The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC FUNCTION:          

The purpose of this position is to assist in the management of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) by providing administrative oversight and assisting in policy development.  May be designated Shift Commander and provide supervision and coordination over the daily operations of assigned personnel in keeping with established goals and objectives of the Department of Public Safety serving the Howard University and Howard University Hospital (HUH).

SUPERVISORY

ACCOUNTABILITY:          

Acts in a senior management capacity over other positions; orienting and training others, and assigning and reviewing their work.

NATURE AND SCOPE:    

Internal contacts include academic and medical executives, administrators, faculty, students, and staff of the University and Hospital.  External contacts include parent/guardians, patients, Mayoral Command Post, representatives from local and national Homeland security operations, social service agencies, special police officers, Security Officer’s Management Branch, members of the local criminal justice system to include Metropolitan Police, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Department of Corrections, Youth Services organizations, etc. and the general public.

PRINCIPAL

ACCOUNTABILITIES:      

Serves as a Commander over a large section or Division of the Howard University/HUH Department of Public Safety Operation; responsible for all operations in assigned sector on a 24 hour per day basis; administers comprehensive security programs to prevent crimes against persons and property on University Campus and HUH.

Provides supervision and oversight over the duties of Deputy Shift Commander in shift operations to ensure that duties involving training and overseeing patrol activities, e.g. directing traffic, controlling crowds; securing facilities are conducted successfully.

Works with higher management to develop procedures and directives, rules and regulations for the effective operations of the Department of Public Safety Police force within the guidelines of University, HUH, Federal and Municipal Governments’ laws and statues.

Prepares high level administrative reports, provides statistical data, reviews all incident reports; advises HUH and University management on security issues.

Makes comprehensive plans to coordinate special events with the DC Office of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security or other federal or municipal agency; takes appropriate actions in response to unforeseen or unexpected incidents; ensures compliance with applicable policy, laws, rules and regulations; maintains emergency plans and makes determination as to when plans should be employed.

May manage and coordinate plans and set priorities for fiscal activities of entire Department of Public Safety or may supervise and assist in the preparation of the annual budget for assigned sector; submits recommendations to management for review; may participate in the selection and evaluation process of new employees.

Assists in establishing performance metrics consistent with the duties and responsibilities for the Department of Public Safety and HUH.

Periodically inspects departments, facilities, equipment and personnel to ensure their safety and compliance with Department of Public Safety policies and procedures.  Makes long term projection for labor distribution to ensure that critical areas are covered; provides instruction to immediate subordinates in the proper performance of their duties.

May coordinate the acquisition and maintenance of Police equipment; direct the issuance of equipment and ensures accountability for equipment materials and supplies including automobiles, communication equipment, uniforms etc.

May confer with management, to review achievements and discuss changes in long and short range goals and objectives; may monitor and plan the training schedule for in-house and outside agencies; maintain expiration roster and prepares license renewal for officers.

Responds in person to the most serious incidents when called by subordinates to incidents occurring on University or HUH property; establishes a Field Command Post to supervise and direct police activities; meets with outside law enforcement and regulatory agencies.

Assists the Chief and Deputy Chief with various policy, fiscal, budgetary, human resources and other administrative matters as required.  May serve in the absence of the Deputy Chief as required.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the Chief of the Department of Public Safety or other relevant authority.

CORE COMPETENCIES: 

Extensive knowledge of criminal law, including elements of offenses, rules of evidence, laws of arrest, search and seizures, methods of law enforcement, maintenance of public safety and security, and related law enforcement principles.

Extensive knowledge of current departmental, municipal and governmental policies and procedural changes relating to security.

Ability to demonstrate expertise in hospital safety and security principles and practices in order to effectively assist in the directing of the Hospital’s safety and security programs and activities.

Ability to maintain and provide a general source of University, Hospital and community information.

General knowledge of computer programs, to include word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software.

Enhanced skills in the use of firearms and other standard police equipment with the ability to secure a Special Police Officer Commission with firearm authorization from the District of Columbia.

Enhanced skills in the use of both oral and written English with the ability to read technical literature, write investigative reports and to express complex cases and relationships orally and written forms.

Excellent skill in public and customer relations with the ability to use tact, diplomacy and decorum.

Ability to make public presentations, to negotiate and to successfully navigate internal and external politics.

Ability to direct others in the investigative process and to provide leadership, training and direction to subordinates.

Ability to remain emotionally stable and to display mature judgment and tact in explosive and/or dangerous situations.

Ability to work a flexible schedule and be on call during a 24 hour a day, seven days per week timeframe.

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious and effective work relations with staff, students, university officials, faculty, other public safety organizations; and the general public.

MINIMUM

REQUIREMENTS:            

Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice or closely related field and four (4) years of work experience which included three (3) years at a supervisory level or the equivalent combination of eight (8) years combined relevant training and experience.

Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not be construed as a contract for employment.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Pay Range: $80,000 to $85,000