Vanderbilt University Public Safety has an immediate opening for a Major.

The Major is part of the Vanderbilt University Public Safety Command Staff at Vanderbilt University and is responsible for leadership over Vanderbilt University Police Department’s Campus Precinct or VUMC Precinct and all patrol shifts and assigned units. This position provides direction and guidance to subordinate staff, prevents and investigates crime through data-driven analysis and strategies, leads the law enforcement efforts and strategies of the Bureau that are consistent with fair and impartial policing practices, analyzes and evaluates campus programs, policies, and procedures, evaluates performance, ensures proper distribution of resources, recommends disciplinary action and resolves conflict within the Vanderbilt community.

Please Note: This is a full-time, exempt position. Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter with their application to be considered for this role.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administration

+ Provides direct management of activities associated with Patrol, the Criminal Investigations Unit, Emergency Communications, and the Community Relations and Recruitment Unit utilizing best practices in campus law enforcement, and effective crime prevention, suppression, and investigative methods. Oversight includes activities within the VUPS jurisdiction including campus properties, non-campus properties, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center properties.

+ Establishes goals, objectives, and initiatives and provides assessment data to other members of the Command Staff based on an established measurement system.

+ Directly supervises and conducts performance evaluations for direct reports as assigned.

+ Directs and approves performance evaluations for others in the department.

+ Meets regularly with team leaders to promote team building, resolve issues, and exchange ideas for improvement. Sets goals and follows through with team leaders to ensure direction is appropriate to achieve desired results.

+ Fulfills a critical role in planning for, responding to, and managing emergencies, threats, events, and other situations that compromise peace and order within the VUPS jurisdiction.

+ Serves in an on-call capacity within the precinct and serves as the next level point of contact for Patrol on a 24/7 basis.

+ Assists in formulating and implementing policies and procedures in compliance with The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) standards.

+ Analyzes crime statistics and trends through review of incident reports, statistical data, and Operational Accountability Strategy and Information Sharing (O.A.S.I.S.) meetings.

+ Implements prevention and suppression strategies to eliminate or minimize the opportunity for crime trends to continue.

+ Review activity reports of subordinate staff to ensure adequate supervision, and activity and to determine resource allocation and deployment.

+ Functions as a key member of the Command Staff and assists in making critical management decisions.

+ Disseminates information regarding significant police-related events or activities to Command Staff; prepares and reviews periodic activity reports for management.

+ Willingly participates and provides input during periodic management meetings to keep top management informed of problems and concerns.

+ Maintains positive liaison with all other Vanderbilt University departments, administrators, student groups, external community stakeholders, and other law enforcement agencies.

+ The position requires frequent contact with members of the University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center community including students, parents, staff, faculty, physicians, and visitors.

+ Serves as formal and informal liaison to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to exchange information, provide assistance, or request assistance as necessary.

+ Openly supports the mission and vision of Vanderbilt University Public Safety.

+ Conducts other duties as assigned.

+ Prepare monthly and annual reports detailing the accomplishments, problems, and plans for the Precinct.

Training & Compliance

+ Assist with the development of the training program as related to patrol operations including but not limited to ongoing roll call training.

+ Present training to internal departments

+ Work closely with various departments to coordinate the effective utilization of resources and personnel.

+ Perform and provide routine audits of operational functions to ensure accreditation compliance.

Communications

+ Frequent communication with VUMC and VU students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

+ Serve as the departmental liaison with the internal and external departments and agencies.

Special Events

+ May be responsible for special event oversight and management; provides command presence and direction for events such as athletics, concerts, speakers, visiting dignitaries, commencement, and move-in day.

Community Services

+ Maintain a close working relationship with key departments, i.e., General Counsel, Risk Management, VUMC administration, Plant Services, campus administrators, and other departments on security and law enforcement issues.

+ Regularly attend meetings with administrators and faculty to keep current and aware of changing demands relative to security and law enforcement needs on the campus and in the medical center.

Qualifications

+ Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education or experience in lieu of is required.

+ At least 21 years of age is required.

+ Possession of the requirements for Tennessee P.O.S.T. certification within the first six (6) months of appointment is required.

+ Successful completion of an annual department-authorized and POST approved in-service training course consisting of at least forty (40) hours of instruction is necessary.

+ Possession of a special police commission from the Chief Law Enforcement official in Metropolitan Nashville within six (6) months and maintaining annual recommissioning is necessary.

+ Specialized training or advanced education, i.e., FBI National Academy or the Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command is highly preferred.

+ Possession of a valid driver’s license in the State of Tennessee or be eligible to obtain one within sixty (60) days of appointment is required.

Experience and Skills

+ A minimum of 5 years of law enforcement management experience is required.

+ Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation and training skills are required.

+ Ability to maintain professionalism, credibility, and excellent customer service skills when dealing with internal and external community partners is required.

Physical Requirements

In addition to meeting P.O.S.T. requirements officers must be able to:

+ Stand for long periods of time.

+ Walk, climb, and lift.

+ Pass a thorough background investigation.

+ Pass a medical examination including vision screening and drug testing; must obtain immunizations and medical tests as required to be able to work in patient care and high-risk areas.

+ Pass a Psychological Evaluation and Fingerprint.

Working Environment

+ Required to be on call and available to work nights/weekends/holidays as necessary.

+ Must be able to work in inclement weather or weather extremes.

+ May be exposed to hazardous materials, infectious diseases, blood-borne pathogens, steam, car battery acid, loud noises, smoke, and fire.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.