Safety and Security Manager - Clarksville

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, optimizing staffing, resource allocation, and performance outcomes.
• Develop, maintain, and adjust shift schedules to ensure continuous and efficient coverage.
• Lead routine audits and inspections of personnel, equipment, and processes to guarantee compliance with departmental standards.
• Review and authorize all supervisory reports and documentation, ensuring completeness and adherence to required standards.
• Maintain comprehensive operational records and data; conduct research to prepare strategic proposals and contingency plans.
• Serve as operational backup for shift supervisors during critical staffing needs or emergencies.

Personnel Management & Development

• Oversee the comprehensive training and professional development of all direct reports, including 
  Weapons Detection Specialists and Community Service Officers. Training includes field and classroom 
  instruction on weapons detection systems and related equipment.
• Execute all aspects of personnel administration, including:
  • Validating and approving time sheets and payroll submissions.
  • Reviewing and approving time-off requests, managing leave of absence processes, and ensuring compliance with all organizational policies.
  • Serving as the delegate for payroll/time approval in the absence of the shift 
    supervisor.
• Lead the performance management process: conduct formal performance evaluations, facilitate 
  performance management conversations, and provide constructive feedback to direct reports.
• Coach and mentor staff to enhance engagement and performance. Lead corrective action and counseling sessions as needed, including conducting preliminary investigations into employee misconduct and recommending disciplinary actions in alignment with HR and departmental guidelines.
• Participate actively in the recruitment and selection process for new hires, including 
  conducting interviews and providing hiring recommendations.
   

Operational Response & Service Delivery

• Oversee and manage the execution of service-oriented operations:
  • Ensure timely and effective emergency response (fire, medical, etc.).
  • Supervise building security checks, directed patrols, and bi-weekly emergency phone 
    testing.
  • Manage and coordinate responses for vehicle access services, motorist assistance, and 
    security/personal safety escort requests.
  • Oversee secure transport services for psychiatric patients and ensure strict collaboration with medical personnel and compliance with all safety protocols.
• Implement accountability frameworks to ensure equitable and consistent service delivery across 
  the unit.
   

Strategic Partnership & Events

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with the university, medical center, and surrounding 
  community members; lead proactive patrol initiatives and foster collaborative problem-solving to 
  identify and mitigate security risks.
• Represent the department in cross-functional meetings with internal stakeholders to address 
  evolving security needs; compile and present data for compliance and strategic planning.
• Coordinate with Community Relations personnel on physical security and crime prevention 
  strategies.
• Manage security operations for high-profile special events, including athletic competitions, 
  commencement ceremonies, concerts, and dignitary visits, ensuring effective crowd control and 
  orderly conduct.
• Keep departmental leadership informed of all significant security-related incidents and trends; 
  lead management meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
   

Supervisory Relationships:
The Safety and Security Manager will have responsibility for the assigned Safety and Security Supervisors and security personnel during shift operations. This posi