Chief of Police

The Chief of Police serves as Vanderbilt Universitys senior law enforcement executive providing strategic leadership vision and oversight for all safety security emergency management and workforce protection functions across the University enterprise. This includes the academic campus Vanderbilt University Medical Center Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital and numerous clinics throughout Middle Tennessee.

As the head of the Public Safety Department the Chief of Police shapes long-term strategy fosters a culture of integrity and accountability and ensures that all operations align with Vanderbilts mission and values. The position builds strong partnerships with local state and federal law enforcement and emergency agencies ensuring Vanderbilt remains a national model for higher education public safety.

About the Work Unit

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is a comprehensive accredited department composed of more than 400 professionals dedicated to ensuring a safe secure and inclusive environment for the Vanderbilt community. VUPS includes commissioned police officers community service officers emergency preparedness professionals workforce safety specialists and administrative personnel. The department operates under a community-oriented policing model that emphasizes proactive engagement respect and service to all members of the Vanderbilt community.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

Strategic Leadership & Vision

Set and execute the long-term strategic direction for Vanderbilt University Public Safety in alignment with the Universitys mission vision and values.
Serve as the principal advisor to the Vice Chancellor for Administration and University leadership on law enforcement security and emergency preparedness.
Represent Vanderbilt to local state and federal law enforcement and emergency management agencies; develop and sustain collaborative partnerships that strengthen institutional readiness.
Anticipate and mitigate emerging risks and safety concerns through data-driven strategies and continuous innovation.

Operational Excellence & Resource Stewardship

Provide executive oversight of all Public Safety operations including police services security emergency preparedness workforce safety and dignitary protection.
Lead the development administration and monitoring of multimillion-dollar operational and capital budgets ensuring sound fiscal stewardship.
Establish departmental policies general orders and regulations that govern the professional and ethical operation of the Vanderbilt University Police Department.
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal state and local regulations accreditation standards and University policies.
Implement metrics and accountability systems to evaluate and enhance the quality effectiveness and transparency of services provided to the community.

Emergency Management & Community Resilience

Direct the Universitys emergency management framework including preparedness response recovery and continuity of operations.
Oversee the activation and operation of the Emergency Operations Center during critical incidents and large-scale events.
Ensure robust planning for dignitary protection and special event security across all University and Medical Center facilities.
Build institutional capacity for rapid response through partnerships scenario planning and continuous improvement in crisis readiness.

Leadership Culture & Talent Development

Lead the Public Safety leadership team in building a culture defined by excellence accountability integrity and trust.
Champion workforce development succession planning and leadership growth to strengthen organizational capability and retention.
Serve as a visible and accessible leader who models integrity empathy and professionalism in every interaction.
Promote collaboration and innovation within the department and across campus ensuring Public Safety is a trusted partner in the Universitys success.

Supervisory Relationships

This position has overall executive responsibility for all divisions and personnel within Vanderbilt University Public Safety. The Chief of Police reports directly to the Vice Chancellor for Administration and provides leadership to deputy chiefs directors and senior managers overseeing police operations emergency management workforce safety parking and support services.

Education and Certifications

Bachelors degree from an accredited institution of higher education required.
Masters degree from an accredited institution of higher education highly preferred.
Graduate of the FBI National Academy and/or Southern Police Institute highly preferred.
Possession of Tennessee P.O.S.T. certification (or ability to obtain within six months of appointment) required.
Possession of a special police commission from the Chief Law Enforcement Official in Metropolitan Nashville (within six months) required with annual recommissioning thereafter.
Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University utilizes a third-party monitoring service for compliance.

Experience and Skills

Minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience including at least seven (7) years in a senior command or executive leadership role within a complex organization (e.g. higher education healthcare or large metropolitan environment).
Demonstrated success leading large multifaceted teams (400 employees) and managing multimillion-dollar budgets.

Student and community centered leadership approach emphasizing service accessibility and partnership in creating a safe and welcoming campus.
Extensive knowledge of contemporary police administration emergency management and community engagement practices.
Proven record of executive decision-making interagency coordination and crisis leadership at local state or federal levels.
Strong financial acumen and experience with strategic resource planning and performance management.
Excellent communication collaboration and relationship-building skills across diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Proven experience leading organizational change with resilience and focus effectively addressing challenges to strengthen all aspects of public safety operations and community trust.