For Full consideration please apply on Spelman Johnson Executive Search Firm's application portal.

The recruitment process is being managed by Spelman Johnson Executive Search Firm in conjunction with Tufts University. Application istructions and nomination process included within this job announcement.

Founded in 1852, Tufts today is recognized as a transformative private university dedicated to educating new leaders for a changing world. Tufts' unique combination of research and liberal arts attracts students, faculty, and staff who thrive in an environment of curiosity, creativity, and engagement. Residing on four domestic campuses in Massachusetts (Medford/Somerville, Boston Health Sciences, Boston School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts, and Grafton), in addition to an overseas campus in Talloires, France, the University serves over 11,500 students engaged in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Tufts offers more than 70 undergraduate degree programs, 30 interdisciplinary programs, as well as graduate degrees in 15 disciplines, including medical, dental, and veterinary sciences. Tufts University ranks #30 in National Universities in the 2021 Best Colleges edition of U.S. News & World Report.

This past summer, Tufts University President Anthony Monaco announced a commitment to making Tufts University an institution that combats racism in all forms, with a focus on creating a more equitable campus moving forward. As part of this campus-wide initiative, the Working Group on Campus Safety and Policing has outlined a vision for all of campus safety that is forward thinking, recognizes the values and perspectives of the entire Tufts community, and fully embraces anti-racist practices. Public Safety at Tufts will be an organization that uses restorative and transformative procedures and that values the wellbeing and safety of Black people, Indigenous people, People of Color, and historically marginalized individuals and communities.

The Position

The Executive Director, Public Safety (EDPS), reports to the Vice President, Operations, providing strategic leadership, supervision, and guidance for the Tufts University Department of Public Safety (TUDPS). The Executive Director works closely with staff, students, faculty, administrators, and the local community to manage and administer services and programs which contribute to a safe and secure campus environment. The EDPS promotes a comprehensive array of community safety programs and services, and oversees Emergency Management, Fire Safety, Tufts Threat Assessment and Management (TTAM), Tufts Emergency Medical Services (TEMS), and the Tufts University Police Department (TUPD) at the University's four very distinct campuses: Medford/Somerville, Boston Health Sciences, School of the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in Grafton. The EDPS develops and implements strategic organizational objectives for all departmental services and programs; collaborates with University senior leadership in response to university crises; ensures that the department meets its operational and financial goals, and is in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, university policies, and certification requirements; and supports the goals and mission of Tufts University. The EDPS facilitates cooperative and collaborative community and institutional relationships, ensuring the implementation of a strong and robust 21st century and community policing philosophy that promotes security, communication, and a positive presence across the campuses. The Executive Director is responsible for setting goals, providing ongoing feedback, appraising performance, and ensuring the professional development of a staff of 86, including five direct reports, as well as overseeing a budget of approximately $11.5 million.

Students, faculty, and staff at Tufts belong to a broad spectrum of backgrounds and identities, representing all forms of diversity. In this role, Tufts University seeks an Executive Director who will thrive in a campus environment that advances the principles of social equity and inclusion, and who recognizes diversity as central to excellence.

Qualifications

The position requires a bachelor's degree (master's preferred) or the equivalent in criminal justice or a related discipline, as well as substantial, progressive leadership experience in public safety or law enforcement. The successful candidate will have a track record of visionary and transformative leadership with emphases on equity and inclusivity, collaboration, optimum safety practices, initiative, service provision, and community transparency. Additional requirements include proven progressive management responsibilities in crisis situations; excellent negotiation skills, with demonstrated persuasion and influencing ability; exceptional organizational capabilities, including the ability to focus on numerous specific details while focusing on strategic priorities at all times; demonstrated successful change management experience within a complex organization; in-depth knowledge of compliance requirements, particularly related to the Jeanne Clery Act and recertification; and strong, effective communication skills, with the ability to engage and inform all levels of the University. The successful candidate will possess knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts of community-oriented policing, crime prevention, and problem solving; they will have the skills to manage people and build strong relationships; they will possess a thorough knowledge and understanding of police authority and jurisdiction, constitutional law, and criminal law; and they will be proficient in technology and industry-specific software. Experience leading in a unionized environment, demonstrated experience and proficiency with investigative databases, technologies, resources and networks, and completion of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) or Incident Command System (ICS) training are highly preferred.

Application and Nomination

Review of applications will begin March 9, 2021, and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Nominations for this position may be emailed to J. Scott Derrick at jsd@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895.

Visit the Tufts University website at https://www.tufts.edu/.

We are sensitive to how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting work and personal lives, and will offer the utmost flexibility throughout the interview process. The search committee expects to conduct initial interviews virtually for the safety and well-being of all involved.