Vice President of Public Safety

Vice President of Public Safety

Columbia University, a globally renowned institution in New York, NY, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of vice president of public safety. This is an on-site leadership role.

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis.

Reporting to the executive vice president for facilities and operations, the vice president of public safety (VPPS) oversees a department reflective of the values of an inclusive educational and working environment on campus, while building relationships and collaborating with students, faculty, and staff in support of a positive experience for the entire Columbia University community. The VPPS manages approximately 302 full-time staff across three distinct functional areas—Operations, Administrative Services (Training and Development), and Technology Projects—and oversees an annual operating budget of $76 million. This position is also responsible for overseeing the effective deployment of approximately 300 contract guards. The Department's staffing includes a recently established cadre of approximately 36 sworn Special Patrol Officers, appointed by the New York Police Department (NYPD), who enhance the safety ecosystem and possess enhanced training and enforcement capabilities.

The salary range is $300,000 - $400,000

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree and at least ten years of progressive experience in the field of public safety, law enforcement, or community engagement are required. An advanced degree, experience in a higher education setting, and at least five years of senior management experience are preferred. The successful candidate will possess significant knowledge of public safety and emergency response practices, excellent strategic and operational abilities, outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, and a clear and demonstrated commitment to community caretaking as a core professional value.

The ideal candidate will appreciate the complexity of public safety on a dynamic residential university campus with a significant international population in a major metropolitan area. In addition, candidates will demonstrate an unwavering commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in every facet of the Department's diverse activities; skill in conflict resolution and creative problem solving; experience working with a unionized work force and a record of success establishing and maintaining positive labor/management relations; proven ability to motivate the department's workforce to succeed as a high-functioning team; and the capacity to inspire trust and confidence.

Application and Nomination

Columbia University has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin June 4, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://spelmanandjohnson.com/position/vice-president-of-public-safety/

Contact Mark Hall at mah@spelmanjohnson.com for confidential inquiries.

Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.

Visit the Columbia University website at www.columbia.edu

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran