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Chief of Public Safety
Public Safety
St. John’s, established in 1870, has three New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University’s outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship, and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study abroad offerings. St. John’s University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations.
A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission. As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community. We will become an even stronger university as we enhance equity at every level of our institution. Our graduates will excel in the competencies and values needed for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving world.
Department: Public Safety
Specific Job Title: Chief of Public Safety
Reports to: Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Campus: Queens
Job Summary:
The Chief of Public Safety is responsible for providing strategic leadership, vision, and management of the St. John’s University Department of Public Safety to ensure the safety and security of the University community across multiple campuses. This role oversees all Public Safety operations and fosters a secure, inclusive, student-centered and service-oriented environment that supports the University’s mission and values while respecting the dignity of every individual.
Essential Functions:
Operational Oversight:
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Oversee the daily operations of the Department of Public Safety, including campus security, environmental health and safety, fire safety, laboratory safety, and emergency preparedness.
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Identify and assess risks to campus safety and environmental health, implementing proactive measures to mitigate them.
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Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards concerning security and the environment.
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Lead the response to campus emergencies, serving as a key decision-maker during crises.
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Maintain and update emergency response plans, including training exercises and crisis management protocols.
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Oversee investigations into incidents and ensure thorough documentation and reporting.
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Manage the University’s parking program and waste management plan.
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Monitor and respond to trends in campus safety and security, ensuring best practices are followed.
Community Engagement:
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Provide leadership in creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming campus environment.
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Build and maintain positive relationships with campus stakeholders, local law enforcement, and emergency services.
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Promote student-centered and community-oriented safety services and programs that enhance trust and collaboration.
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Lead initiatives to educate the campus community on safety protocols, crime prevention, and environmental safety practices.
Personnel Management:
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Recruit, train, and manage personnel across Public Safety, Environmental Health and Safety, and related functions.
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Promote professional development opportunities and create a positive work environment.
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Collaborate with the Office of Human Resources in making hiring, disciplinary, and termination decisions as needed.
Fiscal Management:
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Manage the Department of Public Safety’s budget, ensuring efficient use of resources.
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Collaborate with the Business Affairs Department to manage financial operations, including budget planning, forecasting, and reporting. Adhere to University standards for budget management.
Competencies:
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Strong knowledge of laws and regulations related to campus safety, environmental health, and compliance standards.
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Excellent leadership, communication, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills.
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Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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Proven ability to manage crises and lead effectively under pressure.
Work Environment:
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This position requires availability to respond to emergencies 24/7.
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This role involves working both in an office setting and in the field, with occasional evening and weekend responsibilities.
Required Education and Experience:
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Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Master’s degree preferred); and
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10-15 years of progressive experience in public safety, environmental health, or related fields preferably in higher education, with at least 3 years in a leadership role; or
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Equivalent combination of education and experience.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
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Driver’s license required.
Other Duties:
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Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual salary range for this position is $200,000 - $250,000. St. John’s University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
This position may be relocated to any of St. John’s University’s physical locations at any time.
St. John’s offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events
Any offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John’s University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education.
St. John’s University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from women and minorities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
This position is located at 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY. View the Google Map in full screen.