<p>About Us</p> <p>Savannah State University established in 1890, is the first public historically black college or university in the state of Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. The university's students select majors from five colleges:</p> <ul> <li>Business Administration </li><li>Education </li><li>Engineering and Computing </li><li>Media, Arts, and Communication </li><li>Science and Humanities </li></ul> <p>The campus is by far the most picturesque in the state of Georgia. The moss-laden sweeping oak trees, expansive marsh and historic architecture create a resplendent yet tranquil atmosphere. Beneath the beauty and splendor is a vibrant residential campus bursting at the seams with the vim and vigor of quality collegiate life: relevant academic majors, engaging lectures, cutting-edge research, quality student-faculty engagement and a nurturing environment.</p> <p>Job Summary</p> <p>Reporting to the Vice President of Business and Financial Affairs, the Chief of Police is a position of trust, leads the Department of Public Safety, and is responsible for the safety and security of the SSU campus community of students, faculty, and staff. As a senior leader within the Division of Business and Finance, this position leads, controls, and oversees the daily operations of all uniformed police officers, security guards, dispatch services and emergency management. The incumbent also has oversight of Parking and Transportation. The Chief of Police is responsible for long term planning, proactive security management, compliance, timely reporting, and adjusting practices to make the campus safer. This is a position of public trust and represents Savannah State University in a highly visible manner.</p> <p>NOTE: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not offer sponsorship for employment visas.</p> <p>Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Plan, organize, and direct the operations, activities, programs, and functions of the SSU police department and transportation & parking services while consistently promoting the unit¿s mission. </li><li>Provide for the delivery of police and public safety services to the university community and promote a safe and secure environment for all constituents. </li><li>Serve as the chief law enforcement officer of the university responsible for protecting life and property, preserving the peace, maintaining order, and directing the enforcement of all federal, state, and local laws within the jurisdiction of the university, and the enforcement of state and university traffic laws and university regulations. </li><li>Serve as a key campus representative in the emergency management plan and coordinates with the university¿s Emergency Management Coordinator to provide guidance and direction in emergency preparedness planning and implementation. </li><li>Recommend and implement policy established by the university regarding public safety, law enforcement, traffic and parking, and emergency preparedness. </li><li>Ensure departmental compliance and maintain a sufficient level of knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, case law, and regulations relating to law enforcement and criminal justice methods and practices, including rules of criminal procedure, laws governing search and seizure, and rules of evidence. </li><li>Lead and manage all aspects of compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and all associated regulations. </li><li>Establish a vision and clearly defines the department¿s mission and goals based on current needs and future expectations. </li><li>Recognize and adapt the department to internal and external forces for change. </li><li>Formulate and update the overall strategies of the department continuously and as needed. </li><li>Establish goals for implementing department values, philosophies, and principles that improve quality of life in the community and the workplace. </li><li>Define management objectives, responsibilities, authority, and measures of performance while utilizing feedback to enhance results. </li><li>Establish mechanisms that recruit the most competent personnel to join the team, increase the competence of all employees, develop and promote personnel to higher levels of responsibility, and recognize employee and team contributions. </li><li>Hold employees accountable to standards of conduct and performance that have foundations in sustained professional excellence regardless of adverse internal or external conditions. </li><li>Provide the most effective and efficient utilization of the department¿s human, fiscal, and property resources. </li><li>Collaborate with the Vice President of Business and Finance to develop the annual departmental budget and oversee all expenditures within the Campus Police budget areas </li><li>Manage video systems and electronic access controls across campus to ensure equipment functions properly and is appropriately developed and maintained. </li><li>Promote public cooperation and goodwill. </li><li>Direct the preparation of internal reports to outside agencies in conformance with federal and state laws, university regulations, or departmental policy. </li><li>Coordinate the activities of the department with other agencies concerned with law enforcement, criminal justice, and public safety. </li><li>Attend and actively participate in county, area, state, and national professional associations and criminal justice conferences and meetings. </li><li>Demonstrate knowledge and practice of contemporary community-oriented policing initiatives. </li><li>Utilize modern police leadership methods that encourage problem-solving and decision-making. </li><li>React to emergency law enforcement situations using the best effort but least force needed to restore peace and order. </li><li>Possess considerable skill in the use of law enforcement equipment including, but not limited to, communications equipment and department-approved firearms. </li><li>Develop and manage an effective proactive crime prevention program for the campus including determining the appropriate number of officers and support personnel. </li><li>Manage all arrests made by assigned personnel to ensure compliance with departmental policy and state laws, and makes arrests in accordance with the same. </li><li>Manage all investigation of criminal activity occurring or reported and performs follow up investigations using appropriate investigative techniques and procedures. </li><li>Monitor the campus alert system ensuring that subscribers are notified of emergencies. </li><li>May be required to perform job-related duties not specifically delineated in this description. </li></ul> <p>Required Qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor¿s degree in Criminal Justice or related field from an accredited institution. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. </li><li>Five years progressively responsible, professional experience related to command level within a law enforcement agency, preferably on a college or university campus. </li><li>Must have a valid driver¿s license </li><li>Must meet the minimum standards set by the state of Georgia for police officers and must possess the Georgia law enforcement certification or have the ability to obtain within six months of employment. </li><li>Must pass a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination including drug scan screening and psychological evaluation. </li><li>As a position of trust, must pass a post-offer, credit review and criminal background investigation. </li></ul> <p>Preferred Qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Master¿s Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field from an accredited institution. </li><li>Prior law enforcement experience in higher education. </li><li>Demonstrated experience in report writing and data analysis skills. </li><li>Demonstrated experience in project management, planning, and presentations. </li><li>Strong knowledge of University structure, policies and practices. </li><li>Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite </li></ul> <p>Proposed Salary</p> <p>The proposed salary range for this position is $105,000.00 to $115,000.00 annually.</p> <p>Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities</p> <ul> <li>Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources. </li><li>Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, statutes, regulations, codes, and standards related to the area of responsibility. </li><li>Knowledge of legal processes, criminal justice system, law enforcement principles and techniques and investigative procedures. </li><li>Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. </li><li>Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. </li><li>Ability to implement new systems and procedures and to evaluate their effectiveness. </li><li>Ability to work collaboratively and build strategic relations with colleagues, vendors, and other stakeholders. </li><li>Ability to develop and manage a budget within fiscal allocations. </li><li>Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations when numerous and multiple demands are involved. </li><li>Ability to develop, interpret, and evaluate policies and procedures. </li><li>Ability to utilize data and information to make decisions and projections. </li><li>Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others. </li><li>Ability to conduct short-range and long-range project planning studies. </li><li>Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures consistently. </li><li>Ability to diffuse and respond professionally to stressful situations and difficult people. </li></ul> <p>Apply Before Date</p> <p>Review of applications will begin upon receipt. For best consideration, apply by January 9, 2026.</p> <p>Contact Information</p> <p>For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu. For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email support@usg.edu.</p> <p>USG Core Values</p> <p>The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.</p> <p>Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.</p> <p>Institutional Values</p> <p>At Savannah State University, five core values shape everything we do:</p> <ul> <li>Belonging - Building a community where all voices are valued and respected. </li><li>Collaboration - Working together across disciplines and communities for shared success. </li><li>Discovery - Pursuing knowledge, research, and exploration that expand horizons. </li><li>Excellence - Committing to superior achievement in every endeavor. </li><li>Resilience - Rising stronger through challenges with determination and adaptability. </li></ul> <p>These principles guide our culture, inspire our teams and define the kind of workplace we strive to build; one where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow.</p> <p>Conditions of Employment</p> <p>Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Savannah State University, as determined by Savannah State University, its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.</p> <p>Equal Employment Opportunity</p> <p>Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.</p> <p>All employment processes and decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and tenure, shall be free of ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements. The basis and determining factor for all such decisions should be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role, and is believed to have the ability to successfully perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position for which the individual is being considered. At the core of any such decision is ensuring the institution's ability to achieve its mission and strategic priorities in support of student success.</p> <p>For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Savannah State University, Office of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu.</p> <p>Other Information</p> <p>Physical Demands/Work Environment</p> <ul> <li>Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day. </li><li>Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions. </li><li>Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. </li><li>Will use a computer keyboard requiring eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity. </li><li>Balancing, crouching, grasping, pulling, reaching and stooping may also be required. </li></ul> <p>Supervisory and Management Responsibility</p> <ul> <li>This position has direct supervision of up to 4 personnel. This position has supervision of the Department of Public Safety as well as Parking and Transportation. </li></ul> <p>Special Applicant Instructions</p> <p>Applicants must submit a complete application which includes:</p> <ul> <li>Cover letter </li><li>Resume </li><li>A list containing the name, e-mail address and telephone number for three (3) professional references (e.g. supervisor, mentor, colleague). </li><li>Transcripts; unofficial are acceptable. Official transcript(s) required upon hire. </li></ul>