Director, Safety and Security (10007897)

About the Work Unit:

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is
led by the Office of the 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. 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:

Strategic Leadership & Administration

• Provide executive-level strategic and
  tactical leadership for all security units and shifts, optimizing staffing, resource allocation, and overall performance
  outcomes.
• Oversee the maintenance and review of shift schedules to ensure continuous and efficient departmental
  coverage.
• Lead routine, comprehensive audits and inspections of personnel, equipment, processes, and operational compliance with
  departmental and regulatory standards.
• Maintain comprehensive operational records and data, conduct high-level research, and prepare
  strategic proposals and contingency plans for senior management.
• Ensure all necessary reports and documentation are reviewed,
  complete, and meet required standards.
• Serve as the primary departmental representative in high-level management and key stakeholder
  meetings, keeping departmental leadership informed of all significant security-related incidents and trends.
• Lead accountability
  measures and implement frameworks to ensure fair, equitable, and consistent service delivery across the
  department.

Personnel Management & Development

• Directly supervise Safety and Security Managers and oversee
  the comprehensive training and professional development of all departmental staff, including Weapons Detection Specialists and Community
  Service Officers.
• Oversee all aspects of personnel administration, including performance management, coaching, counseling, and
  leading corrective action processes.
• Direct the performance management process, ensuring formal performance evaluations are
  conducted and constructive feedback is provided to managers.
• Oversee preliminary investigations into employee misconduct complaints,
  providing disciplinary recommendations to the Chief of Police when warranted.
• Actively lead and participate in the recruitment,
  selection, and interview process for new staff candidates and managers.
• Oversee the management of time approval, payroll
  submissions, and leave requests, ensuring compliance with organizational policies.

Security Operations & Service
Delivery

• Oversee and manage the timely and effective execution of all service-oriented operations,
  including:
  • Emergency response (fire, medical).
  • Building security checks and directed patrols.
  • Bi-weekly Emergency
    Phone Testing.
  • Responses for vehicle access services, motorist assistance, and security/personal safety escort
    requests.
  
  
• Ensure the strict supervision of secure transport services for psychiatric patients, collaborating with medical
  personnel and adhering to all safety protocols.
• Serve as operational backup for Security Managers during critical staffing needs or
  emergencies.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Cultivate and maintain strong, professional relationships
  with internal and external stakeholders, including enforcement officials, the public, and diverse university/medical center
  constituencies.
• Lead proactive patrol initiatives and foster collaborative problem-solving through community partnerships to
  identify and mitigate security risks and develop effective crime prevention strategies.
• Coordinate with Community Relations
  personnel on physical security, safety information, and crime prevention strategies.
• Manage and coordinate security operations for
  all high-profile special events, including athletic events, concerts, commencement, and visiting dignitaries, ensuring effective crowd
  control and order maintenance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory
Relationships:

The Safety and Security Director will be responsible for all management and leadership of safety and
security managers, supervisors, and security personnel. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Police Inspector –
Chief Security Officer.

Education and Certifications

• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in criminal
  justice, Business Management, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be
  considered.
• Required Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of progressive management experience in a law enforcement or similar
  high-level security setting, including experience supervising mid-level managers.
• 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:

• Leadership & Management: Demonstrated expertise in strategic leadership, personnel development, performance
  management, and effectively handling complex disciplinary issues with fairness. Proven ability to lead by example and function with
  significant independence and limited direction.
• Decision-Making: Exceptional ability to make timely, sound, fact-based decisions
  quickly, remaining objective, and accepting responsibility for outcomes. Must demonstrate self-restraint and remain calm and objective
  during stressful or unpleasant situations.
• Communication: Exceptionally demonstrated written and oral communication, public
  speaking, and interpersonal skills. 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). Exceptional
  customer service skills and the ability to maintain professionalism and credibility when interacting with diverse internal and external
  contacts.
• Analytical: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic
  environment. Working knowledge of standard computer programs, including MS Word and Excel, is preferred.

Working
Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand for long periods, walk, climb, and lift. Must meet written
  departmental standards for appearance and grooming.
• 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.
• Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays and be willing to work in inclement
  weather and various weather extremes.
• 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.
• 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.

Job Info

• Job Identification 10007897
• Posting Date 02/17/2026, 01:35 PM
• Locations
  Nashville, TN, United States
• Job Schedule Full time
• Job Category Public Safety
• Job Function Campus Safety &
  Security
• Management Level Management 3

Tagged as: Employment