Chief of University Public Safety & Emergency Management

Southeast Missouri State University; Cape Girardeau (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeast Missouri State University is seeking a visionary Chief of Police to lead the University Police Department and oversee public safety, emergency management, and related services across SEMO campuses. The role reports to the Vice President for Finance & Administration and supervises law enforcement, parking, and dispatch personnel to ensure a secure campus environment.

The Chief will drive strategic planning, budgeting, accreditation efforts, and collaboration with local, state, and

Qualifications

• Seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in law enforcement, public safety, emergency management, or a related field.
• Experience in higher education is a plus.
• Must possess Missouri POST Class A Peace Officer License or be eligible to obtain within 6 months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for university police, public safety, security, emergency management, and parking operations across multiple campuses.
• Foster a safe and welcoming campus through community-oriented policing, crime prevention, and collaborative public safety initiatives.
• Direct campus emergency preparedness, incident response, continuity of operations, and critical incident management.

Skills

Leadership experience

Collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Business Administration, Public Safety Administration, or closely related field

Master's degree is a plus

Missouri POST Class A Peace Officer License

FEMA ICS/NIMS/CEM/CPM certifications a plus

Job description

Southeast Missouri State University is seeking a visionary Chief of Police to lead the University Police Department and oversee public safety, emergency management, and related services across SEMO campuses. The role reports to the Vice President for Finance & Administration and supervises law enforcement, parking, and dispatch personnel to ensure a secure campus environment.

The Chief will drive strategic planning, budgeting, accreditation efforts, and collaboration with local, state, and