Director of Public Safety, Chief

Company: Harris-Stowe State University
Location: Saint Louis
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Summary: The Director of Public Safety and Transportation Services provides management, leadership, and oversight for all aspects of public safety. The Chief is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the operations of Harris-Stowe State University’s Department of Public Safety which includes a comprehensive public safety program focused on a climate of safety and security for the campus community, emergency preparedness, crime prevention, investigations, Clery compliance, parking and traffic control, fire safety, and confidential law enforcement information management and serves as a liaison with external public safety agencies and public assistance services. Principal Duties/Responsibilities: Responsible for the safety and security of the campus community Manage an annual budget Administer a comprehensive university public safety program that includes facility security, emergency preparedness, parking and traffic control, fleet management, shuttle services, and Clery compliance. Leads courageously by addressing difficult issues Ensure the efficient and effective operation of the department Develop and implement operating policies and procedures for the department Recommends, creates, and implements long and short-term strategic plan goals and operational plans for the department Administer performance evaluations Ensure compliance with University policies Demonstrate a strong commitment to affirmative action and diversity goals Serve as a principal resource and advisor to the University Administration on all matters related to the protection of lives and property, preservation of peace, and the enforcement of laws and regulations on campus Administer and monitor emergency management and business continuity plans Work with regional law enforcement agencies to address crime and crime prevention in areas adjacent to the campus Maximize productivity and efficiency of departments through the use of technology Ensure completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of all operational functions Manage Department of Public Safety and Transportation Services personnel policies and decisions including recruitment, selection, training, and evaluation in a manner that attracts, develops, and retains a professional and diverse workforce Serves as Campus Security Survey Administrator as mandated by Federal Law and ensures the completion of the federally mandated annual campus security survey. Advise the University senior administration in matters related to campus safety and security Serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet and the Emergency Response Team Establish internal and external relationships that will support the University’s mission Serve as needed on campus committees and task forces Maintain a close working relationship with all members of the University community including students, faculty, staff, and administrators consistent with a “service-based” philosophy Represents the University to federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, as required, to protect the University’s interest in matters of law enforcement and safety Act as the University’s law enforcement liaison with external law enforcement and public safety agencies, and community organizations (especially the City of St. Louis) Maintain regular contact and involvement in professional campus law enforcement and public safety organizations with a focus on bringing the highest levels of excellence to the department Performs other duties as assigned. Education & Experience Requirements: Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in law enforcement and/or security, to include three years at the rank of Lieutenant or above; Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in criminology, law enforcement, business administration, public administration or related field. A combination of credit hours and experience may be considered. Prefer Master’s or other advanced degree and law enforcement executive training to include FBI, SPI or others. Must have or be eligible to obtain certification in the State of Missouri as a Police Officer under POST standards. Must be able to obtain and maintain an armed security officer license, through the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Private Security Licensing Unit, within 30-days of employment. Must possess a valid driver license upon appointment and obtain a State of Missouri driver’s license within 30-days of employment. Other Required Skills & Responsibilities: Maintain dignity and self-control in stressful situations Listen accurately Demonstrate an open, participatory, flexible, team-oriented management style Be objective about personal strengths and limitations Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment Establish rapport with people from diverse backgrounds Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions Interpret technical procedures or regulations; write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers and the general public Communicate effectively with other law enforcement agencies and work collaboratively on joint projects

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