The posting
Job Description
About the Work Unit: Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is led by the Office of the Senior Associate Vice Chancellor/Chief of Police in the Division of Administration. VUPS is a dedicated team of over 400 professionals united by a shared commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all in the Vanderbilt community, as well as the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Organized into several specialized units, our department includes commissioned officers, security professionals, and skilled administrative staff—all working collaboratively to uphold the highest standards of community-based policing.
Key Functions and Expected Performance: Operational Leadership & Oversight
- Provide strategic and tactical leadership for a designated security unit or shift, optimizing staffing, resource allocation, and performance outcomes.
- Develop, maintain, and adjust shift schedules to ensure continuous and efficient coverage.
- Lead routine audits and inspections of personnel, equipment, and processes to guarantee compliance with departmental standards.
- Review and authorize all supervisory reports and documentation, ensuring completeness and adherence to required standards.
- Maintain comprehensive operational records and data; conduct research to prepare strategic proposals and contingency plans.
- Serve as operational backup for shift supervisors during critical staffing needs or emergencies.
Personnel Management & Development
- Oversee the comprehensive training and professional development of all direct reports, including Weapons Detection Specialists and Community Service Officers. Training includes field and classroom instruction on weapons detection systems and related equipment.
- Execute all aspects of personnel administration, including:Validating and approving time sheets and payroll submissions. Reviewing and approving time-off requests, managing leave of absence processes, and ensuring compliance with all organizational policies. Serving as the delegate for payroll/time approval in the absence of the shift supervisor.
- Lead the performance management process: conduct formal performance evaluations, facilitate performance management conversations, and provide constructive feedback to direct reports.
- Coach and mentor staff to enhance engagement and performance. Lead corrective action and counseling sessions as needed, including conducting preliminary investigations into employee misconduct and recommending disciplinary actions in alignment with HR and departmental guidelines.
- Participate actively in the recruitment and selection process for new hires, including conducting interviews and providing hiring recommendations.
Operational Response & Service Delivery
- Oversee and manage the execution of service-oriented operations:Ensure timely and effective emergency response (fire, medical, etc.). Supervise building security checks, directed patrols, and bi-weekly emergency phone testing. Manage and coordinate responses for vehicle access services, motorist assistance, and security/personal safety escort requests. Oversee secure transport services for psychiatric patients and ensure strict collaboration with medical personnel and compliance with all safety protocols.
- Implement accountability frameworks to ensure equitable and consistent service delivery across the unit.
Strategic Partnership & Events
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with the university, medical center, and surrounding community members; lead proactive patrol initiatives and foster collaborative problem-solving to identify and mitigate security risks.
- Represent the department in cross-functional meetings with internal stakeholders to address evolving security needs; compile and present data for compliance and strategic planning.
- Coordinate with Community Relations personnel on physical security and crime prevention strategies.
- Manage security operations for high-profile special events, including athletic competitions, commencement ceremonies, concerts, and dignitary visits, ensuring effective crowd control and orderly conduct.
- Keep departmental leadership informed of all significant security-related incidents and trends; lead management meetings.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Relationships: The Safety and Security Manager will have responsibility for the assigned Safety and Security Supervisors and security personnel during shift operations. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Safety and Security Director.
Education and Certifications
- Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Business Management, or a related field.
- Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of management experience in a law enforcement or similar security setting.
- Training & License:
- Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record (subject to continuous third-party monitoring).
- Successful completion of all VUPS training requirements within 30 days of hire, including:De-escalation, Pressure Point Control Tactics, and pepper spray training (or equivalent). CPR and AED certification. Community Service Officer training. Demonstrated knowledge of all University and Police Department written directives, rules, and regulations.
Experience and Skills:
Management & Leadership
- Demonstrated ability to supervise, guide, and develop the skills of staff, preparing personnel for increased responsibility.
- Proven ability to lead by example and function with relative independence and limited direction across a wide range of assignments.
- Expertise in performance management, including conducting thorough evaluations, providing effective feedback, and handling disciplinary and performance issues with fairness.
- Ability to make timely, sound decisions based on facts presented and accept responsibility for outcomes.
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
- Exceptional customer service skills and the ability to maintain professionalism and credibility when interacting with diverse internal and external contacts.
- Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to perform public speaking.
- Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, enforcement personnel, and a diverse range of University and Medical Center constituents (students, faculty, staff, parents).
Behavioral and Analytical Skills
- Must remain calm, objective, and self-restrained throughout stressful, unpleasant, or constantly changing situations.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills and the ability to organize, prioritize, and multi-task in a dynamic environment.
- Working knowledge of standard computer programs, including MS Word and Excel, is preferred.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
- Physical Demands: Must be able to stand for long periods, walk, climb, and lift. Must meet written departmental standards for appearance and grooming.
- Background: Must pass a thorough background investigation and drug test demonstrating good moral character, a good driving record, and no prior criminal convictions that would prohibit certification under the State of Tennessee Private Protective Services Act.
- Environment: Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays and be willing to work in inclement weather and various weather extremes.
- Hazards: Must be able to use necessary precautionary equipment (e.g., TB mask) and may encounter hazardous materials, infectious disease, blood-borne pathogens, loud noises, and potential physical danger from violent individuals.
- Medical: Must obtain required immunizations and medical tests to work in patient care and high-risk areas.
About Us
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity 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.
