FT Director of Public Safety

**We are currently exploring both part-time and full-time options for this role and encourage interested candidates of either availability to apply. We anticipate an early 2026 hire date and will be reviewing applications upon submission and may schedule interviews as qualified candidates apply** 

The Director of Public Safety oversees all HCC property locations and has the crucial responsibility of safeguarding and serving the College community. The ideal candidate will take charge of the Public Safety Department, serving as the department’s public face and engaging with both the campus and surrounding community. They will assist in creating a secure and safe environment. This position is accountable for leading a team of full-time and part-time security officers, and safety officers, ensuring that the campus community is well-versed in all aspects of safety and security. Role will manage and oversee the ARO relationship with the Haywood County Sherriff’s Department. Moreover, the role involves collaborating with key stakeholders to achieve the department’s goals. 

A key deliverable of the role will be to research and present findings and proof of concept to College management and Board of Trustees on concept, development, pros and cons of implementation of a college police force, or hybrid security/police force. General:

• Develop and present reports and assessments on a routine basis to college leaders and as requested to the appropriate committee(s) of the Board of Trustees.
• Assists with the development of the Business Continuity Plan pertaining to campus safety and security.
• Plan, organize, direct, and supervise all operational and administrative functions of the department.
• Attend applicable training programs and/or conferences.
• Serve on appropriate and applicable College committees. 
• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external organizations.
• Manages the department operating budget and thorough record-keeping system.
• Lead, guide, and direct all HCC Safety, Security and/or Police Officers as necessary, being the responsible party for all safety, security, and police matters handled by HCC’s Public Safety Department.
• Conduct monthly HCC departmental meetings.
• Provide annual campus Department of Public Safety update for administration and the Board of Trustees.
• Coordinate and host annual Department of Public Safety workshop available for faculty, staff, and students.
• Maintain up-to-date Standard Operating Procedures.
• Conduct monthly assessments of the safety, security, and policing processes, systems, and needs of HCC properties.
• Provide safety and security for students, faculty and staff in a professional, courteous manner through positive community engagement, and use of modern crime prevention techniques. 
• Audit emergency drills to ensure a safe working and educational environment for students, employees, and visitors.
• Must be able to maintain quality customer service and practice effective interpersonal communication skills while utilizing conflict resolution methods.
• Observe, accurately report, and follow up on incidents which may include but are not limited to first aid, life safety, and internal theft.
• Update and maintain policies and procedures relating to safety/security.
• Review all Safety and Security related purchase contracts for goods and services prior to approval.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Law Enforcement and Security:

• Research and present findings and recommendations for on-campus police department to college management and Board of Trustees. 
• If approved develop, and implement protocols to establish a certified campus law enforcement agency.
• Supervise all campus Security Officers.
• Maintain records for all state and federal requirements associated with the department.
• Keep abreast of laws and applicable changes to rules and regulations related to 21st Century policing.
• Be the first point of contact for all on duty officers with questions (all shifts).
• Develop and implement customized training for all officers.
• Delegate responsibilities to officers.
• Ensure proper discipline from officers and provide disciplinary action as necessary.
• Maintain and oversee all required licenses, including, but not limited to, radio and FCC license(s).
• Responsible for campus flags.  Monitor half-staff alerts.  Maintain all flags.
• Maintain order and uphold the image and respect of the department and the College through enforcement of College policies and procedures.
• Review and maintain officer reporting.

Safety:

• Work to cultivate and grow the campus safety culture.
• Supervise Coordinator of Safety Services.
• Work closely and collaboratively with department subject matter experts to craft plans that contribute positively to the campus safety culture. 
• Oversee campus-wide inspection program to identify unsafe and/or hazardous conditions.
• Ensure recurring campus preparedness drills and exercises are performed. 
• Monitor campus cameras, access to cameras, and proper use of cameras.  
• Schedule and provide oversight for campus key audits.
• Inventory and audit security keys regularly.
• Review and assess reports from faculty, staff, and students of unsafe and/or hazardous areas and conditions. 
• Ensure the College has representation at Safe Schools Advisory Committee and any necessary local emergency planning committees. 
• Serve as communication liaison between HCC and Haywood County Emergency Management.
• Advise HCC administration on recommended procedures and PPE products needed for differing emergency situations.
• Maintain strategic stockpile inventory for preparedness.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Learn new guidelines and procedures for state and national certification requirements
• Create a student-centered environment for on and off campus students 
• Work toward operational excellence and continuous improvement of processes, and seek help from advisory committees
• Implement innovative strategies to meet the needs of students, and improve processes
• Interact with co-workers and perform tasks with the highest level of integrity
• Work cooperatively with faculty, staff, students, and our learning community
• Promote and support HCC’s mission, vision, and values, and promote and support coworkers in the most positive manner possible

Minimum:       Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or related area. 7 years full-time experience as a law enforcement officer; at least 5 of which demonstrate progressively increasing supervisory experience. Must have NC Law Enforcement Certification or the ability to obtain certification within 1 year of employment. In lieu of degree, a combination of relevant education, experience and/or certifications may be considered.  Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate or eligibility for award. Completion of executive law enforcement leadership training, such as NCACP Chief Leadership Institute, AOMP, FBI National Academy, or equivalent. 10 years full-time experience as a law enforcement officer, at least 8 of which demonstrate progressively increasing supervisor experience.

The following is necessary for consideration

• Official Haywood Community College employment application online found at our jobs page: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/haywood.edu. Please call Jamie Hilton at (828)627-4562 with any questions or if you are unable to complete the online application for any reason. 
• The application must be complete for consideration - do not reference resume. A resume is suggested but does not take the place of any questions or details that you need to provide in order to be qualified for the position.  Unofficial transcripts must be included for the application process. Most unofficial transcripts can be downloaded from college/university websites. Official transcripts of all secondary education must be submitted to Human Resources within 10 days of any offer of employment. 
• References may not be a current HCC employee. Candidates must provide three professional references with email addresses.  At least one reference must be a current or previous supervisor.  
• College screening committee is responsible for application review, interviews, and recommends the candidate to HR. Upon completion of the hire process in HR, President approval is required in the hire of a candidate. 
• HCC is a tobacco free campus

Haywood Community College provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation or status as a covered veteran in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws. Upon request, the College will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities so that they may be able to perform the essential functions of their job unless doing so would result in an undue burden for the College.

Haywood Community College (HCC) is part of the North Carolina Community College System and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Founded in 1965, it is an open-door institution with the mission to foster an environment that meets the educational needs of the communities it serves, promotes student success in higher education and in the workplace, and facilitates economic development. This includes programs for Haywood County high school students through Career and College Promise and Haywood Early College. The college campus, a designated arboretum, boasts one of the most beautiful college campuses in the state with an iconic mill pond, a productive greenhouse, dahlia gardens, an orchard garden and a rhododendron garden.