Commander, Police Academy

The Academy Commander is responsible for leadership, vision, and guidance in the administration of the Clark State College’s Academies approved by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA). This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring student training, safety, and academy compliance with provisions of the OPOTA and any other appropriate regulatory agency. Responsibilities extend to the effective operation of day and evening academies.

Shift: Flexible schedule, evenings and weekends, as needed.

Location:

Downtown Springfield.

• Provides overall leadership and serves as the primary administrator for all Clark State Academies approved by OPOTA.
• Serves as Commander of record with OPOTA. Responsible for all audit documentation, including opening and closing audits and maintaining all records required by OPOTA. Communicates with and keeps the OPOTA Field Agent informed of activities as appropriate.
• Ensures Clark State’s officer training program meets state-required curriculum content and instructional hours. Establishes and communicates training schedules.
• Recruits, hires, orients, and supervises instructors. Ensures quality instruction and fosters a positive, professional Academy culture.
• Collaborates with the Academic Dean to develop and oversee the fiscal year budget.
• Works effectively with campus facilities, internal departments, and external organizations to schedule and conduct classes.
• Provides student advising and mentoring during the pre-admission process and throughout the Academy experience.
• Promotes and models a student-focused, positive, and professional Academy culture.
• Promotes, develops, and delivers continuing education opportunities for police departments within the service area.
• Ensures proper accountability and storage of all Academy weapons and ammunition.
• Ensures the Assistant Commander effectively manages students employed as Security Cadets at the College.
• Provides oversight for regional Advanced Regional Trainings.
• All other duties as assigned by supervisor

Seven (7) years’ experience as a full-time law enforcement officer.

Two (2) years’ experience as a full-time law enforcement supervisor.

A Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or related field with Master's Degree preferred.

Requires travel to multiple campus locations; a valid driver's license and/or dependable transportation is required. OPOTA Unit Instructor, OPOTA Commander.

A significant level of trust and diplomacy is required, in addition to normal courtesy and tact. Work involves extensive personal contact with others and/or can be of a personal or sensitive nature. Work may involve motivating or influencing others. Outside contacts become important and fostering sound relationships with other entities (companies and/or individuals) becomes necessary and often requires the ability to influence and/or sell ideas or services to others.

Budget Impact:
Direct impact on expenditures through approval of instructor time sheets, equipment and supply purchases, repairs, rentals, etc. in accordance with Clark State College policies and in compliance with requirements and regulations of the government.

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the Ohio criminal justice system.
• In-depth knowledge of the requirements for Ohio Basic Peace Officer Training programs.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and agencies.
• Strong mentoring, interpersonal, and active listening skills.
• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment in the execution of assigned duties.

The work requires moderate physical exertion such as long periods of standing, repetitively lifting lightweight objects with frequent bending or stooping, recurring lifting of moderately heavy items such as computer, printers or record boxes. Occasionally lifts heavy objects (over 50 pounds). Job requires average agility and dexterity.

Regular exposure to unfavorable environments such as weather, body fluids, toxic laboratory & industrial chemicals, or confined, dirty and noisy locations. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment such as masks, coats, gowns, boots, goggles, gloves, or shields.