Director of Campus Safety & Security
Location: East Hartford, CT - East Hartford, CT 06118 · Type: Full
Time
Description
The mission of Goodwin University is to educate a diverse student population
in a dynamic environment that aligns education, commerce, and community. Our
innovative programs of study prepare students for professional careers while
promoting lifelong learning and civic responsibility. As a nurturing
university community, we challenge students, faculty, staff, and
administration to fully realize their highest academic, professional, and
personal potential.
Position Description Summary/Purpose
The Director of Campus Safety and Security provides strategic leadership and
oversight for campus safety, security, emergency preparedness, transportation,
risk management, and regulatory compliance across the University and its
affiliated properties. The Director is responsible for maintaining a safe and
secure environment for students, employees, visitors, and residents through
effective security operations, emergency response planning, and safety
initiatives.
Serving as the University's primary liaison with law enforcement, emergency
responders, and community partners, the Director leads crisis management
efforts, supports compliance requirements, and promotes a culture of safety,
preparedness, and accountability throughout the institution.
Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities :
(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as
illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission
of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if
the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Administration
Provide leadership and strategic direction for campus safety, security,
emergency preparedness, transportation, risk management, and regulatory
compliance.
Advise senior leadership on safety-related risks, compliance obligations,
and mitigation strategies.
Manage departmental budgets, resources, performance metrics, and long-term
planning initiatives.
Foster a culture of safety, accountability, preparedness, and community
engagement.
Establish and maintain productive relationships with key internal partners
including student conduct officer(s), office of human resources, legal
affairs, and Title IX compliance.
Security Operations & Vendor Oversight
Direct campus-wide security operations, access control, and safety
protocols across university, school, and residential properties.
Manage contracted security services, including staffing, performance
standards, training, compliance monitoring, and vendor accountability.
Ensure effective, responsive, and community-oriented security services.
Compliance, Risk Management & Emergency Preparedness
Lead institutional compliance with applicable federal, state, and
regulatory requirements, including Clery Act and workplace violence
prevention standards. Support efforts to ensure compliance with other
regulatory requirements such as VAWA, DFSCA, OSHA, Title IX, FERPA, , and
other applicable federal and state regulations.
Oversee crime reporting, annual security reporting, emergency
notifications, audits, and regulatory reviews.
Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and programs
related to campus safety, emergency management, and risk mitigation.
Lead emergency preparedness planning, training exercises, crisis response,
and incident management activities.
Threat Assessment & Community Partnerships
Conduct risk assessments, safety audits, and threat management initiatives
to identify and mitigate institutional risks.
Lead or support behavioral intervention and threat assessment efforts.
Serve as the primary liaison with law enforcement, emergency responders,
government agencies, and community stakeholders, ensuring the University
and Magnet School System maintain positive and productive relationships
with these partners.
Transportation, Training & Security Technology
Oversee campus transportation services to ensure safe, efficient, and
reliable operations.
Develop and deliver safety education, emergency preparedness, and security
training programs.
Manage security technology systems, including access control,
surveillance, alarm, and emergency communication systems, and recommend
technology enhancements.
Personnel Leadership
Supervise security and transportation personnel and oversee contracted
security staff.
Establish performance expectations, training programs, accountability
measures, and professional development opportunities to ensure effective
service delivery.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill
Demonstrated commitment to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and
work in an environment in which all members of the University community
are treated with respect and dignity
Demonstrated skill in risk management, threat assessment, and crisis
response.
Experience navigating vendor relationships and performance expectations.
Excellent leadership, decision-making, communication, and relationship-
building skills.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to remain calm and decisive during emergencies and high-pressure
situations.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred; equivalent combination of
education and progressively responsible experience will be considered.
7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in campus safety, law
enforcement, security operations, or emergency management.
At least 5 years of supervisory or management experience
Preferred requirements:
Campus safety leadership experience in higher education.
FEMA ICS/NIMS certifications.
Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), law enforcement certification, or
equivalent credentials preferred
Experience with enterprise security systems, threat assessment teams, and
emergency response planning.
Trained in mental health awareness and interventions in public safety
settings.
Special Requirements:
Valid driver's license and ability to operate a motor vehicle
Must possess a valid Connecticut permit to carry a pistol or revolver or
be able to obtain and maintain such permit as a condition of employment
and be eligible to carry a firearm in accordance with institutional
policies and applicable law.
Certified Clery Compliance Officer, or the ability to obtain it within six
months of starting the position..
Must be available to respond to emergencies and critical incidents outside
normal business hours
Physical and Mental Requirements :
Work Environment None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3
Outdoor Weather Conditions X
Work with fumes or airborne particles X
Work near moving mechanical parts X
Risk of electrical shock X
Vibration X
Physical Activity None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3
Standing X
Walking X
Sitting X
Talking & Hearing X
Using hands/fingers to handle/feel X
Climbing or balancing X
Bending, pulling, pushing X
Driving X
Lifting Requirements None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3
Up to 10 pounds X
Up to 25 pounds X
Up to 50 pounds X
Up to 75 pounds X
Up to 100 pounds X
Over 100 pounds X
Vision Requirements:
X Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)
X Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)
X Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)
X Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up
and down or
left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)
X Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge
distances and
spatial relationships)
No special vision requirements
Full-Time Employee Benefits:
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Pet Insurance
401k employer match
Employee & dependent life insurance
Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents
PTO program
Flexible work schedules
(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between
Goodwin University and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions
and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the University and
requirements of the job change.)
