Director of Campus Safety

Position Purpose

The Director of Campus Safety leads a team committed to a community-focused safety model grounded in prevention, education, accountability, and trust-building. The role requires strong collaboration across campus and with external partners to ensure effective, equitable, and legally compliant safety practices. This role is responsible for all aspects of campus safety operations, including emergency management, communications/dispatch, policy enforcement, transportation services, and building access control.

Job Duties

Strategic & Administrative Leadership

• Provide overall leadership and direction for campus safety operations, including staffing, policy development, and resource management.
• Recruit, supervise, develop, and evaluate Campus Safety personnel, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Lead the development and implementation of training programs emphasizing de-escalation, trauma-informed response, and community engagement.
• Oversee maintenance of CALEA accreditation and ensure continuous improvement of departmental standards.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and operational protocols aligned with institutional values and best practices.
• Manage departmental budget, technology systems, and operational resources.
• Responsible for oversight of transportation services, parking operations, and campus access control systems.

Campus and Community Engagement

• Build collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners to promote shared responsibility for safety.
• Partner with Student Affairs, Title IX/Civil Rights Compliance, and Community Standards to ensure coordinated and effective responses to incidents.
• Develop and deliver campus-wide safety education and crime prevention initiatives.
• Serve as a key liaison to local, state, and federal law enforcement and community stakeholders.
• Strengthen relationships with neighbors, public officials, and community organizations.

Emergency & Crisis Management

• Lead institutional preparedness efforts, including prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery planning.
• Maintain and enhance campus emergency notification systems and communication protocols.
• Serve as a primary liaison to emergency responders and external agencies during crises.
• Participate in senior-level emergency management and care teams.
• Oversee training exercises, drills, and community education related to emergency preparedness.
• Ensure timely, professional response to incidents and critical situations.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including the Clery Act, Title IX, and FERPA.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of the Annual Security Report.
• Conduct or oversee sensitive investigations involving personnel, conduct, or safety concerns.
• Monitor and analyze safety data to inform decision-making and improve outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in campus safety, law enforcement, or a related field.
• Prior experience in a college or university setting is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends, best practices, and legal frameworks in campus safety.
• Experience working with diverse populations and advancing inclusive practices.
• Experience with media relations and public communication preferred.

Skills and Knowledge

• Commitment to equity and inclusion, and serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse community.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through crisis and complexity.
• Strategic thinker with strong operational execution skills.
• Experience developing training programs and organizational initiatives.
• Ability to build partnerships and navigate complex institutional environments.
• Proficiency in data-informed decision-making and performance metrics.
• High level of professionalism, sound judgment, and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively in high-pressure situations.

Benefits

Bates College offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits (health, dental, 9% retirement contribution with potential for an additional 3% match, 10 days of vacation*, 13 paid holidays, free parking, access to library and athletic facilities & more), and a supportive, collegial environment in a drug- and smoke-free workplace.