Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chief Safety Officer (CSO), the Director works closely with Department of Public Safety staff, students, faculty, administration, and the local community to direct and administer the overall policing and public safety initiatives, as well as promote a safe and secure environment across the University. The Director is not a certified peace officer through Utah POST. Consequently, does not possess peace officer authority and shall not wear a uniform, badge, etc. identifying as a law enforcement officer. This position is to be used during a transition period while the incumbent goes through the Utah POST certification process. Once certified, this Director will be reclassified to Chief of Police.

The Director provides direct oversight to police operations ensuring that policing policies and practices are followed across all areas of campus. Directs and oversees the operations and strategic planning of all police functions; acts as a catalyst between departments, faculty, staff, students, and external entities to ensure continuity and quality of service; and supports the University of Utah’s goals and mission.

The Director assures appropriate programs are in place to meet the compliance needs of the University, and administers federal, state, and local safety law to ensure compliance. The Director of Police with the assistance of the Deputy Chief of Police acts as a liaison with local, state, federal law enforcement agencies on all matters pertaining to safety; oversees and supervises all armed police personnel; provides strategic direction by setting short and long-term goals, estimating budgetary requirements for staff, space and equipment planning, and implementing special projects and policies; forecasts staffing, capital and operating budget needs; and ensures high customer satisfaction by analyzing complaints, concerns and suggestions and providing appropriate follow-through. Additionally, the Director of the Police Department facilitates cooperative and collaborative community and institutional relationships; participates in departmental and university-wide committees; and supports management and supervisory staff through professional development opportunities and/or educational programs. The Director of the Police Department collaborates effectively with other functional areas of the CSO Office. 

Qualifications

• The position requires a bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in Criminal Justice, Police Science, a related area, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience), as well as a minimum of six years of progressively more responsible management experience.
• Demonstrated leadership, human relations and effective communication skills.
• Leadership training, such as the F.B.I. National Academy, Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command or similar programs is highly preferred.
• Prior law enforcement experience at a higher education institution, working with a diverse student body on an urban campus, is also highly preferred.
• Qualified applicants must successfully complete the department-approved physical fitness test, a thorough background investigation, and must be willing to submit to a drug screening test.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.