Chief of Police

The University of Chicago is a private, non-denominational institution with an extraordinary history of world renowned research and education programs across a broad spectrum of fields. Founded in 1890 by John D. Rockefeller, the university has grown to encompass the undergraduate college, which offers 50 concentrations, six professional schools, four graduate divisions, the Oriental Institute, and the Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies which together support over 80 degree programs. The university is one of the largest employers in Chicago, with over 23,000 faculty and staff, on campus and around the world. More than 2,100 full time academic staff teach or conduct research at the university, and Chicago faculty and alumni have won 89 Nobel Prizes. The university enrolls over 5,000 undergraduate students and over 9,000 graduate and professional students. Chicago continues to build a strong global presence, with a university center in Paris and newly established centers in Beijing, Delhi and Hong Kong. The university owns and operates a major medical center; runs the nation’s largest academic press; manages two national laboratories (the Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab) as well as the marine biological laboratory at Woods Hole; and supports the renowned N-12 laboratory schools that have led to many innovations in education and four charter schools on the South Side of Chicago. The university is consistently ranked among the finest universities in the world.

Reporting to the associate vice president for safety and security the chief of police will maintain a high degree of visibility and will represent the police department on campus, in the local community and serve a central role in establishing and maintaining strong collaborative relationships with university constituents and local, regional, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The chief of police will work closely with other department of safety and security leaders to administer a comprehensive campus safety and emergency response program including safety education, safety policies, emergency management and enforcement of university policies as they support and correspond with the university's mission. This position includes administrative responsibilities for the department's budget, timely and accurate reporting in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and higher education guidelines including Clery Act reporting.  Approximately 90 state certified officers with full police powers comprise this nationally accredited police department that serves as the primary policing authority on and around the University of Chicago’s campus. In addition, the UCPD provides police services to a patrol area encompassing a population of approximately 60,000 people, many of whom do not have a direct connection to the university.

A bachelor's degree and a minimum of ten years supervisory experience in a law enforcement or public safety environment are required. A master’s degree and campus law enforcement experience are preferred. Candidates must possess Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board certification or the ability to obtain certification within the first six months of employment. The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated skill in dealing with bureaucratic protocol at all levels in large, complex organizations; the ability to work with people of various ages and backgrounds and with diverse constituencies, including students, parents, faculty, and staff in the university and the medical center; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and enforcement officials, general public, and members of the university community; and knowledge of EEO/affirmative action guidelines for recruitment, selection and promotion.

Review of applications will begin September 29, 2021 and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Mark Hall at mah@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895.

Visit the University of Chicago website at www.uchicago.edu

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity / Disabled / Veterans Employer.