Director of Protective Services

Job Summary

The Director of Protective Services serves as the senior leader for CU Boulder’s Protective Services program within the Division of Public Safety. This role is responsible for setting program vision, guiding strategic development, and supporting the continued growth and maturation of protective services capabilities that support executive leadership, dignitary protection, critical events, and high‑risk operations across the university.

The position is intentionally designed to balance strategic leadership and operational credibility. While the Director’s primary focus is program leadership, development, and alignment with institutional priorities, the role retains the flexibility to participate directly in protective operations when needed—ensuring continuity of coverage, informed leadership, and adaptability as the program evolves.

The Director of Protective Services reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Security Services, and operates as a trusted advisor to DPS leadership and campus partners. The Director ensures Protective Services aligns with university priorities, national standard processes, and an evolving threat environment.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The Division of Public Safety seeks to facilitate and coordinate a culture that supports the Boulder campus’ commitment to maintain the highest level of ethics, integrity, and safety in the conduct of its operations. We do this through services to enhance community safety, protect life and property, and foster safe, secure, and ethical practices.

The University of Colorado (CU) Boulder is one of America's leading research universities and the flagship of the CU System. As a comprehensive public doctoral research university, CU Boulder is a member of the Association of American Universities and is classified as an R1 University. The university has nine schools and colleges offering over 150 academic programs and enrolling 35,000 degree‑seeking undergraduate and graduate students.

At CU Boulder, we believe in supporting each other and valuing everyone who is part of our community. Our values are expected of all Buffs and lead our actions in the classroom, on campus and in our community. At CU Boulder, we commit to building a more diverse and inclusive campus community. We value different backgrounds, identities and perspectives and believe that engagement with a wide range of ideas and viewpoints can help students learn and grow.

• Establishes and advances the long‑term vision, mission, and strategic roadmap for CU Boulder’s Protective Services program.
• Designs and refines program structure, staffing models, career pathways, and succession planning.
• Develops and maintains policies, procedures, and operational frameworks aligned with national protective‑services standards and higher‑education procedures.
• Evaluates emerging risks, trends, and threats to inform program evolution and capability enhancements.
• Leads continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen effectiveness, professionalism, and resilience.

• Provides senior‑level leadership, mentorship, and professional guidance to Protective Services personnel.
• Builds and sustains a leadership culture centered on accountability, trust, ethical decision‑making, and operational excellence.
• Oversees training strategy, including protective service skills, threat assessment, executive protection, and leadership development.
• Identifies and develops high‑potential staff for advancement and expanded responsibilities.
• Promotes employee wellness, readiness, and long‑term career sustainability.
• Provides feedback, sets clear performance expectations, and conducts performance evaluations to support individual and team…