Director of Public Safety & University Police

Worcester State University; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance options

Tuition remission

Paid holidays

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Vacation days

Sick days

Personal days

Job summary

Worcester State University is seeking a Chief, University Police/Director of Public Safety, a visionary leader responsible for all law enforcement and emergency response on campus.

The role emphasizes equity-driven policing, trauma-informed practices, and de-escalation. Leadership of 15 sworn officers and staff, with accountability for policy, compliance, and strategic safety initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible police experience, including 5 years in a supervisory or command role.
• Demonstrated experience with community policing & threat assessment.
• Must have completed an accredited Police Academy and be POST-certified; out-of-state candidates must obtain exemptions.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with Clery Act, Title IX, FERPA, and campus safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead a 21st-century, community-oriented police department.
• Develop and implement campus safety plans with senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Policy development, compliance, and accreditation (CALEA/IACLEA/POST).
• Oversee personnel training, recruitment, and labor relations.
• Oversee Parking, transportation, and access management policies.
• Supervise investigations and ensure legal compliance and transparency.
• Budget oversight for department operations, grants, and resources.
• Duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Emergency Management and Institutional Safety.
• Contribute to university safety initiatives and strategic plans.

Skills

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice,

10 years of police experience

5 years in supervision

POST certification / MA compliance

Interpersonal, communication, problem‑

Education

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field

Master's degree strongly preferred

Job description

Worcester State University is seeking a Chief, University Police/Director of Public Safety, a visionary leader responsible for all law enforcement and emergency response on campus.

The role emphasizes equity-driven policing, trauma-informed practices, and de-escalation. Leadership of 15 sworn officers and staff, with accountability for policy, compliance, and strategic safety initiatives.