Assistant Vice President of Safety & Security

South Dakota State University; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 96,593 - 118,058; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental benefits

Retirement plans

Paid holidays and vacation leave

Job summary

A public research university in Brookings, South Dakota, is seeking an experienced Assistant Vice President of Safety and Security. The successful applicant will lead the University Police Department and other safety units, enhance operational efficiency, and promote safety culture on campus. A Bachelor’s degree and over 7 years' experience in public safety are essential, alongside excellent leadership and communication skills. The role offers a starting salary of $107,326 with extensive benefits including retirement and relocation assistance.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of law enforcement or public safety experience.
• 3 years in a leadership or administrative role.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead University Police Department and Emergency Services.
• Oversee the development of public safety policies.
• Foster partnerships to promote campus safety.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Exceptional leadership

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical judgement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Job description

The South Dakota State University (SDState) Office of General Counsel is currently seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking executive to shape the strategic direction of campus public safety. The successful candidate will lead the University Police Department, Emergency & Risk Management, and Environmental Health and Safety, driving innovation, elevating operational effectiveness, and fostering a culture of engagement that aligns with the institutional priorities and reinforces the university’s dedication to professionalism and community trust. This role is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

The South Dakota State University Office of General Counsel coordinates and provides efficient and effective legal and other related services to university employees on matters that involve or affect the university, while upholding the university's core values.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategically lead and oversee University Police Department (UPD), Emergency & Risk Management and Environmental Health and Safety departments to shape the direction and future of campus public safety and security with strategic initiatives, innovative programs, data-driven decisions and policies, balancing enforcement with engagement by building partnerships that support student success, advance institutional goals and reflect the university’s commitment to respect and professional excellence in public safety.

SALARY RANGE:

The starting salary for the Assistant Vice President of Safety and Security is $107,326, commensurate with qualifications and experience. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

BENEFITS:

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration, Administrative or Management Services, Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Homeland Security, Emergency Management, or related field by date of application;
• 7+ years of relevant law enforcement or public safety experience, including 3 years of leadership or administrative role that involves managing large and varied teams, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the position;
• Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain proper certifications and licenses required by the state;
• Effective communication skills, both verbally and written, with all levels of the university community and regulatory agencies to accurately represent the University's goals and objectives;
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, interpersonal, communications, and management skills;
• Knowledge of the federal and state statutes and their implementing regulations, particularly as they relate to the overseen offices and the University community;
• Ability to work with leadership and others to establish and foster partnerships to promote the safety and security of the university and local community; and
• Ability to coordinate with local, state, and federal enforcement, emergency services, and government agencies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated experience in enterprise-level risk management;
• Professional experience in a land-grant university environment;
• Familiarity with pertinent local, state, and federal crime reporting (including NIMS/ICS, Clery Act, FERPA, ADA, etc.);
• Demonstrated training with communications, implementation of emergency plans, training and exercises, and assessment of these activities;
• Demonstrated experience with compliance and reporting, threat assessment, and behavioral intervention teams;
• Knowledge and experience related to environmental health and safety requirements;
• Demonstrated leadership and knowledge of all phases of emergency management, including planning, preparedness, full scale training exercises, all hazards responses, and business continuity and disaster recovery;
• Professional certifications: Certified Protection Professional, Physical Security Professional, OSHA, or equivalents;
• Strong analytical judgement with ability to conduct threat and vulnerability assessments; and
• Experience in environments requiring 24/7 on-call response and multi-jurisdictional coordination.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

This position will close on March 3, 2026.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at [phone] if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.