Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police

Job Description - Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police (260000RL)

Job Description

Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police - (260000RL)

Job Summary

The associate vice president for public safety and chief of police (AVP/Chief) serves as Towson University's (TU) chief law enforcement executive and senior public safety administrator. As a member of the President's Cabinet, the AVP/Chief provides strategic leadership and institutional perspective on matters of campus safety and security while overseeing the programs, operations, and services that ensure the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The AVP/Chief provides executive leadership for the Towson University Police Department (TUPD), a fully state-certified, sworn law enforcement agency, and oversees Parking Services, campus-wide access control, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) security systems. The AVP/Chief is responsible for the strategic planning, development, implementation, management, and evaluation of policies, procedures, and operational initiatives that support a safe, secure, and welcoming campus environment.

The position requires independent judgment, initiative, and strategic decision-making in directing public safety operations, advising university leadership, and ensuring the effective delivery of law enforcement, security, and emergency services. Responsibilities include overseeing a workforce of more than 100 sworn and civilian personnel and all departmental operations, enforcing applicable laws, maintaining a visible and responsive police presence, preventing and reducing campus crime, and fostering trust and positive relationships throughout the university community.

The AVP/Chief cultivates collaborative partnerships with key campus stakeholders, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies as well as neighboring jurisdictions. Through these relationships and strategic interagency agreements, the position advances coordinated public safety initiatives, collaborates closely with emergency management to strengthen preparedness and response capabilities, and promotes professionalism, transparency, and community engagement throughout the Towson University campus and surrounding community.

Spelman Johnson is assisting Towson University with this search. To apply for this position, please click here, complete the brief application process, and upload your resume and position-specific cover letter. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate Public Safety operations, establish departmental priorities, and collaborate with the Counseling Center to support the Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) in serving the campus community.
• Oversee personnel management, staffing, training, professional development, performance evaluation, and disciplinary matters; provide guidance on hiring, promotions, and assignments; and serve as the Step One Hearing Officer for formal employee grievances.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, including accurate and timely Clery Act reporting and administration of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).
• Develop, review, and implement policies, procedures, and regulations governing departmental operations and administration.
• Oversee the Public Safety budget, procurement activities, and property management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and effective resource allocation.
• Direct the preparation of financial, strategic, operational, and other reports for senior leadership; participate in institutional leadership meetings to ensure alignment with university priorities and strategic goals.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders (including campus shared governance groups) to ensure open communication and alignment with operational and strategic objectives.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with allied law enforcement agencies and local, state, and federal partners to support coordinated public safety initiatives.

Qualifications and Skills

The successful candidate will hold a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, education, social sciences, or a closely related field, with at least ten years of demonstrated leadership in the law enforcement profession as a sworn officer, including an increasing level and scope of responsibilities, supervisory experience, and management capacity.

Preferred qualifications include: a master's degree, experience working in or with a college or university campus safety environment; experience working effectively in a unionized environment and fostering constructive labor-management relationships; and completion of a recognized law enforcement executive leadership program, such as the FBI National Academy or a comparable program. Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in community policing, campus security, crime prevention, education and training, and program assessment, along with a proven record of collaborating with campus and municipal stakeholders to address safety concerns and student behaviors, are preferred attributes. Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, public speaking, and active listening skills are highly desirable, as are demonstrated leadership abilities that foster accountability, teamwork, professional development, and positive working relationships across the university community.

In addition to the qualifications stated above, key stakeholders identified the following capabilities and attributes of a successful candidate:

• Demonstrates emotional intelligence, empathy, and compassion while exercising the confidence, courage, and sound judgment to make difficult decisions and take decisive action when necessary.
• Maintains composure and focus under pressure, navigating uncertainty with clarity and confidence while inspiring others through a measured and effective approach to managing challenges and crises.
• Builds trust and meaningful partnerships, prioritizes collaboration, values diverse perspectives, and navigates competing priorities with diplomacy and respect while fostering open communication, active listening, and shared solutions.
• Brings significant law enforcement leadership and operational experience, expertise in contemporary policing practices, and the professional credibility to lead a complex public safety organization within a university environment and successfully partner with local, state, and federal agencies.
• Develops and mentors personnel, cultivates emerging leaders, and builds high-performing teams through meaningful professional development, empowerment, and accountability while demonstrating experience working effectively in a unionized environment and fostering constructive labor-management relationships.
• Exemplifies integrity, honesty, fairness, and transparency, leading by example and consistently upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, and accountability.
• Embraces a visible, accessible, and service-oriented approach to public safety, demonstrating responsiveness to the needs of the campus community and a commitment to fostering a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment.

Salary and Benefits

Targeted hiring range is $215,000 - $230,000 and full University benefits that include 22 days of annual leave, up to 17 holidays, personal and sick days; excellent health, life, and retirement plans; and tuition remission. To learn more about our benefits, please click here. TU also offers a variety of great perks and discounts, which can be found here. Review of applications will begin November 17, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. To apply for this position, please click here, complete the brief application process, and upload your resume and position-specific cover letter. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.

Organization

: Operations

Primary Location

: Main Campus

Job Posting

: Oct 21, 2026