Job Summary
The
Director of Protective Services serves as the senior
leader for CU Boulder’s Protective Services program within the
Division of Public Safety . This role is responsible for
setting program vision, guiding strategic development, and
supporting the continued growth and maturation of protective
services capabilities that support executive leadership, dignitary
protection, critical events, and high-risk operations across the
university.
The position is intentionally designed to balance strategic
leadership and operational credibility. While the Director’s
primary focus is program leadership, development, and alignment
with institutional priorities, the role retains the flexibility to
participate directly in protective operations when needed—ensuring
continuity of coverage, informed leadership, and adaptability as
the program evolves.
The Director of Protective Services reports to the Assistant Vice
Chancellor (AVC) for Security Services, and operates as a trusted
advisor to DPS leadership and campus partners. The Director ensures
Protective Services aligns with university priorities, national
standard processes, and an evolving threat environment.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all
applicable federal, state, and local laws governing
nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a
workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and
dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to
apply, including protected veterans and individuals with
disabilities.
Who We Are
The
Division of Public Safety seeks to facilitate and
coordinate a culture that supports the Boulder campus’ commitment
to maintain the highest level of ethics, integrity, and safety in
the conduct of its operations. We do this through services to
enhance community safety, protect life and property, and foster
safe, secure, and ethical practices.
The University of Colorado (CU) Boulder is one of America's leading
research universities and the flagship of the CU System. As a
comprehensive public doctoral Research University, CU Boulder is a
member of the Association of American Universities and is
classified as an R1 University. The university has nine schools and
colleges offering over 150 academic programs and enrolling 35,000
degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students.
At CU Boulder, we believe in supporting each other and valuing
everyone who is part of our community. Our values are expected of
all Buffs and lead our actions in the classroom, on campus and in
our community. At CU Boulder, we commit to building a more diverse
and inclusive campus community. We value different backgrounds,
identities and perspectives and believe that engagement with a wide
range of ideas and viewpoints can help students learn and
grow.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Strategic Leadership & Program Development
- Establishes and advances the long-term vision, mission, and
strategic roadmap for CU Boulder’s Protective Services
program.
Designs and refines program structure, staffing models, career
pathways, and succession planning.
Develops and maintains policies, procedures, and operational
frameworks aligned with national protective-services standards and
higher-education procedures.
Evaluates emerging risks, trends, and threats to inform program
evolution and capability enhancements.
Leads continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen
effectiveness, professionalism, and resilience.
Team Leadership, Mentorship, and Professional
Development
- Provides senior-level leadership, mentorship, and professional
guidance to Protective Services personnel.
- Builds and sustains a leadership culture centered on
accountability, trust, ethical decision-making, and operational
excellence.
- Oversees training strategy, including protective-services
skills, threat assessment, executive protection, and leadership
development.
- Identifies and develops high-potential staff for advancement
and expanded responsibilities.
- Promotes employee wellness, readiness, and long-term career
sustainability.
- Provides feedback, sets clear performance expectations, and
conducts performance evaluations to support individual and team
growth.
Internal and External Partnerships
- Serves as the primary liaison for Protective Services with
campus leadership, Athletics, University Counsel, Emergency
Management, and other DPS units.
- Cultivates strong working relationships with local, state, and
federal law-enforcement agencies and protective-services
partners.
- Represents CU Boulder in regional and national public-safety
and protective-services forums.
- Advises university leadership during major events, executive
visits, or incidents requiring an enhanced security posture.
- Ensures coordinated, unified approaches to safety and
protection across the institution.
Operational Leadership and Subject-Matter Expertise
- Provides oversight, guidance, and leadership for protective
operations while maintaining the ability to participate
operationally as needed.
- Serves as a senior subject-matter expert during complex,
high-risk, or sensitive protective operations, major events, or
critical incidents.
- Fills in for protection assignments when operational demands,
staffing levels, or risk conditions require additional leadership
presence.
- Reviews after-action reports, operational metrics, and incident
outcomes to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for
improvement.
- Ensures operational readiness, compliance, and alignment with
institutional risk tolerance.
Administrative, Budgetary and Executive Support
- Supports budget planning, resource allocation, and
justification for program growth and capability enhancements.
- Prepares executive briefings, reports, and strategic materials
for senior leadership.
- Assists with grant exploration, technology evaluation, and
investments supporting protective-services capabilities.
- Engages in other duties as required in support of strategic
and/or operational priorities and compliance.
Other Duties
- Supports security initiatives at Campus events.
- Takes on additional duties as assigned by the AVC of Security
Services or the Vice Chancellor of Public Safety.
What You Should Know
Standard business hours, with weekends and nights required as
needed to support special events and protection details (flex time
and/or stipends may be available). This position may occasionally
be available in a hybrid modality, but due to the nature of the
work performed, it is expected that the position will primarily
work onsite.
This position operates University vehicles and requires an active
Drivers' License. This position is subject to a background
investigation, including criminal, financial, and motor vehicle
records background check; job suitability exam; an Excluded Parties
List System check; a review of a personal history statement;
reference, credit, and employment checks; and a drug screen.
Pre-placement psychological evaluations are also required.
What We Can Offer
Starting salary range is $115,000 - $125,000. Relocation assistance
is available within department guidelines.
Benefits
At the
University of Colorado Boulder , we are
committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our
employees. Our comprehensive
benefits package includes medical,
dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition
assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local
transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder
offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class
outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through
the
CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be excited. Be professional. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Security
Management, or a related field OR an equivalent combination of
education/experience may substitute for the degree.
- Three (3) or more years of significant progressive leadership
experience in protective services, law enforcement, executive
protection, or public safety.
- Demonstrated experience building, leading, or modernizing
specialized teams or programs.
- Must possess a current, valid driver's license.
What You Will Need
- Ability to pass a comprehensive, pre-hire background
investigation.
- Strong understanding of threat assessment, dignitary
protection, risk management, and crisis response.
- Exceptional communication, judgment, negotiation,
interpersonal, and strategic-thinking skills.
- Strong leadership capabilities with proven ability to mentor
leaders and develop high-performing teams.
- Analytical mentality with the ability to assess and resolve
complex issues.
- Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple
priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, project management
software, or other relevant tools.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- A current resume.
- A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background
and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and
responsibilities of the position.
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by
September 3, 2026 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via
email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through
CU Boulder Jobs .
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in
any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying
information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school
attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting
or removing this information.
Essential Services
This position is designated “essential services.” The incumbent is
required to respond to requests for work during campus emergencies
(snow, wind, rain, flood and any other natural or man-made event)
and report to work for his / her regularly assigned shift during
emergency campus closures.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu
