Public Safety Ambassador Supervisor

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Public Safety Ambassador Supervisor works within Cornell University’s Division of Public Safety to help maintain a safe, secure, and respectful campus. Reporting to the Director of Security Services, this role oversees daily operations, supervises and develops Public Safety Ambassador staff, coordinates patrol and facility-protection activities, supports community engagement, enforces established procedures, and collaborates with campus partners on safety and security efforts. The supervisor provides operational leadership through personnel and area inspections, performance management, staffing coverage, scheduling, shift coverage, and timekeeping. The role includes mentoring and training staff; supporting security operations at university events; patrolling campus; identifying and reporting hazards or suspicious situations; checking facilities and equipment; and participating in incident planning and emergency response. The supervisor may work outside regularly scheduled shifts, including evenings, weekends, holidays, special events, and emergencies, as operational needs require.

Requirements

Associate degree in a related field and at least five years of security, law enforcement, or public safety experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to work nights and weekends for additional assignments; shift assignments may change to meet departmental needs.
Valid New York State driver’s license and good driving record; out-of-state employees must obtain and show proof of a New York State license within 30 days of starting employment.
Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a New York State Security Guard License.
Maintain certification in Responding to Emergencies and AED/CPR/First Aid.
Ability to successfully complete and maintain required background checks and meet applicable physical requirements.
Ability to successfully complete a psychological examination.
Ability to perform Campus Security Authority requirements under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act.
Knowledge of public security codes and regulations and ability to understand, follow, and enforce safety codes, regulations, and procedures.
Ability to lead and collaborate with campus partners to manage critical incidents and complex safety operations.
Demonstrated ethical and professional behavior.
Ability to manage routine and emergency situations using sound judgment, discretion, critical thinking, and problem-solving; make decisions under pressure; manage multiple priorities; and apply an understanding of campus operations to resolve situations effectively and empathetically.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, flexibility, and effective verbal and written communication skills.
Highly self-motivated, self-directed, and team-oriented.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and email systems, and ability to adapt to evolving technologies and software applications.
Ability to understand, lead, and carry out management responsibilities involving security, records and communications, training, and field operations.
Ability to conduct security patrols without direct supervision.
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Current New York State Security Guard certification.
DCJS Certified Security Guard General Topics Instructor.
Familiarity with the university context.
Previous supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Lead, supervise, and support Public Safety Ambassadors in maintaining a safe, secure, and respectful campus environment.
Provide daily operational oversight, inspect personnel and assigned areas, manage performance, and ensure appropriate staffing coverage.
Assist with scheduling, shift coverage, and timekeeping.
Mentor, train, and coach Public Safety Ambassadors, supporting their professional development, accountability, and service standards.
Oversee and support Public Safety Ambassador operations at high-profile university events, including sporting events, student events, and invited speakers.
Patrol designated campus areas and identify and report suspicious or hazardous situations.
Conduct checks of essential university facilities and equipment.
Promote a welcoming and safe environment through vigilance, safety-protocol compliance, and professional interactions with staff, visitors, and the public.
Participate in planning for critical incidents and campus-wide emergencies.
Support emergency response with Public Safety Division partners, helping ensure scene safety and provide traffic control.
Work in integrated response teams that may include Cornell University EMS, Environment Health & Safety, Student and Campus Life, the Community Response Team, Cornell University Police Department, and regional agencies.
Be available for assignments outside regularly scheduled shifts, including special events, athletic contests, staffing shortages, and weather or disaster emergencies.
Work varying schedules and hours as needed, potentially including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
Foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment through respectful, collaborative, inclusive communication and support for work/life integration.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care options.
Generous retirement contributions.
Access to wellness programs.
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
Health and personal leave.
Three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays, including an end-of-year winter break from December 25 through January 1.
Two additional floating holidays.
Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program.
Tuition aid for external education.
Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance Program.