Director of Protective Services

University of Colorado Boulder; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 115,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Transit ECO Pass

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The University of Colorado Boulder seeks a Director of Protective Services to lead the protective services program within the Division of Public Safety. This senior role sets strategic vision, guides development, and supports growth of capabilities across executive protection, high‑risk operations, and critical events.

The position balances strategic leadership with operational credibility and may participate in protective operations when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Security Management, or related field.
• Three or more years of significant progressive leadership experience in protective services.
• Demonstrated experience building or modernizing specialized teams or programs.
• Must possess a current, valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Set the long‑term vision, mission, and strategic roadmap for Protective Services.
• Design staffing models, career pathways, and succession plans.
• Oversee training, threat assessment, executive protection, and leadership development.
• Build partnerships with campus leadership and local, state, and federal agencies.
• Support budget planning, executive briefings, and strategic investments.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic thinking

Threat assessment

Crisis response

Communication skills

Mentoring leaders

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project management software

Job description

Job Summary

The Director of Protective Services serves as the senior leader for CU Boulder’s Protective Services program within the Division of Public Safety. This role is responsible for setting program vision, guiding strategic development, and supporting the continued growth and maturation of protective services capabilities that support executive leadership, dignitary protection, critical events, and high‑risk operations across the university.

The position is intentionally designed to balance strategic leadership and operational credibility. While the Director’s primary focus is program leadership, development, and alignment with institutional priorities, the role retains the flexibility to participate directly in protective operations when needed—ensuring continuity of coverage, informed leadership, and adaptability as the program evolves.

The Director of Protective Services reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Security Services, and operates as a trusted advisor to DPS leadership and campus partners. The Director ensures Protective Services aligns with university priorities, national standard processes, and an evolving threat environment.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Division of Public Safety seeks to facilitate and coordinate a culture that supports the Boulder campus’ commitment to maintain the highest level of ethics, integrity, and safety in the conduct of its operations. We do this through services to enhance community safety, protect life and property, and foster safe, secure, and ethical practices.

The University of Colorado (CU) Boulder is one of America's leading research universities and the flagship of the CU System. As a comprehensive public doctoral research university, CU Boulder is a member of the Association of American Universities and is classified as an R1 University. The university has nine schools and colleges offering over 150 academic programs and enrolling 35,000 degree‑seeking undergraduate and graduate students.

At CU Boulder, we believe in supporting each other and valuing everyone who is part of our community. Our values are expected of all Buffs and lead our actions in the classroom, on campus and in our community. At CU Boulder, we commit to building a more diverse and inclusive campus community. We value different backgrounds, identities and perspectives and believe that engagement with a wide range of ideas and viewpoints can help students learn and grow.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Establishes and advances the long‑term vision, mission, and strategic roadmap for CU Boulder’s Protective Services program.
• Designs and refines program structure, staffing models, career pathways, and succession planning.
• Develops and maintains policies, procedures, and operational frameworks aligned with national protective‑services standards and higher‑education procedures.
• Evaluates emerging risks, trends, and threats to inform program evolution and capability enhancements.
• Leads continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen effectiveness, professionalism, and resilience.

Team Leadership, Mentorship, and Professional Development

• Provides senior‑level leadership, mentorship, and professional guidance to Protective Services personnel.
• Builds and sustains a leadership culture centered on accountability, trust, ethical decision‑making, and operational excellence.
• Oversees training strategy, including protective service skills, threat assessment, executive protection, and leadership development.
• Identifies and develops high‑potential staff for advancement and expanded responsibilities.
• Promotes employee wellness, readiness, and long‑term career sustainability.
• Provides feedback, sets clear performance expectations, and conducts performance evaluations to support individual and team growth.

Internal and External Partnerships

• Serves as the primary liaison for Protective Services with campus leadership, Athletics, University Counsel, Emergency Management, and other DPS units.
• Cultivates strong working relationships with local, state, and federal law‑enforcement agencies and protective services partners.
• Represents CU Boulder in regional and national public safety and protective services forums.
• Advises university leadership during major events, executive visits, or incidents requiring an enhanced security posture.
• Ensures coordinated, unified approaches to safety and protection across the institution.

Operational Leadership and Subject‑Matter Expertise

• Provides oversight, guidance, and leadership for protective operations while maintaining the ability to participate operationally as needed.
• Serves as a senior subject‑matter expert during complex, high‑risk, or sensitive protective operations, major events, or critical incidents.
• Fills in for protection assignments when operational demands, staffing levels, or risk conditions require additional leadership presence.
• Reviews after‑action reports, operational metrics, and incident outcomes to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Ensures operational readiness, compliance, and alignment within institutional risk tolerance.

Administrative, Budgetary and Executive Support

• Supports budget planning, resource allocation, and justification for program growth and capability enhancements.
• Prepares executive briefings, reports, and strategic materials for senior leadership.
• Assists with grant exploration, technology evaluation, and investments supporting protective services capabilities.
• Engages in other duties as required in support of strategic and/or operational priorities and compliance.

Other Duties

• Supports security initiatives at campus events.
• Takes on additional duties as assigned by the AVC of Security Services or the Vice Chancellor of Public Safety.

What You Should Know

Standard business hours, with weekends and nights required as needed to support special events and protection details (flex time and/or stipends may be available). This position may occasionally be available in a hybrid modality, but due to the nature of the work performed, it is expected that the position will primarily work onsite.

This position operates university vehicles and requires an active Driver's License. This position is subject to a background investigation, including criminal, financial, and motor vehicle records background check; job suitability exam; an Excluded Parties List System check; a review of a personal history statement; reference, credit, and employment checks; and a drug screen. Pre‑placement psychological evaluations are also required.

What We Can Offer

Starting salary range is $115,000 - $125,000. Relocation assistance is available within department guidelines.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well‑being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world‑class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be excited. Be professional. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Security Management, or a related field OR an equivalent combination of education/experience may substitute for the degree.
• Three (3) or more years of significant progressive leadership experience in protective services, law enforcement, executive protection, or public safety.
• Demonstrated experience building, leading, or modernizing specialized teams or programs.
• Must possess a current, valid driver's license.

What You Will Need

• Ability to pass a comprehensive, pre‑hire background investigation.
• Strong understanding of threat assessment, dignitary protection, risk management, and crisis response.
• Exceptional communication, judgment, negotiation, interpersonal, and strategic‑thinking skills.
• Strong leadership capabilities with proven ability to mentor leaders and develop high‑performing teams.
• Analytical mentality with the ability to assess and resolve complex issues.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, project management software, or other relevant tools.

September 3, 2026

Essential Services

This position is designated “essential services.” The incumbent is required to respond to requests for work during campus emergencies (snow, wind, rain, flood and any other natural or man‑made event) and report to work for his / her regularly assigned shift during emergency campus closures.