Director of Public Safety
Opportunity Guide
https://www.unity.edu/
Unity College is a leader in sustainability science, educating responsible, optimistic individuals committed to solving the world’s most pressing environmental problems.
For over fifty years, Unity College has been preparing the next generation of environmental professionals and leaders to successfully face real-world challenges. Unity College, America’s Environmental College located in Unity, Maine, serves a broad range of students from all backgrounds across the U.S. — and the world. To be responsive to the rapidly changing needs of students and society, Unity College offers both flagship campus and distance education programs for undergraduate and graduate-level environmental degrees.
On Unity’s flagship campus, the liberal arts curriculum is built upon a unique framework of sustainability science — the first of its kind in the nation. A distinctive approach to learning provides students with an exceptional, high-quality education, enabling them to drive real change with leading-edge knowledge and expertise within any of 17 environmentally-focused majors. Unity College’s unique location provides extraordinary opportunities for hands-on learning and research, allowing active and engaged students to work together with forward-thinking faculty to make true community-based learning possible. From 225 wooded acres of farmland in rural Maine, the College prepares each of its students to make a mark on the world. Affordable housing and amenities are available in Unity and in nearby communities, including the more populated centers of Bangor (34 miles away), the state Capitol of Augusta (39 miles away), Belfast (24 miles away) and Waterville (18 miles away).
Unity College’s distance education unit, started in 2016, extends the effects of a Unity College education to adult learners, and beyond the physical confines of the flagship campus. Unity College Online offers affordable, accredited master’s degrees and non-degree credits, ideal for working professionals seeking to advance their careers, helping students become the change maker the world needs while still honoring their commitments, wherever they are.
Unity College seeks to attract employees who share a commitment to the environment and to human diversity, and who have an interest in helping students develop an understanding of the richness and complexity of individuals and society.
The Opportunity: Director of Public Safety
The Director of Public Safety is responsible for the safety of all Unity College students, employees, guests and property. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, the Director of Public Safety oversees the daily operations of the department while ensuring that all policies, procedures, controls and reporting regulations, including those required by the Clery Act, are complied with at all times. The Director of Public Safety works closely with Student Success staff to ensure Public Safety is fully integrated into programmatic initiatives for the flagship campus.
The Director will provide leadership for all aspects of a safety and security program that employs a collaborative approach to developing a safe learning environment in support of the College’s mission and in compliance with all laws. Additionally, the Director will develop and strengthen relationships within the greater Unity community, including law enforcement, residents, businesses, elected officials and other stakeholders. The Director will supervise all areas related to crime prevention and to ensuring the well-being of Unity students, faculty, staff and visitors. The Director must ensure visibility and availability of the department on campus and engage positively with all stakeholders. The Director must be well prepared at all times to launch an emergency response to threats on campus and must train other staff to respond according to plans.
The Director will assist law enforcement agencies in professionally executing legal directives such as subpoenas, court orders, etc.
Currently supervising 5 employees, the Director will recruit, supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate the performance of Public Safety staff. They will manage the department budget of $250,000.
Experience in best practices in documentation, statistical and other reporting and emergency planning and response are required.
Performance Objectives
LEADERSHIP
- Plans, monitors and evaluates activities of the Public Safety department to ensure the security of all College students, employees, guests and assets.
- Ensures campus fire alarm and life safety systems are monitored, including regular inspections and documentation confirming that they are in good repair and working order.
- Serves on the Emergency Response team and is responsible for coordinating and planning emergency drills. Emergency response scenarios include but are not limited to active shooter, bomb threats, fire or intrusion alarms, impact of terrorism on school safety, threat assessment, lockdowns and evacuations.
- Identifies, investigates and resolves security breaches.
- Ensures prompt response to all campus emergencies including bomb threats, fire alarms, intrusion alarms, etc.
- Models and ensures appropriate workplace behavior and appearance of the department that reflects the values of Unity College.
- Coordinates with local law enforcement and first responders as necessary. Maintains good working relationships with local law enforcement and first responders.
- Develops and recommends new and revised policies, procedures and methods related to Public Safety.
- Continuously assesses the overall effectiveness of the Public Safety department and facilitates training as necessary.
- Networks with Public Safety Officers from similar campuses.
- Works closely with Student Success staff to ensure the safety of students at all times.
- Develops and conducts student educational opportunities around campus safety and student safety.
STAFF AND DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT
- Assists in developing the annual operating budget and makes recommendations for budget increases and reductions. Monitors and ensures budget compliance.
- Directly supervises employees in the Public Safety department, including work-study students. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the College’s policies and all applicable laws. This will involve occasionally working on all shifts to assess staff and procedures.
- Reviews employee-related issues and makes recommendations on actions to be taken. Ensures department and employee policies and procedures are appropriately carried out and participates in recruitment and selection of new employees.
- Completes evaluations of all Public Safety staff.
INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILTIES
- Contributes to the College’s commitment to sustainability.
- Contributes to the College’s commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment.
- Follows safety and infection control policies and assists other leaders in enforcing them.
- Assumes responsibility to maintain and upgrade professional knowledge and skills with regulations, industry trends, current practices, new developments and applicable laws.
- Serves as a role model for the College’s standards of conduct.
- Demonstrates a high degree of commitment to customer service and student success.
The Qualified Candidate
Unity College seeks a professional with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in law enforcement or a related field and a track record of successfully managing a team of public safety professionals, preferably on a campus. The candidate’s primary responsibility will be to ensure a safe campus for students, faculty, staff, visitors and all other stakeholders. The Director must be a steady yet decisive leader, with the ability to listen and make decisions quickly in response to a variety of unpredictable scenarios.
Specific Requirements Include:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least 3 years of job-related experience.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a supervisory position in a related field is required. Experience in safety and security in higher education is preferred.
- Ability to evaluate situations and incidents and choose the most appropriate course of action to ensure the safety of students and employees.
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations.
- Ability to write reports, business correspondence, policies and procedure manuals.
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from students, parents, staff and the general public.
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing excellent customer service to all campus employees, students and visitors.
- Valid Driver’s License with a good driving record.
- Ability and willingness to work with students from diverse political/socioeconomic backgrounds and a wide range of physical and academic abilities.
- Personal commitment to the environmental focus and mission of the College.
- Ability to work occasional extended or weekend hours.
- Must live within 45 miles of campus.
This position offers a competitive salary with generous benefits.
Unity College is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria.
To Apply
Candidates may click on the APPLY NOW button below.
To assure confidential tracking of all applicants, no applications will be accepted via email. ALL INQUIRIES WILL BE HELD IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.
This search is being managed by Laura Weinman, Assistant Vice President of KEES. Questions may be addressed to lweinman@kees2success.com
KEES is a retained search and nonprofit consulting firm that builds transformative teams and leaders. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.
In and Around Unity
Come explore the area in and around Unity, including the Unity College Center for the Performing Arts, the Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, and our Field of Dreams—a beautiful outdoor recreation area just a short walk from campus. If you like local and organic farming, don’t miss the Unity Farmers’ Market or the nationally recognized Common Ground Country Fair, which is held each fall and organized by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.
In and Around Maine
There are also lots of amazing places to explore in and around Maine. Within a two-hour drive from campus you’ll find the breathtaking Acadia National Park—home to Mt. Desert Island and Schoodic Point. You’ll also find Baxter State Park, where you can spend the day climbing Mt. Katahdin, and Reid State Park, with its long, sandy beaches, picnic areas and scenic views. And if you like to ski, be sure to check out Sugarloaf and Sunday River ski resorts, also within a two-hour drive.
Here are some other fun attractions not far from campus:
Within A One-Hour Drive:
Within A Two-Hour Drive:
- Moosehead Lake: boating, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling
- Popham Beach: swimming, fishing, sea kayaking, birdwatching
- Port Clyde: ferry to Monhegan Island
- Portland: the Arts District and Old Port Historic District
- Rangeley Lakes: skiing and recreation
- Sebago Lake State Park: boating, swimming, camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing
