Associate Vice President, Public Safety

Must be supportive of the mission and vision of The Catholic University of America. CUA was founded in the name of the Catholic Church and maintains a unique relationship with it. The University’s operations, policies, and activities reflect this foundation and relationship and are conducted in accordance with its stated mission. Regardless of their religious affiliation or denominational affiliation, all employees are expected to conduct and support the University’s mission in the fulfillment of their responsibilities and obligations appropriate to their appointment.

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) provides comprehensive programs, including security patrol, escort and access services to maintain a safe and secure campus environment that is conducive to learning, working, living and visiting. The Associate Vice President is the chief public safety official for the University and oversees a staff of about 75 trained professionals, including commissioned special police officers, focuses on crime prevention and investigation, safety education, and emergency preparedness, response and recovery. DPS provides security, crime prevention and patrol services by vehicle and bicycle, 24 hours a day. Services are coordinated closely with federal and local law enforcement agencies. Safety education and awareness programs are conducted for students and the rest of the campus community throughout the academic year. The department works closely with other campus departments to implement initiatives to support healthy individual and community living and learning and seeks opportunities to partner with students, staff, and faculty to achieve the goal of a safe and secure campus. The Department of Public Safety has the primary responsibility for the personal and property safety program for the campus, but may extend services to Theological College, investment properties and leased facilities as determined and approved by executive management.

In support of all aspects of the mission of the department, division, and University, the Associate Vice President provides dynamic leadership to achieve and maintain services and programs that reflect institutional philosophy, are responsive to the University community and are accomplished with attention to high standards, quality, collaboration and fiscal soundness. The Associate Vice President is the public face of DPS and provides strategic management and oversight of the University’s security programs, establishes and communicates departmental vision. The Associate Vice President serves as a management leader and educator for both the department and essential University programs and services; serves as an institutional resource for staff and students; supports and promotes the mission and vision of CUA; and contributes positively to the CUA community of research, teaching, learning and service to the Church, the nation and the world; serves on various University committees and advisory bodies, to include the Emergency Council, the Administrative Council, and the Title IX Committee. This position reports to the Chief of Staff/Counselor to the President and will represent the department in a variety of public relations forums and university events. The Associate Vice President establishes relationships with faculty, academic leadership, campus life professionals and other integral staff throughout the campus community.

A bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus ten years of relevant professional experience or a master’s degree or higher in a relevant field of study plus 7 years of relevant professional experience. Candidates must possess a District of Columbia Special Police commission or have the ability to obtain a DC Commission. The Associate Vice President will have the ability to recruit, lead, and manage a competent, diverse workforce; demonstrated strong communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to motivate and lead others, take initiative toward influencing policy decisions, analyze data in order to make meaningful management and budget decisions and plan, direct and coordinate program and administrative decisions. The Associate Vice President must be able to solve problems of a complex and conceptual nature based on provided evidence. Direct experience with and knowledge of federal and state laws, rules and regulations that affect an institution of higher education, emergency planning, Title IX, student development work, automation systems and prior police/public safety management preferred.