Chief Safety Officer

-; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Abu Dhabi seeks a Chief Safety Officer (CSO) to lead the safety operations and strategic direction of the campus. The CSO will be responsible for emergency preparedness, risk management, and community engagement while overseeing a modernized safety department. Candidates must hold an advanced degree and have extensive experience in campus or public safety, preferably in multicultural settings. The position emphasizes a student-centered approach and compliance with UAE regulations, making it essential to promote a safe learning environment for all.

Qualifications

• 12-15 years of experience in campus safety or law enforcement.
• Expertise in emergency planning and community policing.
• Bilingual in English and Arabic is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop campus safety strategy aligned with NYUAD's mission.
• Oversee emergency preparedness plans and incident response.
• Engage with local and federal UAE authorities.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Emergency Management

Student Engagement

Risk Assessment

Compliance Knowledge

Crisis Management

Education

Master's degree in Criminal Justice or related field

Job description

Position Summary

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is partnering with Spelman Johnson to conduct this search. To ensure a confidential and equitable process, all application materials must be submitted directly through Spelman Johnson. Candidate information will be handled with the utmost discretion, and only those who apply via Spelman Johnson will be considered for this position. Please submit your application electronically via this link: https://spelmanandjohnson.com/position/chief-safety-officer/

Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates. In line with UAE regulations, Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply.

NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) seeks to appoint a Chief Safety Officer (CSO) reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO).

The Chief Safety Officer (CSO) at NYU Abu Dhabi is a senior executive responsible for the strategic direction, operational excellence, and comprehensive integration of all campus safety functions. Reporting directly to the COO and working closely with NYU"s Global Campus Safety leadership, the CSO oversees critical areas including risk management, emergency preparedness, threat assessment, community engagement, and 24/7 safety operations.

This role is paramount in cultivating a trusted, student-centered, and globally aligned safety environment. The CSO will lead a newly modernized Campus Safety Department, operating under a Hybrid Strategic-Operational Model, ensuring a proactive and responsive approach to campus security.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Vision
• Set and implement a comprehensive campus safety strategy that aligns with NYUAD's mission, global standards, and local context.
• Lead strategic planning initiatives to proactively identify trends, gaps, and opportunities across risk, threat, and safety domains.
• Collaborate with NYU Global to ensure alignment with international campus safety protocols, standards, and systems.
• Promote a culture of preparedness, continuous improvement, and data-informed decision-making across the safety function.

• Operational Excellence & Emergency Management
• Oversee all campus safety functions, including Operations, Risk & Threat, Emergency & Continuity, and Community Engagement.
• Ensure robust 24/7 coverage through operational readiness, shift supervision, incident response protocols, and dispatch coordination.
• Direct the design, testing, and evaluation of emergency preparedness plans, including evacuation, lockdown, shelter-in-place, and business continuity strategies.
• Serve as the university's Incident Commander during major safety events and crises, coordinating with local authorities and NYU's global risk network.

• Student-Centered Safety & Campus Engagement
• Foster a visible and responsive Campus Safety presence within the NYUAD community, ensuring services are accessible, inclusive, and equitable.
• Partner with Student Affairs to support holistic student wellbeing, mental health referrals, and early intervention practices.
• Lead or co-chair safety-related working groups on student conduct, campus climate, and bystander intervention.
• Champion educational programs on personal safety, emergency awareness, and harm reduction.

• Risk & Threat Governance
• Direct the integration of behavioral threat assessment with enterprise risk management strategies.
• Monitor and interpret threat data, intelligence reports, and emerging risks; communicate findings to senior leadership.
• Oversee case management processes for individuals of concern, including interdepartmental coordination and follow-up actions.
• Promote a university-wide culture of situational awareness, risk anticipation, and responsible reporting.

• Compliance, Policy, and External Liaison
• Ensure campus compliance with applicable UAE safety regulations and institutional protocols.
• Develop, review, and maintain campus safety policies, Clery-like disclosure standards, and reporting structures.
• Act as primary liaison to local and federal UAE authorities, including law enforcement, civil defense, and emergency services.
• Represent NYUAD in regional and global safety forums; build relationships with peer institutions and professional bodies.

Qualifications

Required Education

• Advanced degree (Master's or higher) in Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or a related field

Required Experience

• Minimum 12-15 years of progressively responsible experience in campus safety, public safety, or law enforcement, including senior leadership roles.
• Demonstrated success leading in multicultural and international environments, preferably within higher education or mission-driven institutions.
• Expertise in behavioral threat assessment, enterprise risk management, emergency planning (NIMS/ICS), and community policing.
• Deep understanding of higher education dynamics, student affairs integration, and community safety models

Preferred Experience

• Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), Certified Protection Professional (CPP), or equivalent.
• Behavioral Threat Assessment Certification (e.g., NABITA, ATAP).
• FEMA/NIMS ICS Certification (100-800 level).
• Internal Affairs, Clery Act, or relevant Title IX policy experience is an advantage.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Arabic is highly desirable
• Must be well versed in quality data collection to ensure adequacy, accuracy and legitimacy of data in NYU systems and be able to strictly follow data privacy and security procedures for data handling and analysis to ensure adherence to legal and institutional standards.

Additional Information

The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion.