Captain

Who we are

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Job Summary

The Special Service & Community Engagement Captain leads continual recruitment, background, hiring and on-boarding efforts, coordinates Active Shooter/Hostile Intruder training programs, and coordinates Institute safety and security preparedness and will leads the team to develop technical solutions and enhancements to alarm systems. The Captain also maintains compliance with mandates of the Facility Clearance Program, conducts emergency drills, and manages training programs such as the NYS Security Guard Certification program, Campus Safety Officer program, leadership development and Mental Health/EDPRT training. The Captain implements new programs to strengthen community engagement programs such as Residence Life Liaison and Greek Life Liaison programs, quarterly “meet and greets” opportunities with students and liaison with student government and coordinate special event planning requiring outside Law Enforcement assistance and operations planning.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in a public safety or law enforcement environment, including at least six (6) years in a supervisory role

• Must possess and maintain a valid U.S. state driver’s license

Applicants must meet stated minimum education and experience requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of criminal procedure law, penal law, and family court act and the ability to apply appropriately
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations and the ability to apply appropriately
• Ability to develop new programs and provide training
• Excellent customer relation skills and ability to effectively relate with a diverse community
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written; ability to prepare and present reports
• Effective planning, organizing and time management skills
• Personal computer skills

Representative Job Duties

• Maintains Public Safety records, log of activities, and files in accordance with Federal, State, Local laws and regulations and Institute standards. In addition, reviews crime and incident data collection and analysis for Federal, State and agency compliance and to improve department training and preparedness effectiveness.
• Plans and coordinates the background and hiring unit to make recommendations on hiring decisions. Includes coordination of initial screening, interview process, fingerprinting and requesting reference checks. Coordinates staffing, field training and shift bids for all staff. 
• Coordinates liaison programs with student, faculty and staff groups including student and faculty senates as well as residential cohort groups and fraternity/sorority housing groups. 
• Collaborate with Associate Director and conduct large scale emergency drills and tabletop exercises and oversees safety training programs across the institute including Active Shooter/Hostile Intruder training. 
• Assists the Director and Associate Director with administration of the Department. Coordinates the work of the Technical Lieutenant to update technical solutions, improve camera systems and enhance alarm systems. Oversees research and piloting of safety solutions such as weapons detection and a