Bargaining Unit: OPAP
Grade: VIII
Salary: Exempt
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Priority Screening: May 26, 2026

Position Overview:

The Director of Public Safety is responsible for the safety of all members of the College Community and the protection of campus facilities, management and planning of departmental activities, preparation of departmental budget, and supervision of department personnel and programs.  The Director reports to the Vice President for Administration and Finance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deploys a community policing system that promotes safety on campus, and administers policies, procedures and programs that build trusting and positive relationships with students and employees. Recruits, selects, trains and mentors of all department personnel.
• Prepare, file and ensure compliance with all New York State Division of Criminal Justice (DCJS) and statutory requirements; including, but not limited to: Peace Office Registry information and training certifications. 
•  Establishes departmental strategic goals, project management, and monitors results.
• Leads the response to complex safety or security incidents on campus and determines the best course of action to promote student success and safety.
•  Develops, approves and implements departmental Standard Operating Procedures, ensuring they remain current relative to College policy and best practices in the field.
• Supervises the production and accuracy of all department regulatory filings and other reports including maintaining records associated with department operations in compliance with record retention policies, including incident reports and crime logs.
• Supervises Assistant Director, Campus Peace Officers and Security Guards; and ensures adequate coverage of a 24/7/365 operation.
• Recruits, trains and mentors all departmental personnel, establishing a departmental training program inclusive of Peace Officer training; Security Guard training; fire-arm training; and diversity, inclusion, equity and anti-bias training;
•  Ensures that department personnel remain abreast of changes in campus law enforcement policy and practice relative to student needs, relevant state law, college policy, procedures, and protocols.
• Assesses the job performance of department personnel and recommends extensions, terminations, corrective actions, and successful completion of probation to the Vice President.
• Ensures adequate incident reporting and management and works closely with the Vice President for Administration and Finance, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Title IX Coordinator, the Assistant Dean for Student Services and other student affairs administrators as needed.
• Addresses all matters with sensitivity to a college environment and in a manner consistent with the high expectations for confidentiality.
• Serves as the Chair of the college's Campus Safety Advisory Committee and the Critical Incident Team.
• Proposes enhancements to the College's Emergency Management Plan such that the plan is current and effective in supporting the College's response to a crisis.
• Serves as the Incident Commander in the event of a campus safety emergency and coordinating the internal response of law enforcement and other safety-related personnel.
•  Develops and delivers training programs that promote campus safety for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Acts as liaison with outside law enforcement agencies
• Conducts security assessments, manages all security related systems (including access control systems, keys, and camera systems), and makes recommendations for improvements or enhancements to physical and personal security.
•  Oversees the campus-wide Fire Safety responsibilities including conducting fire drills, monthly and annual inspection of fire alarms (in conjunction with the Facilities department) and extinguishers and fire code compliance, coordinating with the local Fire Departments, NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and local Ambulance and EMT.
• Plans and administers the budget of the department and ensures the department is operating with-in the budget.
• Carries out managerial assignments, and other related duties and assignments as assigned by the Vice President.
• Ensures compliance with college and SUNY policies and regulations as well as local, State, Federal (including Clery) and profession-specific legal and regulatory compliance

Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree
• Four (4) years of experience required as a ranking officer in either a police department or as a peace officer;
• Experience in the strategic and operational planning, budgeting and supervision of subordinate managers and staff
• A current, valid certificate as a peace or police officer in New York State; a valid New York State pistol permit; a valid New York State driver’s license required;

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to manage a complex operation in a union/civil service setting
• Emergency Medical Technician certification.
• Leadership and administrative experience in a higher education setting;
• Knowledge of the current trends and developments in community-based policing, traffic management, crowd control, property access control, and crime prevention;
• Working knowledge of college student development and a demonstrated understanding of supportive practices in behavior management for the principal population served by the department;
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision and administration in a campus based safety and security setting;
• Prior successful completion of all NIMS Training courses appropriate for an Incident Commander is preferred and experience as an Incident Commander on a college campus is highly desired.

Salary: 

A starting salary of $85,257 prorated for a 40 hour work week, with an excellent benefits package. This position is contingent upon adequate funding.

Additional Information

SUNY Ulster offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, NYS or SUNY TIAA Retirement Plan, SUNY Perks, tuition waivers, including dependent waivers, and tuition assistance.

In addition, OPAP-covered members receive, on an annual basis: 24 vacation days, 12 sick days, 6 personal days, and 12 holidays including 3 floating holidays.  In addition, the College is closed on the day prior to Thanksgiving, and between December 26 - January, 1, known as the Holiday Curtailment. 

Application Process:

The position is open until filled. However, to ensure consideration, application materials should be received via email by May 26, 2026 at 4:00 pm EST to be given priority consideration. Applications received after the deadline are not guaranteed to be reviewed.  SUNY Ulster reserves the right to close, continue, cancel, postpone or restart the recruitment at any time.

Applicants must submit the following materials to be considered for the position: 

• Resume or CV
• Cover letter which discusses your qualifications and interest in the position
• Contact information for 3 professional references

Please submit only materials requested. All documents included in your application file become the property of the College. Applicants who fail to submit all required materials will not be considered.

We invite you to be part of a dedicated community of learners in an academic department that puts students first. Please go to the SUNY Ulster website for additional campus community information. 

SUNY Ulster is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The college encourages applications from all qualified applicants. This position is contingent upon adequate funding. Offer and assignment of employment is subject to verification of all information provided on the employment application, credentials, transcripts, fingerprint check, verification of the right to work in the United States and all other required pre-employment conditions are met.

Applicants who are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and who, due to a disability, require accommodations for completing the application process, testing (if required for the position), or the interview, should notify the Human Resources Office 10 working days before the accommodation is required.

Neither the smoking of tobacco (nor other substances) nor the use of electronic vaporizers is permitted on the campus grounds.

SUNY Ulster does not reimburse applicants for travel, lodging or any other costs incurred by applicant to attend interviews.  All interviewing costs incurred will be the responsibility of the applicant. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview. Internal applicants are not guaranteed an interview.

Conditions of Employment

Employment with SUNY Ulster is not complete or official until applicants meet all pre-employment requirements, and the Board of Trustees has approved. Offer and assignment of employment is subject to verification of all information provided on the employment application, fingerprint check, verification of the right to work in the United States and all other required pre-employment conditions are met.

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