Associate Vice President of Campus Safety/Peace Officer (Armed) at InsideHigherEd

About SUNY Schenectady County Community College:

SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SUNY Schenectady) is one of the State University of New York's finest two-year colleges located in upstate New York's vibrant and growing Capital Region, with easy access to Boston, NYC, the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains, Montreal and scenic Hudson Valley, all of which are just a few hours away. SUNY Schenectady is a premier college that provides quality, comprehensive education for transfer, career, training, and workforce development in a student-centered environment, serving students from a wide range of backgrounds. The College offers more than 50 transfer and career programs in science, aviation, culinary, music, and liberal arts, and serves more than 5,000 students. We take pride in being an urban campus with a small town feel.

Job Description:

SUNY Schenectady is currently accepting applications for the position of Associate Vice President (AVP) of Campus Safety/Peace Officer (Armed). The AVP is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight in all areas of campus operations aligned with the assurance of the safety, security, and well-being of the campus community. This position plays a critical role in developing and implementing comprehensive safety and security programs, policies, and procedures in facilitating positive relationships and collaborations with external stakeholders including law enforcement agencies, community partners, and campus constituents. The AVP is responsible for management and oversight of campus safety personnel either directly hired by the college or provided through a contracted Security Firm. This position reports directly to the Executive Vice President of Administration

Supervisory Responsibilities:
The AVP supervises campus security staff and staff involved in Campus Safety related actions or responsibilities.

Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements a campus safety and security strategic plan aligned with the institution's mission, goals, and regulatory requirements, prepares/updates emergency and disaster response and recovery plans to include situations such as man-made and natural catastrophes, hazardous material spills, demonstrations and disorders, and any other situation as directed by the President or the VP of Administration.
• Provides leadership and supervision to the campus safety and security team to include recruitment, training, performance management, and professional development.
• Establishes and maintains partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, fire, EMS, hazardous materials and medical safety agencies, community organizations and other relevant external entities to foster positive relationships and communications.
• Oversees the development and implementation of emergency preparedness and response protocols, including crisis management plans, incident reporting systems, and communication strategies.
• Responsible for all safety and security compliance reporting (e.g., the Clery Disclosure Report) and records maintenance required for compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations including standard protocols, practices, and requirements related to building and fire codes, hazardous chemicals and waste as well as any other campus safety reporting requirement.
• Conducts and documents regular assessments of the college's safety risks and vulnerabilities and, develops mitigation strategies to minimize the risk of potential threats.
• Updates and conducts an annual review of the college's workplace violence physical space assessment plan and related documents.
• Reviews planned events and recommends appropriate safety and security resources to meet the college community's needs.
• Determines appropriate security staffing levels and deployment, training for campus specific procedures, evaluation of service, and assures timely emergency response.
• Collaborates with campus stakeholders to foster a culture of safety, inclusivity, and respect through the provision of educational programs, training workshops, and awareness campaigns (e.g., Conducts campus annual safety trainings such as Active Shooter Training, Emergency Lockdown, Right to Know training, etc.).
• Co-Chairs the College's Emergency Response Team, leads the campus's program of emergency preparedness to include updating and ensuring that the Critical Incident Management Plan (CIMP) is current to the national, state, and local safety and security landscape, and co-chairs the College's Safety Committee with the Associate VP of Student Affairs.
• Manages the budget and resources allocated to the campus safety and security department, ensuring efficient use of funds and resources.
• Stays informed about emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in campus safety and security, and integrate innovative approaches to enhance overall effectiveness.
• Deters criminal activity and enforces campus policies and regulations and is responsible for communicating any campus safety and security issues to the campus community.
• Provides armed services to ensure the safety of the members of the campus community and visitors.
• Other legal and lawful duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Vice President of Administration or President of the College. These duties are to be consistent with the safety and security, education of the College community, or the stated mission of the College.
• Serves as the Program Director for the SUNY Schenectady Opioid Overdose Prevention Program
• Advisor to the VP of Administration and the College President on Safety and Security issues

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, security management, or a related field.
• Graduation from a municipal law enforcement academy and 10 or more years serving in positions requiring progressively higher levels of responsibility in campus safety and security, law enforcement, or a related field.
• Firearms training and active or current firearm certification.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, policy development, and program implementation in the field of campus safety and security.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to campus safety and security, including Clery Act, Title IX, and ADA compliance.
• Excellent leadership and managerial skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of current trends, technologies, and best practices in campus safety and security.
• Experience in emergency preparedness and crisis management, including the development and execution of response plans. Demonstrated ability to analyze complex situations, make sound decisions, and provide effective solutions to mitigate risks.
• Some evenings and weekends.

Special Requirements:

• In addition to meeting the above qualifications, this position requires candidates to have met established medical and physical requirements, to have successfully completed the approved Municipal Police Training Council (MPTC) Training Program for Community College Peace Officers, be legally able to possess a firearm in the State of New York, and possess a valid New York State driver's license.

Special Information:

• VISA sponsorship is not available for this position
• Offers of employment will be conditional based on the successful completion of a background check and verification of official college transcripts, certifications and licenses.

Additional Information:

Salary: $75,000 - $80,000

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

As a full-time team member, you will have access to a competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, professional growth, and work-life balance:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage - Medical, dental, and vision plans to ensure the well-being of you and your family.
• Flexible Retirement Plans - Options to select the retirement system that best aligns with your goals, plus access to a deferred compensation plan to enhance your long-term savings.
• Generous Time Off - Ample vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays, plus a paid college closure between Christmas and New Year's Day.
• Professional Growth & Development - Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement through a variety of professional development programs.
• Family-Friendly Support - Access to on-site childcare providers (subject to availability) to help ease the demands of balancing work and family life.
• Wellness Initiatives - Discounted YMCA memberships and participation in wellness events to promote physical and mental health.

Application Instructions:

Applications Due By: Applications accepted until position is filled.

If you need a disability-related accommodation to apply to this position, please contact the Human Resources Office at (518) 381-1218 or [email protected].

Applicants must submit the following documents to be considered for this position:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Completed SUNY Schenectady Employment Application
• References: Please provide three professional references which include name, title, and contact information

CAMPUS SAFETY REPORT
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, without exception, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the College's crime statistics for the past three years; and the availability regarding the College's current campus security policies. SUNY Schenectady County Community College's Annual Security Report is available here.

SUNY Schenectady is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United Stated and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.