Vice President, Public Safety

Position Summary

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

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

This is an on-site leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Leads the Department of Public Safety in advancing a safe, welcoming, and responsive campus environment for students, faculty, staff, visitors, and affiliates.
• Builds relationships and collaborates with students, faculty, and staff in support of a positive experience for the entire Columbia University community.
• Manages approximately 302 full-time staff across three distinct functional areas:
• Operations
• Administrative Services, including Training and Development
• Technology Projects
• Oversees an annual operating budget of $76 million.
• Oversees the effective deployment of approximately 300 contract guards.
• Provides oversight for a recently established cadre of approximately 36 sworn Special Patrol Officers appointed by the New York Police Department.
  
  

Columbia University, a globally renowned institution in New York, NY, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Vice President of Public Safety. 

Columbia University has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin June 4, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of ten years of progressive experience in the field of Public Safety, Law Enforcement, or community engagement;
• Demonstrated knowledge of Public Safety and emergency response practices;
• Excellent strategic and operational abilities;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Clear and demonstrated commitment to community caretaking as a core professional value.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree, experience in a higher education setting, and at least five years of senior management experience;
• Experience working in a residential university campus with a significant international population in a major metropolitan area;
• Skill in conflict resolution and creative problem solving;
• Experience working with a unionized work force and a record of success establishing and maintaining positive labor/management relations;
• Proven ability to motivate the department’s workforce to succeed as a high-functioning team;
• Capacity to inspire trust and confidence.
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.