Director of Campus Safety and Security

Director of Campus Safety and Security

Position Title: Director of Campus Safety and Security

Department: Campus Safety and Security

Reports To: Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Employment Type: Staff

Location: Lane College, Jackson, Tennessee

Position Summary

The Director of Campus Safety and Security provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for the College's campus safety, security, emergency preparedness, risk prevention, and fleet management operations. This position is responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming campus environment for students, faculty, staff, visitors, and the broader Lane College community.

The Director ensures that campus safety operations are conducted professionally, consistently, and in alignment with institutional policies, applicable laws, emergency response standards, and the mission of Lane College. This role requires strong leadership, sound judgment, effective communication, and the ability to respond calmly and appropriately in emergency and sensitive situations. Lane college operates an unarmed, proprietary campus security force; the Director and Campus Safety staff are not sworn law enforcement officers and exercise no police powers, but instead observe, report, detain only as permitted by law, and coordinate with the local law enforcement on matters requiring sworn authority.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Director of Campus Safety and Security shall:

• Provide leadership and supervision for all Campus Safety and Security personnel, including scheduling, training, performance management, and daily operations.
• Develop, implement, and enforce campus safety policies, procedures, protocols, and emergency response plans.
• Maintain a visible and proactive safety presence across campus to promote a secure learning, working, and residential environment.
• Oversee campus patrol operations, access control, incident response, parking enforcement, and security coverage for campus buildings, events, and activities.
• Oversee management of the College's vehicle fleet, including maintenance and service scheduling, safety and registration inspections, fuel and mileage tracking, and coordination of vehicle titling and insurance with the appropriate offices.
• Establish and enforce fleet-use and vehicle-safety policies, including authorized -driver eligibility and motor vehicle record review, safe-operation and accident-reporting standards, and vehicle assignment and motor-pool scheduling for College travel and events.
• Respond to emergencies, disturbances, safety concerns, medical incidents, fire alarms, weather-related incidents, and other campus-related emergencies.
• Coordinate with local law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, and other public safety agencies as needed.
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of incidents, investigations, security reports, and daily activity logs.
• Oversee investigations related to campus safety matters, including theft, property damage, disturbances, unauthorized access, policy violations, and other security-related concerns.
• Lead and coordinate Clery Act compliance, including maintaining the daily crime log, contributing to the Annual Security Report and where on-campus student housing applies, the Annual Fire Safety Report and fire log, issuing timely warnings and emergency notifications, training Campus Security Authorities, and ensuring compliance with other applicable federal, state, and institutional requirements.
• Coordinate safety and security planning for special events, athletic events, student activities, commencement, convocations, and other institutional functions.
• Develop and provide safety training, emergency preparedness education, and security awareness programs for students, faculty, and staff.
• Monitor campus security technology, including surveillance systems, access control systems, emergency notification tools, radios, and related equipment.
• Conduct regular safety inspections of campus facilities, grounds, parking areas, and residence halls in collaboration with appropriate departments.
• Partner with Residence Life, Student Affairs, Human Resources, Facilities, Athletics, and other departments to address campus safety concerns.
• Recommend improvements to campus safety operations, staffing, equipment, procedures, and emergency response capabilities.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive student, employee, or institutional matters.
• Prepare reports, data summaries, and recommendations for senior leadership as requested.
• Ensure Campus Safety staff provide courteous, respectful, and professional service to all members of the Lane College community.
• Manage departmental resources, supplies, equipment, and budget-related needs in a responsible and effective manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the College.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position supervises Campus Safety and Security officers, dispatch personnel, student workers, temporary security staff, fleet and motor-pool personnel, and other personnel assigned to the department. The Director is responsible for staffing schedules, training, accountability, performance evaluations, and ensuring appropriate coverage for campus operations.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Emergency Management, Security Management, Business Administration, or a related field required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in law enforcement, campus safety, security operations, emergency management, or a closely related field.

Minimum of two years of supervisory or leadership experience.

Knowledge of security operations, emergency response procedures, incident reporting, and safety protocols.

Ability to respond to emergencies and make sound decisions under pressure.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, visitors, law enforcement agencies, and community partners.

Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, confidentiality, fairness, and student-centered service.

Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and respond to after-hours emergencies as needed.

Valid driver's license required.

Acceptable motor vehicle record required, consistent with the operation of College vehicles.

Must successfully pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in higher education, campus safety, or a residential college environment.

Prior law enforcement, military, emergency management, or public safety leadership experience.

Knowledge of the Clery Act, Title IX-related safety coordination, threat assessment, crisis response, and campus emergency preparedness.

Experience developing safety training programs and emergency response plans.

Experience managing security technology, including cameras, radios, access control systems, and emergency notification platforms.

Certification in CPR, First Aid, AED, emergency management, law enforcement, or related safety training.

FEMA NIMS/ICS training or certification (e.g., ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700 and IS-800).

Experience managing a vehicle fleet or motor pool, including maintenance programs, driver eligibility, and fleet-safety standards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

Strong leadership and team-building skills.

Excellent judgment, integrity, and decision-making ability.

Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure situations.

Strong conflict resolution and de-escalation skills.

Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and laws.

Strong organizational and documentation skills.

Ability to build trust and positive relationships with students and employees.

Commitment to the mission, values, and student-centered environment of Lane College.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters appropriately.

Work Environment

This position works in both office and field environments and requires frequent movement across campus. The Director may be exposed to emergency situations, inclement weather, difficult interpersonal situations, and safety-related risks. The position requires flexibility and availability beyond normal business hours when needed.

Physical Requirements

The position may require standing, walking, climbing stairs, responding quickly to incidents, lifting or carrying light to moderate objects, and operating campus safety equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Lane College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status in its employment practices, educational programs, or activities.