The Executive Director of Security and Emergency Management (EDSEM) is responsible for planning, organizing, implementing, managing, and directing public safety, and emergency management functions of Elmhurst College. With a particular emphasis on customer service, the EDSEM is also responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for all students, faculty, staff, visitors, and assets at the College; ensuring the department plays a critical role in emergency preparedness and response; and enforcing all state and local laws and regulations.
Essential Functions:
• Leads and manages the College public safety function, which is a 24/7/365 operation.
• Represents Elmhurst College in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service.
• Ensures adherence to Federal and State campus security and crime reporting law, and serves as the College’s Clery Compliance Officer.
• Promotes student-focused security and safety programs and thoughtful interventions which cultivate campus community safety and student development, ultimately encouraging student success.
• Fosters excellent working relationships with students, faculty, staff and external customers/constituents.
• Develops and implements comprehensive public safety programs, policies, and procedures.
• Manages and administers the departmental budget.
• Continuously improves the department services to meet or exceed internal and external customer expectations.
• Mentors and develops department staff to promote exceptional performance and career progression.
• Provides risk management guidance to senior leadership on matters which may pose a risk to student safety, safety of other members of the campus community and guests, or which may expose the College to liability.
• Responsible for the management and oversight of all security systems, including electronic access control, physical key systems, alarm and video security systems.
• Develops, coordinates and implements a comprehensive emergency management plan, coordinated with local authorities, to ensure appropriate response to the full spectrum of potential incidents and emergencies on campus.
• Serves on or chairs various College teams and committees, including the Campus Emergency Action Team (CEAT), Threat Assessment Team, Crisis Response Team, and others as appropriate.
• Maintains on-call status for major incidents and emergencies.
• Manages campus and remote parking locations and traffic control.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
• BA/BS in a relevant discipline, with a Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Relevant professional certification (CPP, Police Officer, etc.).
• Minimum of 3 years experience in a director or comparable leadership role in a security department, with strong preference given to those with experience in the higher education arena.
• Demonstrated knowledge of legislative mandates, practices, policies and procedure impacting campus security and safety, including the Clery Act, Title IX, FERPA and others.
• Membership and involvement in relevant professional associations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to communicate with the numerous constituencies of the College.
• Ability to pass a criminal background screening process.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record which meets the standards for use of College vehicles.
• Ability to build relationships quickly across different departments.
• A calm and steady approach to management and leadership.
• A commitment to students and their personal development.
• The ability to effectively foster change within complex organizations.
• A strong track record of forging effective and enduring collaborations with a wide variety of constituencies.
To apply, go to: