campus community.
Participate in campus committees, orientations, safety presentations, and community outreach programs.
Collaborate with student affairs, academic departments, housing, and other stakeholders to address campus safety concerns.
Serve as the primary liaison with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Coordinate mutual aid, investigations, intelligence sharing, and emergency response efforts.
Participate in emergency planning, continuity of operations, and crisis management initiatives.
Represent Mercer University during public safety meetings, task forces, and professional organizations.
Oversee departmental fleet operations, equipment procurement, maintenance, and inventory control.
Assist with budget planning and management.
Evaluate technology, equipment, and resource needs to support operational effectiveness.
Ensure responsible stewardship of university resources.