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 leadershiprole.

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

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 relationshipsand collaborating with students, faculty, and staff in support of a positive experience for the entire Columbia University community. TheVPPS manages approximately 302 full-time staff across three distinct functional areas-Operations, Administrative Services (Training andDevelopment), and Technology Projects-and oversees an annual operating budget of $76 million. This position is also responsible foroverseeing the effective deployment of approximately 300 contract guards. The Department's staffing includes a recently established cadre ofapproximately 36 sworn Special Patrol Officers, appointed by the New York Police Department (NYPD), who enhance the safety ecosystem andpossess enhanced training and enforcement capabilities.

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

Qualifications

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

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

Application and Nomination

Columbia University has selectedSpelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin June 4, 2026, andcontinue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via

• Contact Mark Hall at [email protected] for confidential inquiries.
• Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contactSpelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email [email protected] .

Columbia University isan Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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