What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Campus Safety and Security position at West Virginia Wesleyan College?
Primary Function
The Director of Campus Safety and Security provides leadership, vision, and oversight for the College’s comprehensive safety and security programs. This position is responsible for:
1. Administration of all public safety operations, including security, fire safety, parking, and traffic management as well as collaboration on emergency preparedness and response.
2. Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including Clery Act, Title IX, NFPA, and FEMA NIMS requirements.
3. Providing strategic direction and operational management of a 24/7/365 department that protects and supports the campus community.
4. Assist with the College’s emergency management planning, response, and recovery, aligning all efforts with the College’s Mission and Strategic Plan.
This position reports directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs at West Virginia Wesleyan College and the Dean of Students at Davis & Elkins College.
- Provide leadership and management for the Department of Campus Safety and Security, including recruitment, training, scheduling, supervision, and evaluation of full-time and part-time officers.
- Serve on the Critical Incident Response Team, assisting with the development and maintenance of crisis management and emergency preparedness plans.
- Ensure compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act by serving as the College’s Clery Coordinator, overseeing the Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports, Daily Crime/Fire Logs, timely warnings, and campus-wide training and programming.
- Coordinate with local police, fire, and emergency agencies, as well as internal stakeholders, to ensure effective emergency and crisis response.
- Oversee day-to-day public safety functions, including campus patrols, incident response, investigations, and parking enforcement.
- Develop and implement departmental policies, standard operating procedures, and training programs that reflect best practices in higher education safety.
- Ensure consistent and accurate documentation of incidents and reports, providing training to staff on compliance and reporting protocols.
- Manage and administer the departmental budget.
- Develop and deliver safety education, crime prevention, and awareness programs for students, faculty, and staff.
- Maintain excellent relationships with students, employees, visitors, and community members to foster trust and cooperation.
- Conduct and oversee investigations into on-campus incidents, ensuring accurate documentation, reporting, and resolution.
- Continuously assess and improve departmental services to meet the evolving needs of the College community.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Thorough knowledge of criminal justice, law enforcement, higher education, public safety protocols, and emergency management practices.
- Expertise in Clery Act compliance and federal/state crime reporting requirements.
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills to effectively manage a staff working a 24/7 schedule.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, organizational, and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to handle crisis situations calmly and effectively.
- Strong ethical character, maturity, and ability to engage with diverse populations.
- Understanding of current student issues and campus life dynamics.
- Experience in developing and leading emergency preparedness and crisis response initiatives.
- Knowledge of NFPA, FEMA NIMS, and related regulatory standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required or an equivalent combination of education and experience; Master’s degree preferred in Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Emergency Management, or related field.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in security, law enforcement, or public safety, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory/management role.
- Demonstrated experience with Clery Act compliance, emergency management planning, and public safety operations in higher education or a similar environment.
- FEMA Emergency Management Institute certification preferred.
- Current First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications (or ability to obtain).
- Valid driver’s license; must pass a pre-employment background check.
Physical Demands and Working Environment
- Moderate physical activity required, including walking, standing, and handling average-weight objects.
- Exposure to varied environmental conditions, including inclement weather, crowds, and occasional hazards.
- Work schedule is full-time, 12-month basis with flexible hours, although generally 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., including evenings, weekends, and 24/7 on-call responsibilities.
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume and names and contact information of three references to wvwcjobapp@wvwc.edu. On the subject of the email, please enter: ##3## – Director of Campus Safety and Security. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
West Virginia Wesleyan College does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, creed, ancestry, marital/family status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, religion, age, disability or blindness, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law , to include Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, and the Age Discrimination Act, in the administration of its admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, educational programs, employment, athletic programs, co-curricular activities, or other College administered programs. WVWC’s nondiscrimination polices may be accessed at https://www.wvwc.edu/title-ix/. For inquiries about the application of these laws in WVWC’s programs activities or to file a report, contact the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@wvwc.edu or 304-621-1316.