What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director of Public Safety & Chief of Police - Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts position at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts?
Location: North Adams, MA Category: Administrative Job Type: Full-time Posted On: Mon Aug 10 2026 Job Description:
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police (Chief) is the administrative head of the college's Department of Public Safety and Campus Police. The Chief is responsible for the administration, planning, organization, direction, coordination and overall supervision of the operation of the department. This includes community policing, law enforcement, crime prevention, fire safety and prevention, traffic control and enforcement, emergency and critical incident planning, and all other related services concerned with the preservation of life and property for a campus community. This includes students, employees, alumnae, and visitors wherever there is a campus footprint and presence. Situated in the division of Student Affairs, the Chief leads the department with a philosophy that includes student development and education, collegiality and collaboration, and equity.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Reports to the Vice President for Student Affairs
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Supervises all employees of the Department of Public Safety and Campus Police which includes full-time and part-time Campus Police Officers, dispatchers, administrative staff, and any student employees assigned to the department.
DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
General Administrative Duties 20%
Organize, direct and evaluate all department activities.
Develop departmental policies and procedures which relate directly to achievement of the department mission, as well as the mission statement of Student Affairs and MCLA.
Prepare, submit and administer the annual budget for the department.
Conducts planning and research activities relating to all aspects of public safety in a college environment. This includes the research and acquisition of grants and other funding sources.
Maintain adequate records of all incidents relating to health, safety, or the protection of life and property necessary for compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations.
Prepares, submits and disseminates crime statistics specific to college property and surrounding campus areas. (Clery Report)
Make significant contributions to state and Federal mandates with regards to new regulations and laws for key areas of compliance through reporting, data gathering and assessment, and collaboration (ie: Title IX)
Develops, plans and organizes the automation of all department records. This includes the supervision of the use of the National Crime Information Center computer (LEAPS), department computers used to manage crime statistics, arrest information, personnel information, training records, department daily log reports, incident reports, uniform crime reports, monthly statistical reports of crime submitted to the Criminal History Systems Board, CORI/SORI information certification and records keeping, and any other records management regulated by local, state and federal guidelines and laws.
Provide and maintain necessary supportive equipment, vehicles, office supplies and other related equipment required to complete the department mission.
Serve on the Student Affairs division senior team; regularly attend staff meetings, lead trainings and provide pertinent updates, provide guidance to the administrative on-call rotation members, and support the mission, vision, and values of the division.
Work with other college staff and officials to provide and promote an understanding of the department goals and priorities as they relate to the overall mission of MCLA.
Personnel Responsibilities 25%
Ensure the proper recruitment, training, and supervision of Campus Police Officers, dispatchers and other department members.
Provide access to and support of departmental staff in obtaining in-service training that will ensure that the exercise of their authority will be in compliance with moral, ethical and legal standards, as well as MCLA policies and local, state and federal guidelines, including the Constitution of the United States.
Supervise department personnel in accordance with union, college rules and regulations and human resource employment policies to ensure strict adherence to the highest standards of professional conduct.
Ensure all personnel evaluations and reviews for department employees are completed in areas of quantity and quality of work, work habits, work attitude, work relationships and supervisory potential and professional development. Develop and implement personnel goals and professional development based on these evaluations that are in line with the department mission, the Student Affairs mission and the mission of MCLA.
Receive and process personnel grievances in accordance with union and college human resource policies.
Develop and manage proper patterns of department personnel scheduling and deployment to meet the daily operational needs of the college.
Enforcement and Prevention Responsibilities 25%
Develop and conduct educational programs for faculty, staff, students and the local community regarding issues of personal and community health and safety such as crime prevention tips and fire safety practices.
Assist with the development, implementation and coordination of campus emergency response procedures. Fulfill the duties and responsibilities as the Incident Commander for actual or potential critical incidents through use of Incident Command System protocols. Convenes the campus emergency response teams when appropriate.
Develop and maintain formal and informal communications and relationships with municipal, state and federal law enforcement agencies, fire agencies, emergency medical services and other agencies concerned with the protection of life and property.
Request the assistance of local, state and federal agencies, as may be necessary, to support the mission of the department and the protection of life or property on campus. Establish unified commands in accordance with Incident Command System protocols when required.
Direct and control the continuous patrol of college property by campus police officers to prevent crime and to protect life and property, enforce local, state and federal laws, as well as college rules and regulations, and render service to the college community and its guests, all with the highest standards of professionalism possible.
Maintain the effective enforcement of established parking controls.
Manage all types of investigations related to the health, welfare, safety, security and protection of life and property occurring on campus.
Communicates with all college community members through the use of public safety announcements and alerts, information that is critical to maintaining the highest levels of public safety and security.
Life Safety Responsibilities 20%
Organize, plan and coordinate the college's safety and security programs in consultation with Directors, Coordinators, committees and Senior Management of the college.
Develop procedures that supplement and support campus wide emergency response.
Review, investigate and analyze reported safety, security, health and welfare violations or conditions and recommend corrective actions for deficiencies.
Plan, develop, recommend and implement policies, procedures and programs related to safety and security practices applicable to all college community members and its guests.
Initiate, coordinate and conduct first aid classes, fire safety demonstrations and programs specifically related to the safety and security of college employees.
Coordinate programs related to fire alarm tests and building evacuation drills on campus and within the control of college affiliated groups and ensure that necessary records and documentation of such are maintained.
Coordinate, conduct and report on safety inspections in consultation with local, state and federal agencies related to safety, security and other health and welfare issues, to the college administration and affiliated departments.
Keep abreast of and review the newest trends, latest technologies, and revisions of laws and regulations surrounding all facets of safety and security. Serve as the college's representative at meetings dealings with these topics.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice 5%
Coordinate the college's effort to address the recommendations in the 2021 Racially Just Policing Model Policy released by the Massachusetts ACLU, Bridgewater State University, and SIDLEY.
Lead college efforts to be in compliance with State and Federal police reform mandates.
Demonstrate and document efforts to recruit and retain a diverse workforce representative of the campus population served.
Oversight of the College's Motor pool Program 5%
Administrative oversight
Fiscal responsibility
Software management
Training and Education
Schedule Coordination
Maintenance
Liaison with facilities and athletics
Job Requirements:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE:
Candidates must possess a minimum of seven to ten years of progressive law enforcement experience with 4 years of supervisory experiences as a Sergeant or above, as a full-time sworn police officer in good standing on a campus law enforcement department or other equivalent Police Department.
Experience and knowledge of campus security and law enforcement policies and procedures, crime prevention, investigations, training for law enforcement personnel, life safety programming, college operations and traffic and parking control management.
Knowledge of budget operations and management specific to a law enforcement / public safety agency.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of state law, rules, regulations and ability to interpret new laws, rules and regulations correctly and accurately is required.
Appointees must be eligible for appointment as a Special State Police Officer under Chapter 22c 63 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
Must have successfully completed a Massachusetts Basic Police Training Program from an accredited police academy, approved by the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) or have successfully completed training that is equivalent to or greater than that of a Massachusetts police officer at a comparable level of experience to obtain an academy exemption or waiver through the MPTC.
Possession of a current motor vehicle operator's license is required.
Ability to gain and maintain MA POST certification.
Ability to gain and maintain MA MPTC qualifications.
Ability to obtain and maintain an MA License to Carry (LTC) a firearm.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Ability to qualify with departmentally issued firearm(s) and all departmentally issued less - lethal weapons.
Ability to obtain or possess CPR/First Responder certification and be trained in the operation of Automated External Defibrillator.
Be able to successfully complete a background check.
Be able to successfully complete and pass psychological evaluation.
Be able to successfully complete and pass drug screening.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to obtain certification as a Law Enforcement Administration System Computer Operator after hire.
Computer literacy in law enforcement technology including word processing, LEAPS, ID equipment, various alarm systems/computers and other security related software.
Ability to train staff on department policies and procedures.
Ability to work at any hour and in all weather conditions.
Ability to maintain professionalism and acceptable personal demeanor under periods of stress, verbal and physical abuse, danger, and emotional tension.
Ability to physically perform the essential functions of a job.
Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise and coordinate the activities of police and security personnel of lower grade while maintaining good working relationships.
Training and experience in criminal investigations.
Ability to maintain good order and acceptable personal demeanor under periods of stress, verbal and physical abuse, danger, and emotional tension.
Strong organizational skills.
Demonstrated experience serving and supporting diverse populations.
Thorough understanding and demonstrated experiences of equity and inclusivity as they pertain to department philosophy for personnel management and day-to-day execution of responsibilities.
Any candidate who has sustained disciplinary action during the previous twelve (12) months and/or on any form of disciplinary probation shall be considered ineligible to apply.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field from a four-year institution.
Knowledge of and experience with higher education principles, practices and procedures.
Working knowledge and understanding of Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), 2008 Higher Education and Opportunity Act (HEOA), 2013 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA), and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Experience with managing in a unionized workplace.
ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
75% Indoor and office related duties
25% Outdoor related duties
Additional Information:
This is a full-time, permanent benefited position. This position is expected to ensure coverage, either through designees or self, 24/7, 365 days a year. This position is a mandatory reporter for the purposes of Title IX and Equal Opportunity.
The salary for this position is $115,000-$125,000 per year.
Employee Benefits:
Health Insurance: MCLA offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees. Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the date of hire. Exceptions to employees hired on the 1st of the month, coverage is effective immediately.
Retirement: The MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution. Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities.
Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.
Until further notice, in response to the Presidential proclamation, issued on September 19, 2025, imposing a significant fee on the entry of individuals with new H-1B visas, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Should you need to request a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email Brenda Stokes, Executive Director of Human Resources.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is deeply committed to fostering a community of excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We provide equal access to educational, co-curricular and employment opportunities for all applicants, students, and employees regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, veteran status, or membership in any other legally protected class. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that they operate, which extends to admission and employment.
Inquiries about Title IX, Equal Opportunity, or ADA/504 and other non-discrimination policies may be directed to MCLA's Interim Title IX and Equal Opportunity Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, or both.
Lucas Morrill
Interim Title IX and EO Coordinator
375 Church Street, North Adams, MA 01247
Telephone: (413) 662-5103
Titleix@mcla.edu
U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
33 Arch Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02119-1424
Telephone: (617) 289-0111; FAX: (617) 289-0150; TDD (877) 521-2172
OCR.Boston@ed.gov
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police (Chief) is the administrative head of the college's Department of Public Safety and Campus Police. The Chief is responsible for the administration, planning, organization, direction, coordination and overall supervision of the operation of the department. This includes community policing, law enforcement, crime prevention, fire safety and prevention, traffic control and enforcement, emergency and critical incident planning, and all other related services concerned with the preservation of life and property for a campus community. This includes students, employees, alumnae, and visitors wherever there is a campus footprint and presence. Situated in the division of Student Affairs, the Chief leads the department with a philosophy that includes student development and education, collegiality and collaboration, and equity.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Reports to the Vice President for Student Affairs
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Supervises all employees of the Department of Public Safety and Campus Police which includes full-time and part-time Campus Police Officers, dispatchers, administrative staff, and any student employees assigned to the department.
DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
General Administrative Duties 20%
Organize, direct and evaluate all department activities.
Develop departmental policies and procedures which relate directly to achievement of the department mission, as well as the mission statement of Student Affairs and MCLA.
Prepare, submit and administer the annual budget for the department.
Conducts planning and research activities relating to all aspects of public safety in a college environment. This includes the research and acquisition of grants and other funding sources.
Maintain adequate records of all incidents relating to health, safety, or the protection of life and property necessary for compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations.
Prepares, submits and disseminates crime statistics specific to college property and surrounding campus areas. (Clery Report)
Make significant contributions to state and Federal mandates with regards to new regulations and laws for key areas of compliance through reporting, data gathering and assessment, and collaboration (ie: Title IX)
Develops, plans and organizes the automation of all department records. This includes the supervision of the use of the National Crime Information Center computer (LEAPS), department computers used to manage crime statistics, arrest information, personnel information, training records, department daily log reports, incident reports, uniform crime reports, monthly statistical reports of crime submitted to the Criminal History Systems Board, CORI/SORI information certification and records keeping, and any other records management regulated by local, state and federal guidelines and laws.
Provide and maintain necessary supportive equipment, vehicles, office supplies and other related equipment required to complete the department mission.
Serve on the Student Affairs division senior team; regularly attend staff meetings, lead trainings and provide pertinent updates, provide guidance to the administrative on-call rotation members, and support the mission, vision, and values of the division.
Work with other college staff and officials to provide and promote an understanding of the department goals and priorities as they relate to the overall mission of MCLA.
Personnel Responsibilities 25%
Ensure the proper recruitment, training, and supervision of Campus Police Officers, dispatchers and other department members.
Provide access to and support of departmental staff in obtaining in-service training that will ensure that the exercise of their authority will be in compliance with moral, ethical and legal standards, as well as MCLA policies and local, state and federal guidelines, including the Constitution of the United States.
Supervise department personnel in accordance with union, college rules and regulations and human resource employment policies to ensure strict adherence to the highest standards of professional conduct.
Ensure all personnel evaluations and reviews for department employees are completed in areas of quantity and quality of work, work habits, work attitude, work relationships and supervisory potential and professional development. Develop and implement personnel goals and professional development based on these evaluations that are in line with the department mission, the Student Affairs mission and the mission of MCLA.
Receive and process personnel grievances in accordance with union and college human resource policies.
Develop and manage proper patterns of department personnel scheduling and deployment to meet the daily operational needs of the college.
Enforcement and Prevention Responsibilities 25%
Develop and conduct educational programs for faculty, staff, students and the local community regarding issues of personal and community health and safety such as crime prevention tips and fire safety practices.
Assist with the development, implementation and coordination of campus emergency response procedures. Fulfill the duties and responsibilities as the Incident Commander for actual or potential critical incidents through use of Incident Command System protocols. Convenes the campus emergency response teams when appropriate.
Develop and maintain formal and informal communications and relationships with municipal, state and federal law enforcement agencies, fire agencies, emergency medical services and other agencies concerned with the protection of life and property.
Request the assistance of local, state and federal agencies, as may be necessary, to support the mission of the department and the protection of life or property on campus. Establish unified commands in accordance with Incident Command System protocols when required.
Direct and control the continuous patrol of college property by campus police officers to prevent crime and to protect life and property, enforce local, state and federal laws, as well as college rules and regulations, and render service to the college community and its guests, all with the highest standards of professionalism possible.
Maintain the effective enforcement of established parking controls.
Manage all types of investigations related to the health, welfare, safety, security and protection of life and property occurring on campus.
Communicates with all college community members through the use of public safety announcements and alerts, information that is critical to maintaining the highest levels of public safety and security.
Life Safety Responsibilities 20%
Organize, plan and coordinate the college's safety and security programs in consultation with Directors, Coordinators, committees and Senior Management of the college.
Develop procedures that supplement and support campus wide emergency response.
Review, investigate and analyze reported safety, security, health and welfare violations or conditions and recommend corrective actions for deficiencies.
Plan, develop, recommend and implement policies, procedures and programs related to safety and security practices applicable to all college community members and its guests.
Initiate, coordinate and conduct first aid classes, fire safety demonstrations and programs specifically related to the safety and security of college employees.
Coordinate programs related to fire alarm tests and building evacuation drills on campus and within the control of college affiliated groups and ensure that necessary records and documentation of such are maintained.
Coordinate, conduct and report on safety inspections in consultation with local, state and federal agencies related to safety, security and other health and welfare issues, to the college administration and affiliated departments.
Keep abreast of and review the newest trends, latest technologies, and revisions of laws and regulations surrounding all facets of safety and security. Serve as the college's representative at meetings dealings with these topics.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice 5%
Coordinate the college's effort to address the recommendations in the 2021 Racially Just Policing Model Policy released by the Massachusetts ACLU, Bridgewater State University, and SIDLEY.
Lead college efforts to be in compliance with State and Federal police reform mandates.
Demonstrate and document efforts to recruit and retain a diverse workforce representative of the campus population served.
Oversight of the College's Motor pool Program 5%
Administrative oversight
Fiscal responsibility
Software management
Training and Education
Schedule Coordination
Maintenance
Liaison with facilities and athletics
Job Requirements:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE:
Candidates must possess a minimum of seven to ten years of progressive law enforcement experience with 4 years of supervisory experiences as a Sergeant or above, as a full-time sworn police officer in good standing on a campus law enforcement department or other equivalent Police Department.
Experience and knowledge of campus security and law enforcement policies and procedures, crime prevention, investigations, training for law enforcement personnel, life safety programming, college operations and traffic and parking control management.
Knowledge of budget operations and management specific to a law enforcement / public safety agency.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of state law, rules, regulations and ability to interpret new laws, rules and regulations correctly and accurately is required.
Appointees must be eligible for appointment as a Special State Police Officer under Chapter 22c 63 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
Must have successfully completed a Massachusetts Basic Police Training Program from an accredited police academy, approved by the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) or have successfully completed training that is equivalent to or greater than that of a Massachusetts police officer at a comparable level of experience to obtain an academy exemption or waiver through the MPTC.
Possession of a current motor vehicle operator's license is required.
Ability to gain and maintain MA POST certification.
Ability to gain and maintain MA MPTC qualifications.
Ability to obtain and maintain an MA License to Carry (LTC) a firearm.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Ability to qualify with departmentally issued firearm(s) and all departmentally issued less - lethal weapons.
Ability to obtain or possess CPR/First Responder certification and be trained in the operation of Automated External Defibrillator.
Be able to successfully complete a background check.
Be able to successfully complete and pass psychological evaluation.
Be able to successfully complete and pass drug screening.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to obtain certification as a Law Enforcement Administration System Computer Operator after hire.
Computer literacy in law enforcement technology including word processing, LEAPS, ID equipment, various alarm systems/computers and other security related software.
Ability to train staff on department policies and procedures.
Ability to work at any hour and in all weather conditions.
Ability to maintain professionalism and acceptable personal demeanor under periods of stress, verbal and physical abuse, danger, and emotional tension.
Ability to physically perform the essential functions of a job.
Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise and coordinate the activities of police and security personnel of lower grade while maintaining good working relationships.
Training and experience in criminal investigations.
Ability to maintain good order and acceptable personal demeanor under periods of stress, verbal and physical abuse, danger, and emotional tension.
Strong organizational skills.
Demonstrated experience serving and supporting diverse populations.
Thorough understanding and demonstrated experiences of equity and inclusivity as they pertain to department philosophy for personnel management and day-to-day execution of responsibilities.
Any candidate who has sustained disciplinary action during the previous twelve (12) months and/or on any form of disciplinary probation shall be considered ineligible to apply.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field from a four-year institution.
Knowledge of and experience with higher education principles, practices and procedures.
Working knowledge and understanding of Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), 2008 Higher Education and Opportunity Act (HEOA), 2013 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA), and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Experience with managing in a unionized workplace.
ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
75% Indoor and office related duties
25% Outdoor related duties
Additional Information:
This is a full-time, permanent benefited position. This position is expected to ensure coverage, either through designees or self, 24/7, 365 days a year. This position is a mandatory reporter for the purposes of Title IX and Equal Opportunity.
The salary for this position is $115,000-$125,000 per year.
Employee Benefits:
Health Insurance: MCLA offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees. Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the date of hire. Exceptions to employees hired on the 1st of the month, coverage is effective immediately.
Retirement: The MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution. Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities.
Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.
Until further notice, in response to the Presidential proclamation, issued on September 19, 2025, imposing a significant fee on the entry of individuals with new H-1B visas, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Should you need to request a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email Brenda Stokes, Executive Director of Human Resources.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is deeply committed to fostering a community of excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We provide equal access to educational, co-curricular and employment opportunities for all applicants, students, and employees regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, veteran status, or membership in any other legally protected class. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that they operate, which extends to admission and employment.
Inquiries about Title IX, Equal Opportunity, or ADA/504 and other non-discrimination policies may be directed to MCLA's Interim Title IX and Equal Opportunity Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, or both.
Lucas Morrill
Interim Title IX and EO Coordinator
375 Church Street, North Adams, MA 01247
Telephone: (413) 662-5103
Titleix@mcla.edu
U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
33 Arch Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02119-1424
Telephone: (617) 289-0111; FAX: (617) 289-0150; TDD (877) 521-2172
OCR.Boston@ed.gov
Salary : $115,000 - $125,000