Chief of Police - University Police Department

Chief of Police - University Police Department

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Cape Girardeau, MO

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202600222

Division

Finance and Administration

Department

University Police Department

Opening Date

07/08/2026

• Description
• Benefits

Position Summary

Chief of Police

University Police Department

Administrative, Full-Time

Chief of Police provides administrative oversight of campus police and security, emergency management, parking, and police dispatch services to ensure a safe and secure campus environment. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance & Administration, the Chief of Police supervises a team of law enforcement, parking, and emergency personnel and ensures team collaborations with local and neighboring law enforcement personnel. The Chief of Police is responsible for creating a safe campus environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all University police, public safety, security, emergency management, and parking operations across multiple campuses
• Foster a safe, secure, and welcoming campus environment through community-oriented policing, crime prevention, and collaborative public safety initiatives
• Direct campus emergency preparedness, incident response, continuity of operations, and critical incident management, including oversight of the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), and Incident Command System (ICS)
• Serve as the Universitys senior leader for Clery Act compliance, campus safety reporting, crime statistics, emergency notifications, risk assessments, and regulatory compliance
• Oversee security technology and communications systems, including surveillance, alarm, dispatch, and mass notification platforms
• Provide administrative leadership for parking, transportation, traffic management, ADA accessibility, and transit operations while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, emergency management organizations, transportation partners, and community stakeholders
• Lead organizational planning, budgeting, policy development, accreditation efforts, performance assessment, and continuous operational improvement
• Recruit, develop, mentor, and evaluate department personnel while fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, wellness, inclusion, and employee engagement
• Advise executive leadership on public safety, security, emergency management, and institutional risk management strategies
• Represent the University before governing boards, governmental agencies, community organizations, media representatives, and professional associations
• Champion innovative, collaborative, and data-informed approaches that support institutional resilience, student success, and the Universitys strategic priorities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Business Administration, Public Safety Administration, or a closely related field required; masters degree is considered a plus
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in law enforcement, public safety, emergency management, or a related field, including supervisory, operational, and budget management responsibilities. Experience in higher education is considered a plus
• Must possess current Missouri POST Class A Peace Officer License or be eligible to obtain within 6 months of employment
• FEMA Incident Command System (ICS), National Incident Management System (NIMS), Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), Certified Public Manager (CPM), or equivalent professional certifications are considered a plus
• Demonstrated knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and best practices related to law enforcement, campus safety, emergency preparedness, response, and recovery
• Experience developing and managing departmental budgets and financial resources
• Knowledge of mediation, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem-solving techniques
• Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders at all organizational levels
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and respond effectively to sensitive or high-profile situations
• Strong leadership, organizational, and personnel management skills with a commitment to fostering a positive and accountable work environment
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively during emergencies and with diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions

Required Information & Deadline

Application Deadline: The position is available immediately and will remain open until filled. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by July 31, 2026.

To Apply: Submit the following items online by clicking on the APPLY button at the top of the page:

• Letter of interest addressing position qualifications
• Current Resume
• Names and contact information of three professional references

Additional Information

About Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO): Founded in 1873 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Southeast Missouri State University provides student-centered education and experiential learning with a foundation of liberal arts and sciences, embracing a tradition of access, exceptional teaching and commitment to student success that significantly contributes to the development of the region and beyond. SEMO values access to high quality, affordable education with a broadly representative student body, faculty and staff that respects and celebrates a diverse learning community in a global society.

SEMO Fast Facts

SEMO Strategic Action Plan

Southeast Missouri State University provides an excellent benefits package. For complete benefit details visit our website at https://semo.edu/hr.

Employer Southeast Missouri State University

Address 1 University Plaza

Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 63701

Phone (573) 651-2206

Website http://www.semo.edu