Director of Public Safety

Mount Mercy University is a Catholic, coeducational University founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1928 enrolling approximately 1450 students. The University offers a variety of liberal arts, professional, accelerated and graduate degree programs.

Mount Mercy University is currently seeking candidates to fill the position of Director of Public Safety.  This position reports to the Vice President for Operations. This is a full-time Exempt (salary) position.

Primary Purpose:

  • To develop a strategic vision for the Mount Mercy University Public Safety department,
  • To hire, train, set direction for, mentor and motivate the staff in public safety to carry out the vision of the department, 24 hours per day, seven days per week,
  • To protect the institutions people and property through the department’s proactive education and patrol,
  • To develop, implement and manage campus safety and security programs and services for the Mount Mercy University community (students, faculty, staff, guests, and visitors) including but not limited to security, environmental health and safety, fire safety, emergency management, crime prevention, parking management and key/access control,
  • To ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to campus safety.

The Director of Public Safety plays a critical role in the University’s emergency preparedness and response and therefore must be able to envision and lead, in conjunction with the VP for Operations, a comprehensive and on-going emergency preparedness planning process including simulated emergency response efforts.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Develop a strategic vision for public safety and provide leadership for its implementation. 
  • Analyze, make decisions, and assume responsibility for the public safety for the campus community
  • Recruit, hire, set direction for and supervise staff. 
  • Enforce federal, state laws and local ordinances and the MMU Code of Conduct.
  • Maintain Clery Act and other federal, state, and local reports relative to public safety compliance regulations that must be met by the University.
  • May serve as a member of the Title IX Team.
  • Work with the VP for Operations to create a response procedure and coordinate a response team to deal with campus emergencies.
  • Construct contemporary policies and procedures to address emergency situations and/or become familiar with current emergency procedures and be prepared to take charge in emergency situations.
  • Provide training and information for faculty, staff and students on public safety related issues. 
  • Provide proactive warnings and education when students, faculty/staff could act to protect themselves.
  • Coordinate access, security and monitoring of all University facilities, buildings, and classrooms. Maintain careful surveillance of the physical plant and report maintenance issues to the proper departments.
  • Supervise the patrol areas of buildings, parking lots, and grounds to assure safety and security of students, faculty, staff, guests, visitors, and other persons on University property.
  • Manage the budget process in Public Safety. Ensure that budgets are appropriate for goals and functions of areas in Public Safety. 
  • Create, implement, and administer an effective University Safety Committee.

Recommended Skills/Competencies:

  • Clear commitment to and understanding of MMU’s mission.
  • Knowledge of federal and state regulations related to higher education and the legal issues related to public safety.
  • Ability to effectively plan for and manage the around-the-clock operation of a 24-hour 7-day a week public safety effort for a multi-campus University.
  • Experience dealing with student disciplinary matters; including alcohol and drug use, students with psychological problems, and sexual assault.
  • Experience establishing collaborative working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and outside constituent groups.
  • Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, in a manner consistent with professional standards, including making oral presentations to groups.
  • The ability to remain calm in crisis situations, to act decisively, and to apply sound judgment in determining appropriate action regarding interventions, assistance and referral of students to other University staff members.
  • Ability to work effectively as a member of a staff where cooperation and teamwork are essential.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and confidential written information.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:

  • A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.
  • At least three years of relevant experience and training is required. Experience working with college or university students is preferred.
  • A valid driver’s license is required. First aid training required. EMT training preferred.
  • Other combinations of experience and education that meets the minimum requirement may be substituted.

The successful candidate must also demonstrate a willingness to support Mount Mercy’s mission as a Catholic university providing student-focused education in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy. Mount Mercy University welcomes those of different faiths and is committed to excellence in education and community service.

Please submit a cover letter (including salary requirements), resume, and contact information for three professional references. Application materials should be emailed as a Microsoft Word or Adobe.pdf attachment to: hr@022aode.com with the subject line “Director of Public Safety” Paper application materials will not be accepted. Position will be open until filled. Application review will begin immediately.

Mount Mercy University is an equal opportunity employer and smoke-free campus.