Safety and Security Manager - Tullahoma

Vanderbilt University; Tullahoma (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) seeks a Safety and Security Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership for a designated security unit, optimize staffing, and ensure high‑level service to the Vanderbilt community and Medical Center.

You will supervise Safety and Security Supervisors, oversee training and investigations, manage records, and coordinate with campus partners on events and incidents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Business Management, or related field.
• Minimum five years of management experience in law enforcement or security.
• Training and license: Valid Driver’s License; complete VUPS training within 30 days (De-escalation, PCP Tactics, pepper spray, etc.); CPR and AED certification; Community Service Officer training; knowledge of university and police directives.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and tactical leadership for a designated security unit or shift; optimize staffing and performance; lead audits and maintain records.
• Oversee training of direct reports; administer personnel records, time sheets, payroll, leave; conduct performance evaluations; coach and mentor staff; participate in recruitment.
• Coordinate with leadership for events and cross-functional initiatives; ensure timely emergency response; supervise building security checks and escorts; manage secure transport and accountability frameworks.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Communication

Customer Service

Problem Solving

Public Speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or related field

Job description

About The Work Unit

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is led by the Office of the Senior Associate Vice Chancellor/Chief of Police in the Division of Administration. VUPS is a dedicated team of over 400 professionals united by a shared commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all in the Vanderbilt community, as well as the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Organized into several specialized units, our department includes commissioned officers, security professionals, and skilled administrative staff—all working collaboratively to uphold the highest standards of community-based policing.

Key Functions And Expected Performance

• Operational Leadership & Oversight: Provide strategic and tactical leadership for a designated security unit or shift, optimize staffing, resource allocation, and performance outcomes; develop, maintain, and adjust shift schedules; lead audits; review documents; maintain records.
• Personnel Management & Development: Oversee training of direct reports including weapons detection specialists and community service officers; administer personnel records, time sheets, payroll, leave; conduct performance evaluations; coach and mentor staff; conduct investigations; participate in recruitment.
• Operational Response & Service Delivery: Oversee service-oriented operations; ensure timely emergency response; supervise building security checks, patrols, vehicle access, escort requests; manage secure transport services; implement accountability frameworks.
• Strategic Partnership & Events: Cultivate relationships; lead patrol initiatives; represent department in cross-functional meetings; coordinate with Community Relations; manage security for special events; keep leadership informed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships

The Safety and Security Manager will have responsibility for assigned Safety and Security Supervisors and security personnel during shift operations and reports administratively and functionally to the Safety and Security Director.

Education and Certifications

• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Business Management, or related field.
• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of management experience in law enforcement or similar security setting.
• Training & License: Valid Driver’s License with satisfactory record; complete VUPS training within 30 days (De-escalation, Pressure Point Control Tactics, pepper spray, etc.); CPR and AED certification; Community Service Officer training; knowledge of university and police department directives, rules, and regulations.

Experience and Skills

• Management & Leadership: Supervise, guide, develop staff; lead by example; performance management expertise; decision-making and accountability.
• Interpersonal & Communication: Exceptional customer service; written and oral communication; public speaking; relationships with public officials and university constituents.
• Behavioral and Analytical: Stay calm, objective, self‑restrained; problem‑solving; organizational and multi‑tasking; computer proficiency.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Physical Demands: Stand for long periods, walk, climb, lift; meet grooming standards.
• Background: Pass thorough background and drug test; good moral character; no prior convictions prohibiting certification.
• Environment: Availability for nights, weekends, holidays; work in inclement weather and extremes.
• Hazards: Use precautionary equipment; potential exposure to hazardous materials, infectious disease, blood‑borne pathogens, loud noises, and physical danger.
• Medical: Obtain required immunizations and tests.