University Executive Director of Public Safety (University Administrator) - Revised

University Executive Director of Public Safety (University Administrator) - Revised POSITION DETAILS

The City University of New York (CUNY) is seeking a strategic, innovative, and solutions-oriented leader to serve as the University Executive Director (UED) of Public Safety. Reporting to the Executive Vice Chancellor/Chief Operating Officer, the UED is the senior-most authority for public safety, security, emergency management, and risk mitigation across the University. This leader provides the strategic vision and operational oversight needed to modernize safety practices and ensure the well-being of the CUNY community.

As CUNY’s chief public safety executive, the UED oversees safety operations across 26 urban campuses, managing a broad portfolio that includes crime prevention, investigations, access control, fire and life safety, emergency preparedness, crisis response, and complex risk assessments involving human, chemical, and cyber-related threats. The UED also directs the Public Safety Training Academy, ensuring personnel receive high-quality, compliant training aligned with state and municipal standards.

Working collaboratively with Campus Public Safety Directors, Peace Officers, and external partners, the UED leads the development of an integrated safety network across the University. Key priorities include implementing systemwide policies, strengthening alert and communication systems, scaling best practices and emerging technologies, and supporting campus leadership in maintaining safe and inclusive environments. The UED models exceptional leadership grounded in professionalism, accountability, and community trust ensuring that CUNY remains a national leader in urban university public safety.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead development, implementation, and continuous refinement of University-wide public safety policies and standard operating procedures.
• Standardize operational protocols, performance metrics, and accountability frameworks across campuses.
• Oversee quality assurance initiatives, compliance programs, and regular safety inspection processes.
• Assess, select, and implement modern security technologies and enterprise safety systems to enhance overall operational effectiveness.

• Direct enterprise-level emergency preparedness, continuity planning, and disaster readiness efforts.
• Coordinate crisis response operations with internal stakeholders and external partners including law enforcement, fire services, and EMS.
• Manage mass-notification systems and ensure effective communication during emergencies.
• Conduct risk and threat assessments across the University and lead development of mitigation strategies targeting human, environmental, chemical, and cyber-related vulnerabilities.

• Provide strategic guidance and expert counsel to senior University leadership on public safety priorities, emerging risks, and resource needs.
• Lead execution of the Public Safety Strategic Plan, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and evolving security demands.
• Collaborate closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, coordinating multi-agency operations and joint initiatives.

• Supervise 15 essential public safety and administrative professionals, promoting excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the Public Safety Training Academy to ensure personnel receive high-quality, compliant, and modernized training.
• Manage University-wide recruitment, retention, credentialing, training compliance, and competency tracking for all public safety personnel.

• Cultivate strong relationships with campus communities, partner organizations, and external stakeholders to promote a community-centered approach to public safety.
• Communicate Public Safety goals, policies, produces, emergency preparation protocols, and other important public safety information to the University.
• Serve as…