Safety and Security Manager - Tullahoma

Vanderbilt University • Tullahoma, TN

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is seeking a Safety and Security Manager to provide strategic and tactical leadership for a designated security unit or shift. This role involves optimizing staffing, resource allocation, and performance outcomes, as well as overseeing training, personnel management, operational response, and strategic partnerships. The manager will ensure a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for the Vanderbilt community and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Business Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of management experience in a law enforcement or similar security setting.
• 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 ability to supervise, guide, and develop the skills of staff, preparing personnel for increased responsibility.
• Proven ability to lead by example and function with relative independence and limited direction across a wide range of assignments.
• Expertise in performance management, including conducting thorough evaluations, providing effective feedback, and handling disciplinary and performance issues with fairness.
• Ability to make timely, sound decisions based on facts presented and accept responsibility for outcomes.
• Exceptional customer service skills and the ability to maintain professionalism and credibility when interacting with diverse internal and external contacts.
• Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to perform public speaking.
• 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).
• Must remain calm, objective, and self-restrained throughout stressful, unpleasant, or constantly changing situations.
• Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills and the ability to organize, prioritize, and multi-task in a dynamic environment.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and tactical leadership for a designated security unit or shift, optimizing staffing, resource allocation, and performance outcomes.
• Develop, maintain, and adjust shift schedules to ensure continuous and efficient coverage.
• Lead routine audits and inspections of personnel, equipment, and processes to guarantee compliance with departmental standards.
• Review and authorize all supervisory reports and documentation, ensuring completeness and adherence to required standards.
• Maintain comprehensive operational records and data; conduct research to prepare strategic proposals and contingency plans.
• Serve as operational backup for shift supervisors during critical staffing needs or emergencies.
• Oversee the comprehensive training and professional development of all direct reports, including Weapons Detection Specialists and Community Service Officers.
• Execute all aspects of personnel administration, including validating and approving time sheets and payroll submissions, reviewing and approving time-off requests, managing leave of absence processes, and ensuring compliance with all organizational policies.
• Serve as the delegate for payroll/time approval in the absence of the shift supervisor.
• Lead the performance management process: conduct formal performance evaluations, facilitate performance management conversations, and provide constructive feedback to direct reports.
• Coach and mentor staff to enhance engagement and performance.
• Lead corrective action and counseling sessions as needed, including conducting preliminary investigations into employee misconduct and recommending disciplinary actions in alignment with HR and departmental guidelines.
• Participate actively in the recruitment and selection process for new hires, including conducting interviews and providing hiring recommendations.
• Oversee and manage the execution of service-oriented operations.
• Ensure timely and effective emergency response (fire, medical, etc.).
• Supervise building security checks, directed patrols, and bi-weekly emergency phone testing.
• Manage and coordinate responses for vehicle access services, motorist assistance, and security/personal safety escort requests.
• Oversee secure transport services for psychiatric patients and ensure strict collaboration with medical personnel and compliance with all safety protocols.
• Implement accountability frameworks to ensure equitable and consistent service delivery across the unit.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with the university, medical center, and surrounding community members; lead proactive patrol initiatives and foster collaborative problem-solving to identify and mitigate security risks.
• Represent the department in cross-functional meetings with internal stakeholders to address evolving security needs; compile and present data for compliance and strategic planning.
• Coordinate with Community Relations personnel on physical security and crime prevention strategies.
• Manage security operations for high-profile special events, including athletic competitions, commencement ceremonies, concerts, and dignitary visits, ensuring effective crowd control and orderly conduct.
• Keep departmental leadership informed of all significant security-related incidents and trends; lead management meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Vanderbilt University Public Safety (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, as well as the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

What This Job Offers

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