Assistant Director and Lead Investigator

Department Statement

The Colgate University Campus Safety team endeavors to identify and resolve safety and security barriers while educating the campus community in the delivery and application of safety services and practices that create a thriving campus environment for all to live, work, learn, teach and develop. Consistent with the educational goals and values of Colgate University, we are committed to building community partnerships that foster mutual trust and respect; and, to delivering services in a fair, impartial, collaborative, and compassionate manner, with awareness of the diverse experiences of Colgate’s students, faculty, staff, and guests.

Under the direction of the Director for Campus Safety, this position oversees the daily operational aspects of the Campus Safety Department and serves as the lead (senior) Investigator for high-profile cases and matters serious or sensitive in nature. Primary responsibilities include daily activity/case review and directed or assisted follow-up (for patrol and security) to ensure timely, accurate, professional, effective, and efficient execution, in accordance with university and departmental policies and practices. This position will identify and resolve operational and performance deficiencies through the planning and application of best practices, process improvement, staff training and development, and written communication/directives. This position has primary responsibility for training, technology, systems, and tools directly associated with campus safety daily operations and service areas, including automated records management systems, access control, camera surveillance, and other life safety systems and equipment. This position is highly practiced in exercising sound knowledge and application of campus safety and security administration, operations, organization, planning, and personnel and resource management.

Accountabilities

Operations Management

• Oversee the daily operations of Campus Safety, in consultation and coordination with the Director. Responsible for the application and execution of operational decisions that are aligned with regulatory requirements and the department and university mission, vision, values, policy, and procedure.
• Develop, update, administer, and enforce patrol and security policy and procedure; maintain associated records and monitor compliance. Collaborate internally for regulatory compliance in the areas of Clery crime reporting and statistical data; NYS Education Law (129a); and, the NYS Security Guard Act.
• Maintain a 24/7 year-round (on-call) duty status; respond to campus emergency conditions and significant events; initiate proper response protocol and procedures and, assist and/or assume incident command in coordination with the Director and/or Associate Director; or at the direction of the AVP for Campus Safety, EH&S and Fire Safety.
• Develop, direct and assist in the supervision and management of the university’s parking operations; ensure consistent, fair, and equitable enforcement of university parking regulations; coordinate with transportation services for events and activities that impact parking and enforcement; and, assist with parking management functions including policy and procedure.
• Identify, design, and implement proactive, affordable, and efficient process improvements within Campus Safety. Participate in budgeting and expense management within the department; monitor and administer resources in a conservative fiscal manner.

Investigations

• Serve as lead (senior) Investigator for campus safety investigations. Duties include but are not limited to: Investigate university conduct/policy violations, non-criminal and criminal activities, and local, federal, or state law violations; direct other personnel at an incident/scene; identify/gather information and evidence; coordinate with (local/state/federal) agencies as needed or required; write detailed reports; file, distribute and maintain all records with strict confidentiality and in accordance with university and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Lead, track and direct daily incident/case investigations and follow up; and, coordinate with other agencies as necessary. Hold interviews with witnesses, reporting parties, responding parties, and persons of interest. Identify case leads and developments; and, lead (internal) team meetings to direct and oversee case follow-up from initiation to closure. Work directly with personnel (in and out of the field) to cultivate their understanding of incident investigation, classification, and response, in accordance with departmental and university policy. Provide ongoing training and mentoring for enhancing interview and investigative skills of front-line staff and supervisors; and, ensure all staff has knowledge (and can demonstrate the practical application) of interviewing and investigation fundamentals.
• Conduct (basic and advanced) training and create tools for developing department personnel in the fundamentals of interviewing and investigations, including trauma-informed response and behaviors. Conduct crime (activity/incident) mapping to better understand underlying causes of incident/case activity and formulate strategies to mitigate or remove identified problems; collaborate and communicate with appropriate stakeholders for same. Closely coordinate with administrators and supervisors for allocating personnel for directed patrols and maximum visibility, as needed. Create community awareness by using crime prevention methods and intervention techniques based on data.
• Assist the Director in conducting internal and confidential investigations pertaining to violations of campus and/or departmental policies or regulations (in coordination with Human Resources).

Outreach

• Establish and maintain collaborative, cooperative, and sound working partnerships with internal and external (local, state, federal and other) regulatory offices and officials.
• Identify, develop and administer preventative programming, education and outreach for the campus community. Participate in campus-wide events and activities as a regular course of business.
• Represent the university and Campus Safety on committees and working groups, as needed or as assigned. Participate in labor/management committee meetings, contract negotiations and other related business for building positive partnerships.
• Meet regularly with university community groups to obtain input on safety issues and to respond and resolve questions, issues, or concerns about safety or security issues on campus.

Personnel

• Develop and progress professional standards for performance; observe and evaluate staff performance; and, correct deficiencies in performance through coaching, mentoring, continuous training, and the application of progressive discipline.
• Ensure compliance with staff training requirements and manage associated training records; identify, develop and administer training programs, including onboarding, field training and evaluation, and other programs, practices, and requirements associated with campus safety functions, service, and delivery.
• Participate in hiring, recruitment, selection, and retention efforts including leading searches and performing associated functions.
• Other duties as needed or as assigned, for the advancement of departmental and university goals and initiatives.

This position has been designated as a Campus Security Authority ( CSA ), in accordance with the federal statutory requirements of the Jeanne Clery Act. CSAs are required to and responsible for reporting allegations of crimes they receive from students and employees to the Campus Safety Department.

Professional Experience/ Qualifications

Requirements

• Commitment to professional development through ongoing and self-initiated learning; includes keeping current with job-related issues and trends.
• Demonstrates commitment to working in a diverse workplace and to building a community of belonging by promoting increased understanding of individual differences and perspectives that build intercultural competency and grow a culturally responsive team.
• Continuous participation in professional development; focus on acquiring, improving and applying technological and other skills that are essential to achieving the goals of the university.

Professional Experience/ Qualifications

• Valid NYS Class 5/D or above driver’s license. Meet and maintain the eligibility requirements to drive a university vehicle in accordance with the university’s Driver Safety and motor Vehicle Use Policy is required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of safety/security-related experience, with three (3) years in a supervisory capacity.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to successfully manage interpersonal working relationships; and, effectively collaborate with faculty and staff across campus to achieve the goals of the university.
• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Proficient in diverse and progressive computer/software applications.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with highly sensitive information.
• Highly responsive, dependable, and accountable.
• Strong emphasis is placed on professionalism, efficiency, and a positive attitude.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a higher education environment.
• Experience, knowledge, and application of Clery, Title IX, and FERPA .
• Possession of or ability to obtain NYS Security Guard License.
• Familiarity with safety/security/life safety software, hardware, systems, and programs is highly preferred.
• Formal training and professional certifications in emergency management, security, and/or police/fire/medical are favorable.

Education

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Criminal Justice or related field. A combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.

Job Open Date
06/09/2022

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Special Instructions Summary

EEO Statement

It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, protected Veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, being or having been victims of domestic violence or stalking, familial status, or any other categories covered by law. Colgate is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups, women, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.
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