Assistant Vice President of Safety & Security

South Dakota State University (SDState) is seeking a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as an institutional executive responsible for the designated strategic direction, integration, and advancement of campus emergency management, public safety, and risk management functions. This position provides leadership for Emergency & Risk Management, the University Police Department, and Environmental Health and Safety, fostering a comprehensive and collaborative approach to safety, preparedness, compliance, and organizational resilience.

The successful candidate will drive innovation, strengthen operational excellence, and cultivate strong partnerships across the university community along with community stakeholders and external agencies to support student success, institutional priorities, and a safe, welcoming campus environment. This leader will champion strategic initiatives, promote a culture of accountability and engagement, and ensure that services overseen evolve to meet the changing needs of a modern university.

This role is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

This position reports to the SDState VP and General Counsel. The Office of General Counsel coordinates and provides efficient and effective legal and other related services to university employees on matters that involve or affect the university, while upholding the university’s core values.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct oversight of the following positions: Chief of Police, Manager-Environmental Health and Safety, Emergency Management Specialist, and Risk Management Coordinator.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive vision for campus safety, security, emergency preparedness, environmental stewardship, and organizational resilience.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that enhance operational effectiveness, improve service delivery, and support the university’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the following Departments: Emergency & Risk Management, University Police, and Environmental Health & Safety.
• Foster collaborative partnerships with students, faculty, staff, community stakeholders, and external agencies to strengthen trust, engagement, and shared responsibility for campus well-being.
• Utilize data-informed decision-making, emerging technologies, and innovative practices to proactively identify risks, improve outcomes, and advance institutional priorities.
• Promote a culture of professionalism, continuous improvement, inclusivity, and service excellence across all public safety functions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations while advancing best practices in risk management, environmental health and safety, emergency preparedness, and public safety operations.

BENEFITS:

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration, Administrative or Management Services, Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Homeland Security, Emergency Management, or related field by date of application;
• 7+ years of relevant law enforcement or public safety experience, including 3 years of leadership or administrative role that involves managing large and varied teams, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the position;
• Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain proper certifications and licenses required by the state;
• Effective communication skills, both verbally and written, with all levels of the university community and regulatory agencies to accurately represent the University’s goals and objectives;
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, interpersonal, communications, and management skills;
• Knowledge of the federal and state statutes and their implementing regulations, particularly as they relate to the overseen offices and the University community;
• Ability to work with leadership and others to establish and foster partnerships to promote the safety and security of the university and local community; and
• Ability to coordinate with local, state, and federal enforcement, emergency services, and government agencies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree;
• Demonstrated experience in enterprise-level risk management;
• Professional experience in a land-grant university environment;
• Familiarity with pertinent local, state, and federal crime reporting (including NIMS / ICS, Clery Act, FERPA, ADA, etc.);
• Demonstrated training with communications, implementation of emergency plans, training and exercises, and assessment of these activities;
• Demonstrated experience with compliance and reporting, threat assessment, and behavioral intervention teams;
• Knowledge and experience related to environmental health and safety requirements;
• Demonstrated leadership and knowledge of all phases of emergency management, including planning, preparedness, full scale training exercises, all hazards responses, and business continuity and disaster recovery;
• Professional certifications: Certified Protection Professional, Physical Security Professional, OSHA, or equivalents;
• Strong analytical judgement with ability to conduct threat and vulnerability assessments; and
• Experience in environments requiring 24/7 on-call response and multi-jurisdictional coordination.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

Posting Date 06/10/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

First Consideration Date 07/08/2026

Advertised Salary The starting salary is $108,935 commensurate with qualifications and experience.