"Chief of Police"

Chief of Police

Posting Number: S402P
Application Deadline: 1/29/2026
Department: S402P
FT - PT: Full Time
Minimum Salary: 145000.00
Maximum Salary: 160000.00

Description:

Purchase College seeks a Chief of Police who will be an innovative and collaborative leader with a proven record of success in law enforcement leadership. Responsible for the effective administration and efficient operation of the University Police Department, the Chief oversees all campus safety and security activities, ensuring the maintenance of law and order and the enforcement of Federal, State, and local laws, as well as State University of New York, college, and campus regulations.

The Chief develops and implements comprehensive security strategies to prevent crime and maintain a safe campus environment. The position oversees compliance with the Clery Act and NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) reporting requirements, ensures timely communication with the campus community on safety matters, and serves as liaison to federal, state, local, and SUNY University Police agencies. The Chief provides strategic oversight of personnel scheduling, training, and professional development; conducts background investigations; manages the department's budget and procurement; and fosters collaborative relationships with campus constituents, community organizations, and civic partners to advance campus safety and community policing initiatives.

This Management Confidential, on-site, role requires a forward-thinking leader with strong administrative, community engagement, and staff development skills who will ensure that campus policing reflects the College's mission and advances the goals of its Strategic Plan. The incumbent must be thoroughly knowledgeable in concepts of modern law enforcement and community policing and be able to provide leadership, direction, and administration to a complex organization. The Chief will participate in or chair various campus committees.

About Purchase College:

A top 10 public school, according to U.S. News & World Report, Purchase College, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, was founded in 1967 by Governor Nelson Rockefeller. His aspiration for Purchase was to create a dynamic campus that combined conservatory training in the visual and performing arts with programs in the liberal arts and sciences, in order to inspire an appreciation for both intellectual and artistic talents in all students. Today, Purchase College, SUNY is a community of students, faculty, and friends where open-minded engagement with the creative process leads to a lifetime of intellectual growth and professional opportunity. For more information, visit the College's website: Purchase College.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate at a minimum must possess:
• NYS DCJS police officer certification or previous NYS DCJS police officer certification eligibility
• Bachelors Degree.
• At least 15 years of progressive law enforcement experience with at least 7 years in a supervisory or management capacity
• Excellent collaboration, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Must have, keep, and maintain the appropriate valid NYS Driver's License; have a motor vehicle record which is free from major violations or a pattern of repeat violations.

Preferred:
• Community policing and progressive police administrative experience.
• Experience in higher education.
• University Police Senior Level Command Experience (at least 5 years related experience at the command level).
• Emergency Management background and training.
• Masters Degree.
• Experience with Campus Crime Reporting Act (Clery Act), Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and Title IX compliance.

Candidates are required to complete an online application and attach:

1. a resume/CV specifying work experience and education,
2. a cover letter (maximum two pages) expressing interest in the position and summarizing qualifications,
3. the names, addresses, and e-mail addresses (and phone numbers, if possible) of THREE (3) references, who can speak to your experience related to this position.

Phone calls, hard copy, or e-mail submissions of application materials will NOT be accepted. Note: 211 waivers for retired individuals are rare and must be approved by the President of SUNY Purchase or Chancellor of the SUNY System.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision benefits are available to eligible employees after a 28-day waiting period. More information regarding other benefits such as generous paid time off, tuition assistance, and retirement systems can be found on SUNY's Benefit Summaries website.
• Purchase College is a qualifying government employer allowing eligible employees to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Access to the NAEYC-accredited, on-campus child care at The Children's Center.
• Discounted access to the world-class Performing Arts Center, free admission to the Neuberger Museum of Art, and free access to the athletic facilities.
• Other benefits include business-casual dress and an opportunity to telecommute (dependent on job function and operational need). For detailed information on some of the College's employee benefits, visit the College's Human Resources/Benefits website.