Position Summary

Vanderbilt University seeks a Director of Safety & Security to provide strategic and operational leadership for safety, security, and emergency management at the University’s extended campus in New York City (Chelsea).

The Director of Safety & Security serves as the senior on-site safety leader and is responsible for ensuring a safe, secure, and supportive living and learning environment for approximately 120 undergraduate students, faculty and staff who reside on campus and participate in academic programming and internships throughout New York City. This position oversees campus-specific safety planning, emergency preparedness, incident response, and external partnerships, while aligning local operations with Vanderbilt University policies, standards, and best practices.

The Director works in close collaboration with Vanderbilt University Police Department (VUPD), campus leadership, student life, housing and residential experience, and local public safety agencies to support a comprehensive, student-centered approach to safety in an urban environment.

About the Work Unit

The Division of Administration supports Vanderbilt University’s academic mission by providing essential services that ensure a safe, efficient, and welcoming campus environment. As Vanderbilt expands its academic footprint beyond Nashville, the New York City campus represents a strategic investment in immersive, city-based learning experiences. Safety and security operations for the NYC campus are designed to integrate Vanderbilt standards with the unique considerations of an urban residential setting.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

Safety & Security Leadership

• Serves as the primary authority for safety and security operations at the NYC campus.
• Develops, implements, and maintains campus-specific safety and security plans consistent with Vanderbilt policies and applicable regulations.
• Provides oversight of physical security systems, access control, surveillance, and incident response protocols.
• Maintains a visible presence on campus to foster trust, engagement, and confidence among students and staff.

Emergency Management & Incident Response

• Leads emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for the NYC campus, including medical emergencies, fire safety, severe weather, missing students, and critical incidents.
• Serves as the on-site incident lead during emergencies and coordinates response efforts with Vanderbilt leadership and local agencies.
• Conducts emergency drills, tabletop exercises, and training sessions for staff and students.

Student Safety & Support

• Partners with student life, residential staff, and academic leadership to proactively address student safety concerns.
• Provides guidance and response support related to student housing, commuting, internships, and city-based activities.
• Supports crisis response and participates in after-hours on-call coverage as required.

External Partnerships & Coordination

• Establishes and maintains strong working relationships with NYPD, FDNY, local EMS, building security, and other external partners.
• Serves as Vanderbilt’s primary on-site liaison for safety and security matters in New York City.
• Coordinates responses to incidents involving students off campus, including internship and program-related activities.

Policy, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensures compliance with university policies, local and state regulations, and applicable safety standards.
• Supports Clery Act–related incident documentation and reporting in coordination with Vanderbilt Police and central administration.
• Identifies emerging risks associated with urban operations and recommends mitigation strategies.

Training, Communication & Education

• Delivers safety orientations and ongoing education for students, faculty, and staff.
• Communicates clearly and effectively during incidents and campus-wide safety situations.
• Promotes a culture of preparedness, shared responsibility, and continuous improvement.

Supervisory Relationships

This position will provide functional oversight of security personnel or third-party security vendors, as applicable.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, emergency management, public safety, higher education administration, or a related field is required.
• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in campus safety, law enforcement, security management, or emergency management is required.
• Experience working in an urban environment and coordinating with external law enforcement agencies is required.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience in higher education or residential campus environments.
• Knowledge of Clery Act requirements and campus emergency management frameworks.
• Experience supervising security personnel or managing contracted security services.
• Demonstrated ability to apply trauma-informed and student-development–centered approaches to safety.

Key Skills

• Strong judgment and decision-making in high-pressure situations
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with internal and external partners

• Commitment to student safety, equity, and well-being

Salary Range: $126,000 - $154,000

(Geographical Differential Applied)

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

This range will be for employees who primarily perform work in the State of New York.

---

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

---

Vanderbilt University seeks a Director of Safety & Security to provide strategic and operational leadership for safety, security, and emergency management at the University’s extended campus in New York City (Chelsea). The Director of Safety & Security serves as the senior on-site safety leader and is responsible for ensuring a safe, secure, and supportive living and learning environment for approximately 120 undergraduate students, faculty and staff who reside on campus and participate in academic programming and internships throughout New York City. This position oversees campus-specific safety planning, emergency preparedness, incident response, and external partnerships, while aligning local operations with Vanderbilt University policies, standards, and best practices.