Director for Special Events and Protective Services, Police Commander

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 169,000 - 207,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago is seeking a senior security leader to head the OPS DSS Emergency Management team. You will direct campus police operations, oversee patrols, and manage security programs across events and dignitary protection.

The role emphasizes ICS/NIMS, risk analysis, and cross-department collaboration. Applicants should bring a strong background in law enforcement leadership, extensive incident planning experience, and a proven track record in managing large-scale campus security

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Driver’s License - Multiple States, Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Certification - State of Illinois

Responsibilities

• Directs and manages the Department’s special event planning process, including staffing assessments, risk analysis, and deployment strategies.
• Working closely within the University’s High-Profile Event Review process, develops comprehensive operational plans that include primary, alternative, and contingency strategies.
• Ensures all major events are planned and executed using Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) principles.
• Serves as Incident Commander or Unified Command representative for large-scale events, when appropriate.
• May be required to direct and coordinate real-time public safety operations during major events in coordination with the SOC, UCPD, Emergency Management, and external partners.
• May be required to coordinate deployment, communications, command posts, staging, resource requests, and other operational needs during major events.
• Conducts after-action reviews and implements continuous improvement measures.
• Oversees billing and invoicing for departmental special event and dignitary protection services in accordance with Departmental and University policies.
• Plans, coordinates, and executes close-protection operations, including route planning, site assessments, and venue security for visiting VIPs and dignitaries.
• Serves as liaison with internal stakeholders, external law enforcement agencies, government entities, event organizers, and private security partners to develop executive protection plans.
• Collaborates with the DSS Intelligence unit, the DSS Strategic Operations Center, and external law enforcement partners to monitor open-source intelligence and local briefs for risks targeting events and/or specific VIPs and dignitaries.
• Coordinates the recruitment, training and ongoing professional development for departmental staff assigned to executive protection roles.
• Leverages data, analytics, and technology systems to improve operational efficiency, event planning, and resource deployment.
• Evaluates and recommends tools and systems to enhance scheduling, fleet management, and coordination efforts.
• Provides direct supervision, mentorship, and professional development for any assigned subordinate personnel.
• Establishes performance metrics and accountability measures across all areas of responsibility.
• Conducts regular evaluations, audits, and reviews to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Identifies and recommends training opportunities and career development pathways.
• Promotes a culture of professionalism, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Serves as a key member of DSS leadership, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making. Prepares and presents reports on operational activities, trends, and performance metrics. Disseminates critical information regarding significant upcoming events and VIP visits.
• Participates in management meetings and provides informed recommendations on policy, operations, and resource allocation.
• Maintains strong partnerships with University departments, administrators, students, faculty, and staff.
• Coordinates with external law enforcement and community stakeholders to support public safety initiatives. Ensures operations reflect the University’s commitment to community engagement, inclusion, and transparency.
• Manages employees by establishing annual performance goals, allocating resources, assessing annual performance, and determining individual merit, incentive and/or promotional increases.
• Maintains an operation responsible for preventing and investigating crime, conducting crime analyses, enforcing the law, resolving conflict within the campus environment, and employing security services and programs.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Department

OPS DSS Emergency Management

About the Department

The Department of Safety and Security’s (DSS) primary divisional units include Campus and School Safety, DSS Management Operations, Emergency and Strategic Operations, Environmental Health and Safety, Transportation and Parking Services and the University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD). As an operational unit of the University of Chicago, DSS reports to the Vice President for Operations. The Department is tasked with the development and implementation of comprehensive safety strategies that serve the University community, strengthen collaborations between DSS and students, faculty, staff and neighbors, and are appropriately aligned with institutional values and priorities.

The University of Chicago campus is part of Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, which contains a significant amount of off-campus University property. In addition to the students housed on campus and in the areas adjacent, more than a third of the University’s staff resides in areas surrounding the campus, and more than 50% of the University’s faculty resides in the Hyde Park area.

Job Summary

This role manages a team of professional staff responsible for campus police and patrol units. Manages campus vehicle traffic and parking. Monitors and maintains security programs and training, as needed. Manages a variety of campus security programs, including crime prevention, police personnel training, and criminal investigations.

Responsibilities

• Directs and manages the Department’s special event planning process, including staffing assessments, risk analysis, and deployment strategies.
• Working closely within the University’s High-Profile Event Review process, develops comprehensive operational plans that include primary, alternative, and contingency strategies.
• Ensures all major events are planned and executed using Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) principles.
• Serves as Incident Commander or Unified Command representative for large-scale events, when appropriate.
• May be required to direct and coordinate real-time public safety operations during major events in coordination with the SOC, UCPD, Emergency Management, and external partners.
• May be required to coordinate deployment, communications, command posts, staging, resource requests, and other operational needs during major events.
• Conducts after-action reviews and implements continuous improvement measures.
• Oversees billing and invoicing for departmental special event and dignitary protection services in accordance with Departmental and University policies.
• Plans, coordinates, and executes close-protection operations, including route planning, site assessments, and venue security for visiting VIPs and dignitaries.
• Serves as liaison with internal stakeholders, external law enforcement agencies, government entities, event organizers, and private security partners to develop executive protection plans.
• Collaborates with the DSS Intelligence unit, the DSS Strategic Operations Center, and external law enforcement partners to monitor open-source intelligence and local briefs for risks targeting events and/or specific VIPs and dignitaries.
• Coordinates the recruitment, training and ongoing professional development for departmental staff assigned to executive protection roles.
• Leverages data, analytics, and technology systems to improve operational efficiency, event planning, and resource deployment.
• Evaluates and recommends tools and systems to enhance scheduling, fleet management, and coordination efforts.
• Provides direct supervision, mentorship, and professional development for any assigned subordinate personnel.
• Establishes performance metrics and accountability measures across all areas of responsibility.
• Conducts regular evaluations, audits, and reviews to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Identifies and recommends training opportunities and career development pathways.
• Promotes a culture of professionalism, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Serves as a key member of DSS leadership, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making. Prepares and presents reports on operational activities, trends, and performance metrics. Disseminates critical information regarding significant upcoming events and VIP visits.
• Participates in management meetings and provides informed recommendations on policy, operations, and resource allocation.
• Maintains strong partnerships with University departments, administrators, students, faculty, and staff.
• Coordinates with external law enforcement and community stakeholders to support public safety initiatives. Ensures operations reflect the University’s commitment to community engagement, inclusion, and transparency.
• Manages employees by establishing annual performance goals, allocating resources, assessing annual performance, and determining individual merit, incentive and/or promotional increases.
• Maintains an operation responsible for preventing and investigating crime, conducting crime analyses, enforcing the law, resolving conflict within the campus environment, and employing security services and programs.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

Driver’s License - Multiple States, Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Certification - State of Illinois

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Completion of advanced leadership programs, such as Northwestern SPSC and FBI National Academy.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of law enforcement experience.
• A minimum of 2 years in the rank of Captain, or equivalent, or a combination of 4 years of equivalent leadership and experience.
• Background in special events planning, logistics, or operational coordination.
• Background in a university or campus law enforcement environment.
• Managing large-scale events or dignitary protection.

Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license that grants reciprocity in the State of Illinois or be eligible to obtain one and do so within 60 days of appointment required.
• Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board certification, or law enforcement certification in another state with the ability to be certified in Illinois preferred.
• Documented training in Incident Command System (ICS 300/400).

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

Job Family

Police & Security

Role Impact

People Manager

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

Yes

Health Screen Required

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Yes

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$187,986.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.