Director of Public Safety & Emergency

Lead Public Safety at a close-knit West Virginia college where your decisions actually shape campus life, not just enforce policy. You’ll build and run the whole safety operation — hiring your own team, setting the budget, shaping emergency response — with real autonomy instead of just following someone else’s playbook. It’s a chance to put your law enforcement and leadership experience to work in a community-scale setting where you know the students and staff you’re protecting, not a faceless jurisdiction.

Job Summary

Full-time, 12 month position.  Shifts are generally 8:00am-4:30pm, but hours are flexible to include special events and 24/7 on-call emergency response.

Responsible for:

  1. The development, implementation, and management of campus safety and security programs and services including but not limited to security, environmental health and safety, fire safety, emergency management, and parking management.
  2. Compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to campus safety/security.
  3. Ensuring that day-to-day security, public safety functions, and new initiatives are aligned with the College’s Mission and Strategic Plan.

Responsibilities

  • Leadership and management of the Department of Public Safety, a 24/7/365 operation, including hiring, training, direction, and supervision.
  • Development and maintenance of excellent working relationships with students, faculty, staff, campus guests, and the Elkins Community.
  • Development and implementation of comprehensive public safety programs, policies, and procedures.
  • Compliance with local, state, and federal crime reporting mandates.
  • Collaboration with local officials to address matters of mutual concern.
  • Coordination with internal/external emergency response protocols and/or agencies.
  • Development and administration of the departmental budget.
  • Continuous improvement in departmental services to meet or exceed internal and external customer expectations.
  • Investigative skills for various on-campus issues, both student and staff-related.
  • Investigative report writing and documentation.
  • Ability to interview students and staff for investigations and report writing.
  • Other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

  • Thorough knowledge of criminal justice, law enforcement, and higher education protocols/procedures.
  • Thorough knowledge of Uniform Crime Report definitions.
  • Leadership and management skills and the ability to lead a staff operating on a 24/7 schedule.
  • Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, organizational, written, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work with the local community and leadership.
  • Understanding of and appreciation for current student issues.
  • Ability to handle crisis situations.
  • Maturity supported by a strong ethical character.
  • Ability to relate to and interact effectively with diverse populations.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree required/Master’s Degree preferred (in a related field)
  • Minimum of five years of experience in safety, security, law enforcement, or related field with a Minimum of three years in a supervisory capacity including personnel management
  • Experience in administration of a comprehensive safety and security program
  • Skilled conflict management and resolution skills; knowledge of laws, rules, codes and currently accepted principles and practices relevant to safety and security operations in an educational or public facility including the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, OSHA, NFPA, and FEMA NIMS
  • Valid West Virginia driver’s license.

Physical Demands

  • Moderate physical activity; requires handling of average-weight objects and standing or walking for extended periods of time.
  • Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
  • Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Working Environment

Varied hours/schedule; typical office setting, including multitasking; inclement weather, confined spaces, and large crowds.

Apply Today!