Chief of Police/Executive Director of Public Safety

Holyoke, MA
Holyoke Community College

Salary: $108,968.00 – $120,309.00 Annually

Closing Date: 1/20/2025

Essential Functions:

  • Under the direction of the Vice President of People, Culture, and Equity, to oversee all operations of the campus police department, including patrol, investigations, shuttle drivers, parking lot attendants, institutional security officers (ISO), community partnerships and building, and emergency responses.
  • Develop and execute the department’s strategic visions, goals, and objectives in collaboration with the Division of People, Culture, and Equity, and the college’s strategic plan.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of police officers, institutional security officers, command, and support staff to ensure alignment with the department’s community-driven policing strategy.
  • Foster a People, Culture, and Equity impact and culture marked by high-trust, high-care, and high-performance.
  • Understand the strategic direction of the Division of People, Culture, and Equity, and aligned the Police Department to its shared goals.
  • Understand the fiscal needs of the department, including funding disbursements to the department, funding further investments in growth opportunities for the department.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of investment strategies that align with PCE, the college’s ecosystem objectives, strategic needs, and risk tolerance.
  • Create annual budget for the department; monitor budget and expenditures throughout fiscal year, including forecasting and financial reporting.
  • Stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in campus policing and law enforcement. Advise the vice president of PCE on all developing trends in the field.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with the college community as a whole, specifically with students, faculty, staff, community members, and guests.
  • Be a welcoming presence to assist guests of the college and provide campus hospitality to all other stakeholders.
  • Build strong relationships with the President’s Cabinet, Trustees, and other leaders of the campus community and offer advice and direction regarding public safety.
  • Identify and pursue new relational opportunities and services, by expanding the department’s network as integral partners of the campus community for positive impact, growth, and development.
  • Maintain a strong network within the student body specifically to support and influence student success.
  • Build and develop external relationships beyond the campus and the surrounding community.
  • Expand the focus on mental health partnerships to include trauma-informed care approaches.
  • Ensure the efficient and effective operation, including oversight of compliance, threat assessment, and administrative functions including annual reports.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain operational policies and procedures to ensure the department’s performance, specifically that aligns with best practices in community policing.
  • Investigate criminal incidents or related, conduct interviews, gather evidence, and collaborate with relevant authorities for prosecution or case preparation.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing campus security, such as the Clery Act, Campus Safety Violence Prevention, and Title IX.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree required.
  • Graduate from Municipal Police Training Committee Recruit Academy or Special State Police Academy; or, a state or municipal academy of equal training certification.
  • Minimum of 5 to 8 years of experience in law enforcement, with progressively responsible leadership roles.
  • Certification as a police officer in the state of Massachusetts or ability to attain certification.
  • Strong knowledge of campus security principles, law enforcement procedures, and criminal justice issues.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a diverse and multicultural environment.
  • Demonstrated commitment to community-oriented policing, ethical conduct, and professional development.

Preferred Requirements:

  • Master’s Degree.
  • Rank of Sergeant or higher in a municipal, state or higher education police department.
  • Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing security and emergency response plans and programs.
  • Demonstrated experience in working effectively with diverse communities and promoting diversity within a public safety department.