Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police

Houston, TX
University of Houston-Downtown

Closing Date: Jul 31 2025

Position Summary:

The Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the university’s Public Safety unit, which includes the Police Department, Parking and Transportation Services, and the Office of Emergency Management. This role is responsible for ensuring a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors through the effective management of law enforcement operations. The Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police serves as the primary liaison with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and is accountable for fostering a positive, service-oriented, and community-focused police culture.

Essential Functions:

  • Develops and implements goals, objectives, strategies, policies, and procedures for the Public Safety unit, comprised of the Police Department, Parking and Transportation, and the Office of Emergency Management
  • Allocates fiscal, equipment, and human resources efficiently to ensure effective support of safety and security initiatives across campus
  • Commands and controls law enforcement operations for major investigations, emergency management situations, and large university special events
  • Supports and mentors’ supervisory staff across all unit areas; prepares and delivers program and activity reports to senior management; drafts staff reports and related correspondence; recommends the development and implementation of new programs
  • Manages and oversees unit personnel and resources, ensuring subordinate supervisors are held accountable for the effective and efficient performance of their teams
  • Utilizes advanced and innovative practices in campus law enforcement, parking and transportation, and emergency management to meet unit objectives and drive continuous performance improvement
  • Actively participates in professional group meetings and stays informed on emerging trends and advancements in law enforcement, crime prevention, campus security, emergency preparedness, and related support services; integrates relevant developments into practices as appropriate
  • Develops and reviews department policy, ensuring compliance with state and national accreditation standards and best practices
  • Foster positive relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community, and collaborate with other university departments to address campus safety issues
  • Drafts, edits, or coordinates the preparation of correspondence, reports, and other materials, ensuring content accuracy, proper presentation, and relevance by researching precedents and verifying applicability
  • Acts as the Campus Security Survey Administrator in accordance with federal law, overseeing the creation and completion of the federally required campus security survey

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field, granted by an accredited institution, is required
  • Completed a minimum of ten (10) consecutive years of increasingly responsible broad-based service as a licensed peace officer immediately prior to the start of the application/selection process, with five (5) years of major command responsibility as a Police Lieutenant or above
  • Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-functional organizations
  • Demonstrated commitment to engage directly with the campus and local communities
  • Possession of a valid Driver’s License
  • Possession of an appropriate certification as a peace officer in the State of Texas or an equivalent licensing entity in another state
  • Possession of at least an Advanced Peace Officer Proficiency Certificate issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement or an equivalent proficiency certificate issued by an equivalent licensing entity in another state
  • A Chief of Police must meet all the requirements for an entry-level Police Officer and possess an active license as a Police Officer issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)

Preferred Requirements:

  • Advanced degree
  • Prior experience as a law enforcement supervisor in higher education or medium to large municipalities
  • Completion of an advanced police management and leadership training, such as the FBI National Academy, PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Police, or a state law enforcement command college, such as the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas