Overview

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

 

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the primary department charged with creating a safe and secure environment at Princeton University. DPS operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is comprised of 111 staff members.  The department consists of professional University police, security officers, dispatchers, and administrators dedicated to providing best-in-class service to the community.

 

DPS was originally recognized and awarded Law Enforcement Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in July 2015 and subsequently awarded reaccreditation status in July 2018 and July 25, 2022. CALEA serves as the “International Gold Standard for Public Safety Agencies” and oversees a rigorous accreditation process.  In addition, DPS was awarded accreditation status on March 14, 2019, and subsequently awarded reaccreditation status on March 10, 2022, by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (NJLEAC). These awards are a mark of professional excellence and signify that we have earned these distinguished honors through continued compliance with CALEA/NJLEAC Standards. Throughout these processes, we established and implemented policies and practices that meet or exceed the National and State standards, to serve both the Department and the community well in the future.

 

The mission of DPS is to enhance the living, learning, and working experience at Princeton University by protecting life, maintaining order, and safeguarding property. We are committed to the philosophy of “Community Caretaking” and working with our students, staff, and faculty to build a lasting partnership.

 

POSITION OVERVIEW

 

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President (AVP), the Associate Director of Administration (AD) directs the activities of the Community Relations Sergeant, Special Projects Manager, and the Office Manager.

 

The AD serves as the department’s primary liaison and is responsible for all department communications, community relations, strategic planning, management of recruitment, on-boarding, training, development, employee recognition program, and oversight of student employment.

 

The AD must have a strong commitment to providing excellent customer service to both internal and external constituents; must be able to work collaboratively with the campus community and maintain effective relationships based on trust and respect. 

 

Responsibilities

Communications Director – 25%

• Serve as the primary liason to the Communcations Department and public face for DPS with internal and external constituents.
• Develop and implement a communication strategy that includes media outreach and social media content creation.
• Write press releases, campus-wide alerts, and content for the DPS website, social media and editor of DPS publications including the annual security report.
• Acquire and maintain a detailed knowledge of DPS policies, principles, and strategies, and keep up to date with relevant developments.
• Adhere to the University style guide, ensuring that we produce a high-quality and error-free copy.
• Work with key internal stakeholders to brainstorm content ideas, in line with DPS’ strategy and in support of various initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with the University communications team.

 

Community Relations – 30%

• Formulate and implement a comprehensive community relations strategic plan.
• Develop a robust internal communications program using various means of delivery including a departmental app.
• Supervise the Community Relations Sergeant (previously Patrol Captain).
• Supervise community relations efforts as coordinated by the Detective Sergeant and the K9 Coach.
• Coordinate all DPS training programs for the campus community and explore opportunities to expand the public education programming.
• Builds and maintains relationships with the campus community with a particular focus on student engagement (previously handled by the Director of Operations).
• Supervise the organization of community outreach programs and special events that will influence public opinion of DPS.
• Oversees social media to coordinate community relations.

 

Recruitment, Retention, and Professional Development – 20%

• Collaborate with the special projects manager and Human Resources to establish and manage the DPS recruitment processes including outreach and search plans aligned with the University mission for hiring quality, diverse talent.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive onboarding process to ensure DPS employees are welcomed into the DPS principles, values, policies, and expectations.
• Collaborate with the training coordinator to develop comprehensive programming for supervisors and staff at all levels of the organization.
• Conduct needs assessment for staff at all levels of hierarchy and establish a comprehensive learning curriculum for each function; manage the learning and development function to match skill sets identified through needs assessment and consultation with department leaders; design and develop programs to suit the learning curriculum and assist with the maintenance and ongoing upgrade of these programs.
• Lead ongoing training, development, and evaluation programs to strengthen personnel at all levels; develop succession planning and promotion programs.
• Lead the Culture of Inclusion Committee and collaborate with the members to update and execute the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Learning Path across DPS.
• Manage the diversity and inclusion training calendar and update it annually; promote training options throughout DPS.
• Collaborate with the special projects manager and Human Resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion programming.
• Establish strong relationships and partnerships with bargaining unit officials and employees.
• Provide ongoing support to help create a positive climate focused on a passion for service, respect for individuals, and continuous learning and growth.

 

Strategic Planning & Process Improvement – 20%

• Oversee the identification of opportunities to improve effectiveness within DPS.
• Maintain organizational focus on the DPS Values of Trust, Integrity, Gratitude, Excellence, Respect, and Service (TIGERS).
• Collaborate with the Core Team to conduct a bi-annual SWOT analysis to identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
• Ensure that departmental structure, staffing levels, and practices effectively serve and support the wide-ranging needs of constituents on and off campus, and advocate for resources as
• Align processes, resources-planning, and department goals with an overall strategy.
• Provide support and insight into significant organizational changes.

 

Additional Duties as Assigned – 5%

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in Public Safety, Campus Life, Communications or Human Resources.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of all HR functions, laws, and practices.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to manage resources effectively.
• Reliability and willingness to take initiative.
• Experience with all Microsoft platforms.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Proven ability to motivate a diverse workforce to work hard and well together; a record of promoting diversity; capacity to boost morale and inspire confidence among staff.
• Experience as a fair, respectful departmental leader and manager, and a skilled administrator; proven ability to manage resources to maximize efficiency and assure the highest quality work.
• Proven ability to lead short- and long-term projects and initiatives through to completion; a record of success implementing change, employing technology, improving processes and capabilities, and leading operations to deliver consistently excellent service; a commitment to continuous improvement; a belief in and talent for the design, interpretation, and managerial use of performance and outcome metrics.
• Superb listening and influencing skills; a reassuring presence with the ability to cultivate trust and credibility and to generate enthusiasm among diverse constituencies and individuals; an accessible and supportive colleague.
• Outstanding oral and written communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills; strong consensus-building and relationship-building skills; well-honed political/diplomatic instincts.
• Ability to think strategically; anticipate trends, issues, and problems, and proactively plan and prepare accordingly.
• A track record of success navigating in highly complex organizations, responding to and collaborating with many constituencies; proven ability to work well with others and to make meaningful connections at all levels of an organization; demonstrated ability to communicate broadly across a large institution and with community-based organizations concerned with public safety, building unity around difficult issues.
• Passion for service; an inclination toward action and results, tempered by an appreciation for the culture and tempo of a university; experience working closely with and providing excellent services to a broad range of constituents combined with a strong sense of accountability.
• Enthusiasm, optimism, and drive; flexibility, resilience, and a good sense of humor.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

• Advanced degree in relevant field
• Experience working in higher education.
• Experience working with a unionized workforce, and a record of success establishing and maintaining positive labor/management relations.

 

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Standard Weekly Hours36.25Eligible for OvertimeNoBenefits EligibleYesProbationary Period180 daysEssential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)YesPhysical Capacity Exam RequiredNoValid Driver’s License RequiredYes#LI-JE1