Associate Vice President for Campus Safety

Rhodes College is a national, four-year, private, coeducational, residential college committed to the liberal arts and sciences. Their highest priorities are intellectual engagement, service to others, and honor within the community. Enrolling over 2,000 students from 45 states and 63 countries, Rhodes is one of the country’s most beautiful campuses in the heart of Memphis, an economic, political, and cultural center, making Rhodes one of a handful of prominent liberal arts colleges in a major metropolitan area. It has garnered accolades for value, internships, community service, and campus beauty. The Rhodes experience combines the best of the classroom and the real world—through internships, service, research, and other opportunities in Memphis and beyond.

Reporting to the vice president of finance and administration, the newly created associate vice president (AVP) for campus safety serves as the chief security director and emergency management leader for Rhodes College. The AVP is primarily responsible for leading, managing, evaluating programs and services, and overseeing 35 personnel and administering a budget of $275,000. The AVP provides effective leadership and communication in times of crises, conflict, and other challenges facing the safety of the campus. The AVP must interface effectively with senior leadership, campus partners, students, faculty, staff, parents, and local neighborhood leaders and law enforcement to strengthen safety and security and ensure fully inclusive and transparent relationships with all stakeholders. 

The AVP is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating safety, emergency, and risk management policies, protocols, programs, and services. As well as ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws including the Clery Act and managing a comprehensive statistical reporting system. They must also coordinate with law enforcement agencies, including government investigation units; oversee the campus parking program; and deliver security/safety training to the campus community.

The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree and substantial experience in safety and security or law enforcement, with a minimum of five years serving in a leadership capacity. Ideal candidates must demonstrate effective managerial ability; training and development; oversight of complex projects; experience building consensus and sustaining collaborative working relationships; and expertise in law enforcement and security best practices within a small, private, liberal arts university in an urban setting. Highly desired qualifications and skills include the ability to lead change and foster continuous improvement across an organization; excellent organizational, oral, and written communication, interpersonal, and public relations skills; expertise in Clery Act, Title IX, and other compliance requirements; ability and willingness to work flexible hours; and an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and to promoting an inclusive campus climate.

Review of applications will begin June 1, 2023 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 Kara Kravetz Cupoli at kkc@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.

The expected salary range for this position is $115,000-$125,000.

Visit the Rhodes College website at https://www.rhodes.edu/

Rhodes College is committed to providing a working environment that is free from harassment based on race, sex, color, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, military service, or any other protected status, including sexual harassment.

College Commitment to Diversity | Rhodes Handbook