Director of Community Safety

Description

The Director of Community Safety oversees the 24/7 safety operations, including the development, administration, and evaluation of all safety and security functions, programs, and policies as part of a risk-based security program; advises faculty, staff, and students in response to threats or perceived threats; offers appropriate safety training for the campus community; and organizes event security. The Director ensures the protection of critical infrastructure, facilities, intellectual property, physical assets, and the research enterprise; collaborates closely with aligned risk units (information technology, environmental health & safety, facilities, etc.) in mitigating the community's exposure to security risks; and develops integrated safety strategies in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Director of Community Safety leads and trains a team of 20 Community Safety Officers and dispatchers and provides oversight for a private security contract.

Reed College offers an exceptional benefits package, including comprehensive medical and dental insurance options for you (Reed pays 60% on medical and dental insurance premiums for your dependent), 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution (after one year of service), educational assistance for employees and their children, 22 days of paid vacation, paid holidays, and many other campus amenities. This is a full-time role with typical work hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one hour unpaid lunch, although some evenings and weekends are required.

Starting salary for this position is $130,000-$140,000. Pay offers are contingent upon experience and are determined through an internal pay assessment. This is an exempt position in grade 11.

Who You Are

• You are a community-centered presence who is visible, approachable, and genuinely invested in building relationships across the Reed community.

• You have demonstrated expertise in campus safety and security, with a nuanced understanding of the distinct role of community safety/security professionals and police in a residential college setting.

• You have proven ability to develop policies, protocols, and systems that strengthen operations while advancing the professional growth and development of staff.

• You are a highly experienced and knowledgeable leader whose demeanor is open, grounded, and collaborative, and who builds trust with both campus partners and external community resources.

• You are steady and unflappable under pressure, able to acknowledge community needs, communicate clearly, and instill confidence during moments of uncertainty while remaining decisive, calm, and effective during emergencies.

• You are an innovative and adaptive practitioner who maintains legal and regulatory compliance while thoughtfully responding to the unique culture and context of the college.

• You are a trauma-informed and equity-centered leader whose daily practices align with institutional mission, values, and commitments, and who can clearly demonstrate this alignment in action. 

• You are a systems-oriented thinker who understands community safety as part of the broader campus ecosystem and considers the well-being of the entire community in decision-making.

• You have a strong command of the interplay between policy, infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and operational execution, ensuring alignment across all areas.

• You are a data-informed leader who uses assessment, metrics, and evidence to guide decisions and drive continuous improvement.

• You act with integrity and transparency, balancing safety, accountability, and compliance with respect for student rights and human dignity.

• You lead with empathy without sacrificing authority, maintaining trust, clarity, and credibility in all interactions.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the Community Safety department, including supervision of professional and student staff, staffing schedules, performance evaluations, and professional development.

• Develop and implement strategic plans and policies that support campus safety and align with Reed’s mission and values, including response protocols for common or critical events.

• Manage the campus parking operations and security.

• Serve as a primary leader in campus emergency response, including coordination of drills, response protocols, and training in partnership with campus leadership.

• Coordinate campus