Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police

Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is seeking nominations and applications for the Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police. Founded in 1867, the University is one of the nation’s original 37 public land-grant institutions. An internationally acclaimed comprehensive public research university, it is the largest university in the University of Illinois System and a member of the Big Ten, American Association of Universities and other notable peer organizations. Current student enrollment is diverse and dynamic with a total enrollment of nearly 55,600. The student body is composed of more than 35,120 undergraduates and approximately 20,476 graduate and professional students. The university is a traditional residential campus with nearly 10,500 students living in campus facilities, while others live in private housing in close proximity. The University community also includes a diverse group of 12,000 faculty and staff. The campus is located in central Illinois within the cities of Champaign and Urbana, and works closely with public safety units to provide a safe environment for students, staff and visitors.

The Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police serves as the chief law enforcement officer for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and reports to the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Operations. The Executive Director has overall responsibility for budget, human resource management and prioritization of campus safety and security efforts. A significant responsibility for this individual, in conjunction with other university officials, is sustaining and enhancing a safe and welcoming environment. The Executive Director will be responsible for advising the campus on short- and long-range emergency plans, priorities and response strategies. The Executive Director and the department are also responsible for numerous reporting and disclosure obligations. These include the development and management of policies and protocols that satisfy statutory or policy requirements (for example, the Jeanne Clery Act, activities involving minors and others), monitoring and reporting crime statistics, participating in security clearance processes and issuing appropriate or required notifications.

The Executive Director will lead a highly professional law enforcement staff and have an understanding of the unique role that public safety and security services play in a complex and diverse university environment. Public Safety responsibilities have been organized around a philosophy of community-based service. This is accomplished by building relationships throughout the University and local communities and through a strong commitment to campus outreach and educational programs. An important qualification will be demonstrated experience and sensitivity in dealing with college or university students, faculty and staff representing many cultures, backgrounds and experiences and an ability to work collaboratively and constructively with outside stakeholders. The successful candidate will serve as the liaison with local, state and federal public safety organizations.

Requirements include a bachelor’s degree; at least ten years of related professional experience; substantial public safety related responsibilities; demonstrated experience in a community-based public safety environment; and excellent communication and management skills. A master’s degree in public administration, criminal justice or a related field and at least ten years of related professional experience in public or higher education is preferred. Successful applicants must meet the standards required by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board for a sworn police officer.

This is a full-time, twelve-month academic professional position. Salary is open and is dependent on qualifications and experience. The position is available as soon as possible after closing date. Any offer of employment is contingent on satisfactory completion of a thorough background investigation. Consistent with University of Illinois policies and practices in the law enforcement profession, this process may include, but is not necessarily limited to, criminal record review, psychological assessment, reference interviews and a medical exam, including drug testing.

Nominations should include the name and contact information of the individual being nominated. Applications should include a letter of interest, resume/CV, and five references. Applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled, and review of applications will begin immediately. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit materials prior to October 27, 2023 to:

Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Search Committee

Lowa Mwilambwe, Search Committee Chair

chancellorsearches@illinois.edu

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1019946
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu