Director of Campus Safety in Bluefield, Virginia at Bluefield University

Position Summary

The Director of Campus Safety provides leadership and day-to-day oversight of Bluefield University’s campus safety and security operations. The Director is responsible for promoting a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors through prevention, preparedness, visible campus presence, prompt incident response, and effective coordination with public safety partners.The Director develops and implements campus safety practices, supervises assigned personnel, coordinates emergency management and incident reporting, and supports compliance with applicable campus safety laws and University policies. The Director works closely with Student Development, Residence Life, Facilities, Human Resources, Athletics, and local law enforcement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Campus Safety Operations

- Lead daily campus safety and security activities and maintain appropriate coverage of University facilities, grounds, events, and residence halls.

- Provide a visible, service-oriented campus safety presence and respond promptly to emergencies, safety concerns, and requests for assistance.

- Oversee patrol assignments, access control procedures, building security checks, and safety-related operational practices.

- Assess campus safety risks and recommend practical strategies to prevent incidents and improve overall safety.

- Coordinate safety coverage for University events, including athletics, student activities, and special programs.

2. Emergency Preparedness & Response

- Develop, maintain, and regularly review the University’s emergency operations and crisis response procedures.

- Coordinate preparedness drills, evacuation planning, severe-weather response, and emergency notification practices.

- Serve as a key institutional responder during emergencies and coordinate with University leadership and first responders.

- Maintain effective working relationships with police, fire, emergency medical services, and other public safety agencies.

- Assist with after-action reviews and the implementation of emergency preparedness improvements.

3. Campus Safety Compliance & Reporting

- Coordinate institutional campus safety reporting and support compliance with theJeanne Clery Campus Safety Act and other applicable laws.

- Assist with timely crime and incident documentation, crime statistics collection, and preparation of required campus safety disclosures in coordination with designated University officials.

- Support evaluation and timely issuance of timely warnings and emergency notifications under established University protocols.

- Maintain accurate, secure, and appropriately confidential incident records and related documentation.

- Work with the Title IX Coordinator and other responsible offices to ensure appropriate referrals and coordinated responses.

4. Incident Management & Investigations

- Respond to and document reported safety incidents, disturbances, suspicious activity, and policy concerns.

- Coordinate fact-finding and incident follow-up within the scope of University policy, referring potential criminal matters to law enforcement.

- Provide timely, accurate incident updates to appropriate University officials whileprotecting confidential information.

- Identify recurring issues and recommend corrective actions, prevention measures, and operational improvements.

- Support appropriate evidence preservation and coordination with external agencies when required.

5. Personnel Supervision & Training

- Supervise, schedule, coach, and evaluate assigned campus safety personnel and student workers, as applicable.

- Develop consistent expectations for professionalism, response times, reporting, communication, and service.

- Coordinate training in de-escalation, emergency response, incident documentation, campus policies, and other relevant safety topics.

- Ensure appropriate use and maintenance of radios, keys, identification, and security-related equipment.

- Promote a respectful, student-centered approach in all interactions with the campus community.

6. Facilities, Access Control & Safety Systems

- Coordinate with Facilities and Information Technology regarding physical security needs, locks, keys, electronic access systems, cameras, and alarm systems.

- Identify and communicate safety hazards, lighting concerns, unsafe conditions, and facilities-related security vulnerabilities.

- Oversee key-control practices and document issuance, return, and access authorizations in accordance with University procedures.

- Assist with safety inspections and recommend reasonable facility-security improvements.-

- Coordinate with external service providers when approved by appropriate University officials.

7. Campus Community Engagement

- Build collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, residence life personnel, and campus partners.

- Provide campus safety information, preventive education, and practical guidance on reporting concerns and responding to emergencies.

- Coordinate with Student Development on conduct-related safety concerns and student welfare situations.

- Support welcoming, professional interactions with campus visitors and community members.

- Participate in University programs and committees relating to campus safety and emergency preparedness as appropriate.

8. Administration & Operational Planning

- Develop and maintain campus safety policies, standard operating procedures, schedules, and incident-response protocols.

- Prepare concise operational reports and recommendations for University leadership.

- Monitor assigned operational expenses and make resource recommendations within approved budgets.

- Coordinate departmental activity with University risk management, insurance, and compliance functions as needed.

- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Facilities and Operations.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, emergency management, public safety, higher education administration, or a related field preferred; relevant professional experience may be considered.

- Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in campus safety, security, law enforcement, emergency management, or a related field preferred.

- Prior supervisory or team leadership experience strongly preferred.

- Knowledge of campus safety practices, emergency preparedness, incident documentation, and applicable regulations, including Clery Act requirements.

- Ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, visitors, and external emergency response partners.

- Ability to respond to campus incidents outside regular business hours, as circumstances require.

- Valid driver’s license and ability to meet applicable University driving requirements.

- Ability to meet any employment screening or training requirements established by the University and applicable law.

- Commitment to the Christian mission and values of Bluefield University.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

- Strong judgment, integrity, discretion, and ability to remain composed during emergencies and sensitive situations.

- Working knowledge of emergency response practices, incident management, safety risk assessment, and preventive security measures.

- Ability to de-escalate conflict and interact respectfully with diverse members of the campus community.

- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurateand confidential records.

- Ability to lead staff, coordinate schedules, establish clear expectations, and support professional development.

- Strong collaboration skills and ability to work across University departments and with public safety agencies.

- Ability to assess situations, prioritize competing needs, and implement practical solutions.

- Proficiency with standard office software, incident reporting tools, and campus security technology.