Director for Special Events and Protective Services, Police Commander at The University of Chicago in Chicago, IL

Job description

Department OPS DSS Emergency Management About the Department The Department of Safety and Security’s (DSS) primary divisional units include Campus and School Safety, DSS Management Operations, Emergency and Strategic Operations, Environmental Health and Safety, Transportation and Parking Services and the University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD). As an operational unit of the University of Chicago, DSS reports to the Vice President for Operations. The Department is tasked with the development and implementation of comprehensive safety strategies that serve the University community, strengthen collaborations between DSS and students, faculty, staff and neighbors, and are appropriately aligned with institutional values and priorities. The University of Chicago campus is part of Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, which contains a significant amount of off-campus University property. In addition to the students housed on campus and in the areas adjacent, more than a third of the University's staff resides in areas surrounding the campus, and more than 50% of the University's faculty resides in the Hyde Park area. Job Summary This role manages a team of professional staff responsible for campus police and patrol units. Manages campus vehicle traffic and parking. Monitors and maintains security programs and training, as needed. Manages a variety of campus security programs, including crime prevention, police personnel training, and criminal investigations. Responsibilities Directs and manages the Department’s special event planning process, including staffing assessments, risk analysis, and deployment strategies. Working closely within the University’s High-Profile Event Review process, develops comprehensive operational plans that include primary, alternative, and contingency strategies. Ensures all major events are planned and executed using Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) principles. Serves as Incident Commander or Unified Command representative for large-scale events, when appropriate. May be required to direct and coordinate real-time public safety operations during major events in coordination with the SOC, UCPD, Emergency Management, and external partners. May be required to coordinate deployment, communications, command posts, staging, resource requests, and other operational needs during major events. Conducts after-action reviews and implements continuous improvement measures. Oversees billing and invoicing for departmental special event and dignitary protection services in accordance with Departmental and University policies. Plans, coordinates, and executes close-protection operations, including route planning, site assessments, and venue security for visiting VIPs and dignitaries. Serves as liaison with internal stakeholders, external law enforcement agencies, government entities, event organizers, and private security partners to develop executive protection plans. Collaborates with the DSS Intelligence unit, the DSS Strategic Operations Center, and external law enforcement partners to monitor open-source intelligence and local briefs for risks targeting events and/or specific VIPs and dignitaries. Coordinates the recruitment, training and ongoing professional development for departmental staff assigned to executive protection roles. Leverages data, analytics, and technology systems to improve operational efficiency, event planning, and resource deployment. Evaluates and recommends tools and systems to enhance scheduling, fleet management, and coordination efforts. Provides direct supervision, mentorship, and professional development for any assigned subordinate personnel. Establishes performance metrics and accountability measures across all areas of responsibility. Conducts regular evaluations, audits, and reviews to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness. Identifies and recommends training opportunities and career development pathways. Promotes a culture of p