What are the responsibilities and job description for the University Police Chief position at Christopher Newport University and Careers?
Position Information
Working Title
University Police Chief
Position Number
FA112
FLSA
Exempt
Appointment Type
Full Time
Sensitive Position
Yes
Sensitive Position Statement
A sensitive position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history Check.
Campus Security Authority
Yes
Campus Security Authority Statement
Designated Personnel
Yes
Designated Personnel Statement
This position is a “designated position” meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing.
Statement of Economic Interest
No
Statement of Economic Interest Statement
Restricted Position
No
Restricted Position Statement
Chief Objective of Position
The University Police Chief is tasked with the strategic leadership and direction of the University Police Department, encompassing the oversight of all law enforcement and public safety functions. This position involves managing a department comprised of 36 sworn officers and security personnel. The Chief bears the responsibility for ensuring adherence to all state and federal regulations, cultivating a secure and inclusive campus environment, and nurturing collaborative partnerships with the student body, faculty, staff, and the wider university community. Ultimately, the Chief’s endeavors are instrumental in supporting the University’s overarching mission and core values.
Work Tasks
The University Police Chief provides leadership and oversight for the University Police Department, ensuring professional, community-oriented law enforcement and public safety services in support of the mission and values of the University. Key responsibilities include:
1. Leadership & Administration
- Provide vision, direction and overall management for a 24/7/365 police department.
- Recruit, hire, train and evaluate departmental staff; fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism and service.
- Oversee departmental policies, procedures and standards to ensure consistency, alignment with best practices and applicable laws, including the Clery Act, Title IX, VAWA, FERPA, and Virginia DCJS requirements.
- Direct preparation, accuracy, and timely submission of mandated reports, including the Annual Security Report and crime statistics reporting.
- Manage departmental budget and resources to ensure fiscal responsibility and operational effectiveness.
2. Operations
- Direct uniformed patrol, security, investigations, crime prevention initiatives, and emergency communications center.
- Ensure proper investigation, documentation, and reporting of crimes, accidents, and incidents in accordance with Virginia Uniform Crime Reporting standards.
- Oversee training and professional development for officers in areas such as law enforcement techniques, safety, legal compliance, and de-escalation practices.
- Ensure respectful, equitable, and trauma-informed approaches to interactions with diverse populations.
- Ensure department readiness with respect to equipment, communication systems, and operational protocols.
- Develop and promote community policing initiatives, crime prevention education, and outreach programs that support student success and campus well-being.
3. Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Serve as a visible and accessible representative of the University Police Department to students, faculty, staff, visitors, and neighbors.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus stakeholders and external law enforcement agencies at the local, regional, state, and federal levels.
- Participate actively in campus and community forums, including Threat Assessment Team (TAT) and Campus Violence Prevention Committee (CVPC) and the Campus Review Committee for Sexual Violence (CRC-SV), to foster trust, transparency, and shared responsibility for safety.
4. University Administration
- This position is a “designated position” meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing.
- This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an “official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities”. A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime.
- This position is designated as a “responsible employee” who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.
- This position is a sensitive position and directly responsible for the health, safety and welfare of the general populace, or protection of critical infrastructures and requires a criminal background check including fingerprinting.
- Develop and maintain very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees. Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude and treat everyone with dignity and respect. Fully support the University’s mission and vision, anchored in excellence, focused on students, advancing the values of honor, service, scholarship and leadership.
- Promote a safe and healthy work environment by ensuring the implementation of safety regulations and applicable standards, processes, and programs established for employees under your supervision.
Ensure employees under your supervision are trained in safety standards and procedures for their positions.
Report work-related incidents within 24 hours according to the procedures established by the university, state and federal guidelines. - Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position
The University Police Chief must demonstrate a broad range of professional knowledge, leadership capability, and interpersonal skills to effectively lead a modern, community-oriented campus law enforcement agency.
1. Knowledge
- Extensive knowledge of modern police principles, practices, and procedures, including patrol, investigations, and crime prevention.
- Comprehensive understanding of federal and state laws, regulations, and reporting requirements applicable to higher education, including the Clery Act, Title IX, VAWA, FERPA, and ADA.
- Working knowledge of Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) standards for police certification, training, and compliance.
- Familiarity with university organizational structures and shared governance processes, particularly within a public higher education environment.
- Understanding of community policing philosophies and their application within a diverse campus community.
- Knowledge of best practices in supervision, employee development, and performance management.
2. Skills
- Strong leadership, management, and team-building skills with the ability to motivate and develop personnel in a 24/7/365 operation.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to effectively present information to campus leaders, external agencies, and the larger community.
- Skilled in policy development, strategic planning, and the implementation of data-informed policing practices.
- Competent in financial and resource management, including budget planning and oversight.
- Proficient in the use of technology and data systems to support public safety operations and reporting.
3. Abilities
- Ability to build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
- Ability to make sound, ethical, and timely decisions under pressure and in complex situations.
- Ability to foster trust, transparency, and inclusivity through fair and equitable law enforcement practices.
Required Education
Master’s degree in a related filed or a Bachelor’s degree with experience that equates to an advanced degree. Certification or eligible for certification by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and possession of or eligible for a valid Virginia driver’s license.
Additional Consideration - Education
Experience Required
The University Police Chief should have significant experience in the administration of a comprehensive security program at the federal, state, municipal or campus police level in the demonstration of law enforcement techniques, procedures, operations, investigations, court procedures, crime prevention, safety, and security. Supervisory experience required.
Additional Consideration - Experience
- Progressively responsible policing experience in a college or university setting.
- Experience working with financial data and managing an operating budget.
- Experience working with sexual assault and trauma victims and experience working with a diverse student population.
- Experience with Threat Assessment Teams and processes.
- Prefer a graduate of an advanced Law Enforcement Executive Development Program such as Command Training school or FBI Academy.
Salary Information
Starting at $135,350, Commensurate with Education and Experience.
CNU Information
Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, and that is reflected in our ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community, founded on our shared values of honor, scholarship, service and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education provided by dedicated, gifted teacher-scholars who are supported by a compassionate team of faculty and staff. Our 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students pursue more than 90 areas of study, as they live and learn on a largely residential campus. CNU’s on-campus performing and visual arts centers offer Broadway shows, world-class performances, engaging exhibitions, transformative lectures and classes, and more. Our athletics program is the winningest at any level in Virginia.
Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU! For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu.
Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU! For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu.
Is this position telework eligible?
No
Telework Eligibility Disclaimer
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
AP440P
Number of Vacancies
Posting Date
Review Begin Date
01/25/2026
Application Instructions
Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application.
This position will be posted until filled; however, review of applications will begin on 01/25/2026.
Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.
Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.
This position will be posted until filled; however, review of applications will begin on 01/25/2026.
Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.
Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.
Quick Link for Internal Postings
https://jobs.cnu.edu/postings/20246
EEO/Diversity Statement(s)
Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.
Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement
Salary : $135,350