Director - Law Enforcement Academy

Southeast Missouri State University; Cape Girardeau, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeast Missouri State University invites applications for the Director of the Law Enforcement Academy. This high-level role oversees training programs, ensures academic integrity, and partners with local law enforcement to deliver certified curricula and annual training calendars.

The Director will lead a team, manage budgets, and drive strategic initiatives to enhance training methods while integrating academy outcomes with higher education pathways.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field (regionally accredited)
• Missouri POST Class A Peace Officer License or ability to obtain within 6 months
• Missouri POST Generalist Instructor Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months
• Minimum 12 years of progressive law enforcement experience with leadership duties

Responsibilities

• Serve as POST-authorized Training Center Director under the Department Chairperson.
• Manage daily operations including scheduling, logistics, and resources.
• Supervise training staff, adjunct instructors, and support personnel.
• Maintain records for audit, accreditation, and funding purposes.
• Ensure effective use of budgets and personnel allocations.
• Prepare reports and performance evaluations.
• Lead curriculum development and annual training calendar.
• Coordinate advanced training for regional personnel.
• Ensure curriculum development and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with academic partners to integrate academy training.
• Participate in law enforcement networks and advisory boards.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Communication

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Director, Law Enforcement Academy

Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology

Full Time

Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) invites applications for a highly qualified, results-oriented, professional to serve as Law Enforcement Academy Director.The Academy operates under the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology as a Missouri POST Commission authorized Training Center to provide initial training to new recruits, required annual training to officers, and specialized training to individual units and newly promoted officers.

The Director is responsible for overseeing, managing, and supporting the design, implementation, management, and evaluation of all training programs for the Academy. The Director will facilitate professional development and continuing education and ensure all personnel are highly qualified and well equipped to perform their duties in a constitutional and impartial manner. The ideal candidate will be forward-thinking, strategic, and innovative, including leveraging information technology to help achieve continuous improvement.

The Director will evaluate Academy faculty, develop new training curricula and lesson plans, and provide guidance on methods and practices of teaching to Academy staff and adjunct instructors. The Director will ensure the academic integrity of the Academy and the training programs offered, promote innovative teaching techniques, and manage partnerships with local law enforcement agencies.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the POST-authorized Training Center Director and act under the Department Chairperson in that role.
• Manage daily operations of training and standards for the Academy, including scheduling, logistics, and resource management.
• Supervise training staff, adjunct instructors, and support personnel.
• Maintain records for audit, accreditation, and funding purposes.
• Ensure effective and efficient use of training budgets and personnel allocations.
• Prepare reports, training metrics, and performance evaluations.
• Lead strategic initiatives to evolve academy training methods.
• Develop and maintain Continuing Law Enforcement Education (CLEE) certified curriculum and annual training calendar.
• Coordinate advanced training opportunities for regional law enforcement personnel.
• Ensure curriculum development, instructional quality, and regulatory compliance for the Law Enforcement Academy.
• Collaborate with academic partners to integrate Academy training with higher education pathways.
• Actively participate in law enforcement networks and advisory boards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or related field; Master’s degree a plus. (Degree must be from a regionally accredited college or university.)
• Missouri POST Class A Peace Officer License or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Missouri POST Generalist Instructor Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive law enforcement experience, including advanced leadership training and supervisory duties.
• Demonstrated knowledge of law enforcement training standards, principles, and adult education techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge and innovative approaches to modern law enforcement principles, techniques, and practices.
• Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration with internal and external constituents.
• Ability to work evenings or weekends as needed.
• Ability to travel regionally for training coordination and academy promotion.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and oral and written communication skills.

Application Deadline

The review of applications will begin immediately.

Departmental Information

The Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology houses numerous degree programs and the Southeast Law Enforcement Academy. Academic offerings include undergraduate degree programs (BS) in Criminal Justice and Social Work; undergraduate minors in Criminology & Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology; an undergraduate certificate program in Law Enforcement; and a graduate degree (MS) in Criminal Justice. Several programs are available fully online, and the department strongly supports Prior Learning Credit (PLC) and experiential learning. More information regarding the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology can be found at https://semo.edu/cjsws/ . The Social Work Program is CSWE Accredited, and the Law Enforcement Academy is a Missouri POST Commission Licensed Training Center.

About Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO)

Founded in 1873 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Southeast Missouri State University provides student-centered education and experiential learning with a foundation of liberal arts and sciences, embracing a tradition of access, exceptional teaching, and commitment to student success that significantly contributes to the development of the region and beyond. SEMO values access to high-quality, affordable education with a broadly representative student body, faculty, and staff that respects and celebrates a diverse learning community in a global society.
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