Jobs and Careers
TE

Chief of Public Safety

Tennessee Board of Regents
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 6 Jun 2026
💰 $67,730/yr

About the role

The Chief of Public Safety provides leadership and management of the campus public safety department and to ensure a safe and secure environment. 

 

Essential Functions

  • Leadership and management of the Department of Campus Public Safety.
  • Development and implementation of comprehensive security programs, policies, and procedures.
  • Compliance with local, state and federal crime reporting mandates.
  • Collaboration with local officials to address matters of mutual concern
  • Coordination with internal/external emergency response protocols and/or agencies
  • Development and administration of the departmental budget.
  • Supervision of full-time, part-time, and contracted security officers.
  • Supervision of full-time, part-time, and contracted police officers.
  • Plan, organize and implement security for campus functions or special events.
  • Oversee the initial and ongoing training of security officers.
  • Maintain all mandated training and certification records for all Peace Officers Standards Training (POST) certified officers that are employed utilizing the POST required recordkeeping system.
  • Assist the AVP Facility and Safety Services in developing the departmental budget.
  • Ensure that all Columbia State Public Safety equipment is adequately maintained.
  • Provide development, oversight of programs and services that result in enrollment, progression, retention and graduation growth for the service area.
  • Lead department in pursuing Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation.
  • Represent College on Tennessee Board Regents Police Chief meetings.
  • Develop annual campus security report.
  • Ensure Clery Compliance for College.
  • Manage daily crime log.

 

Supplemental Functions

  • Other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President of Facility and Safety Services

 

Education, Training, and Experience

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in law enforcement or a related area, with a minimum of five years’ experience in law enforcement and a minimum of two years in a supervisory capacity;

 

OR

 

Associate’s degree in law enforcement or related area, with a minimum of eight years’ experience in law enforcement and a minimum of two years in a supervisory capacity

AND:

  • Valid Tennessee driver’s license.
  • Crisis management training and experience.
  • Maintain all training to ensure POST certification.
  • Maintain all state mandated training to qualify as Chief.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Thorough knowledge of criminal justice, law enforcement, and higher education protocols/procedures
  • Thorough knowledge of Uniform Crime Report definitions
  • Leadership and management skills sufficient to lead a staff operating on a 24/7/365 schedule
  • Excellent interpersonal, problem solving, organizational, written and communication skills
  • Ability to work with local community and leadership
  • Understanding of and appreciation for current student issues
  • Ability to handle crisis situations
  • Ability to relate to and interact effectively with diverse populations
  • Background in emergency management
  • Use of Kuali Continuity of Operations Program.
  • Working knowledge of Power DMS.

 

Working Conditions

  • Some lifting.
  • Above normal walking.
  • Exposure to all types of weather.
  • Driving campus vehicles.

Titles Supervised

  • Police Officers
  • Security Officers

 

Hiring Salary Range$58,65- $67,730

This position is based at the Columbia TN Campus

Special Note to Applicants:
Salary offers are determined based on documented education and relevant full-time experience. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all qualifying credentials and experience are clearly reflected on their resume for consideration.


All applications must be submitted online. Applications submitted by email, mail, or in person will not be accepted. The application will remain open until filled. 

 

About Columbia State Community College:

As Tennessee’s first community college (established in 1966), Columbia State is committed to student success both in and out of the classroom, as well as economic and community development in our nine-county service area. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board

Apply for this role

Generate a tailored application kit with a matched cover letter, interview prep, and CV highlights — in under 60 seconds.

Apply Now →Generate Application Kit

Free account required — sign up in 30s

Company

Tennessee Board of Regents

View company profile →