Campus Safety Director
Job Description
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Campus Safety and Preparedness, the Director of Campus Safety provides strategic leadership, vision, and oversight for all aspects of campus safety and security. This role is responsible for fostering a culture of trust, preparedness, and community engagement while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. The Director will lead a dedicated safety team, strengthen partnerships with local agencies, and implement innovative strategies to protect and support the campus community.At Pratt Institute, we value creativity and collaboration, striving to create a vibrant community where safety is prioritized. As the Director of Campus Safety, you will play a crucial role in shaping the safety culture of our campus, making a lasting impact on the lives of our community members.,
Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and support the Campus Safety team to ensure high performance, professional growth, and a positive workplace culture.
- Promote accountability, transparency, and service excellence within the department.
Strategic Planning & Operations
- Develop and execute comprehensive safety strategies that enhance patrol effectiveness, visibility, and community interaction.
- Establish goals and performance metrics to improve safety outcomes.
Event & Emergency Preparedness
- Oversee pre-event planning, risk assessment, and crowd management strategies to ensure safe and successful campus events.
- Direct disaster response and recovery planning, ensuring readiness for emergencies ranging from severe weather to public health incidents.
Compliance & Reporting
- Work collaboratively with other campus stakeholders to ensure institutional compliance with the Clery Act, Title IX, Hazing Prevention, and other applicable federal and state requirements.
- Maintain accurate, timely reporting and communications to strengthen community trust and transparency.
Technology & Infrastructure
- Evaluate, implement, and manage security technologies, including surveillance systems, access control, and emergency alert systems.
- Identify opportunities to leverage new tools to prevent crime and improve response capabilities.
Communication & Collaboration
- Strengthen internal and external communication systems, enhancing interoperability with local law enforcement, fire, and emergency agencies.
- Build strong working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
Training & Professional Development
- Implement ongoing training programs for safety personnel, emphasizing crisis response, de-escalation, and community engagement.
- Foster a culture of continuous learning and preparedness across the department.
Community Engagement
- Enhance officer presence and visibility on campus to build trust and foster positive relationships.
- Develop outreach programs that encourage collaboration and mutual respect within the campus community.
Professional Leadership
- Represent the Institute at local, regional, and national safety and security forums, sharing best practices and advancing the field of campus safety.
Job Requirements
Education: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public safety, emergency management, or a related field required; master’s degree strongly preferred.Experience: Significant leadership experience in campus safety, emergency management, crisis response, or law enforcement, with a record of innovation and success. Minimum of 3 years of experience in Higher Education preferred.Skills/Knowledge
- Strong knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and best practices, including Clery Act compliance and Title IX.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across diverse constituencies.
- Demonstrated ability to lead during high-stress situations, maintaining composure and supporting team morale.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community engagement as central elements of campus safety.
- Active participation in professional safety and security associations is encouraged and expected.
Core Competencies:
- Integrity & Ethics: Demonstrates unwavering commitment to ethical decision-making, fairness, and accountability.
- Crisis Management: Maintains composure under pressure, making sound decisions in urgent or high-risk situations.
- Cultural Competency: Fosters an inclusive and respectful environment, with sensitivity to different backgrounds and perspectives.
- Strategic Thinking: Anticipates challenges, identifies opportunities, and develops forward-looking safety strategies.
- Problem-Solving & Innovation: Employs creativity and resourcefulness in addressing complex safety and security concerns.
- Collaboration & Relationship-Building: Builds trust and partnerships across campus and with external stakeholders.
- Communication Skills: Clearly and effectively conveys information to diverse audiences, both in routine operations and during emergencies.
- Leadership & Team Development: Inspires, motivates, and supports staff, cultivating professional growth and high morale
