Posting Details

Posting Details

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Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Assistant Vice President of Safety & Security

Posting Number
NFE03208P

Department
SDSU-Legal Counsel

Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings

Posting Text

The Assistant Vice President of Safety and Security provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for Emergency & Risk Management, Environmental Health and Safety, and the University Police Department, fostering a comprehensive and collaborative approach to safety, preparedness, compliance, and organizational resilience. The position reports directly to SDState VP and General Counsel.

The successful candidate will drive innovation, strengthen operational excellence, and cultivate strong partnerships across the university community along with community stakeholders and external agencies to support student success, institutional priorities, and a safe, welcoming campus environment. This leader will champion strategic initiatives, promote a culture of accountability and engagement, and ensure that services overseen evolve to meet the changing needs of a modern university.

This role is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

As part of our commitment to comprehensive safety and security, the University is also recruiting for a Chief of Police who will report directly to the Assistant Vice President of Safety and Security. This position will play an integral role in advancing the University's public safety operations and supporting a safe, secure campus environment. Learn more about the Chief of Police opportunity by contacting Jackie with Meliora Public Safety Consulting, LLC, at [email protected], who is the search firm assisting with the Chief of Police search.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Leadership- design and execute a strategic vision for campus; develop and implement a comprehensive vision for campus safety, security, emergency preparedness, environmental stewardship, and organizational resilience; and lead cross-functional initiatives that enhance operational effectiveness, improve service delivery, and support the university's mission and strategic objectives.
• Department Oversight- Manage muti-faceted teams including the following departments: Environmental Health and Safety, Emergency & Risk Management, and University Police. Direct oversight of the following positions: Chief of Police, Manager-Environmental Health and Safety, Emergency Management Specialist, and Risk Management Coordinator.
• Partnership & Liaison- Build and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, faculty, staff, local, state, and federal agencies as well as community stakeholders.
• Compliance and Policy- Ensure compliance with applicable regulations while advancing best practices in risk management, environmental health and safety, emergency preparedness, and public safety operations.
• Risk & Incident Analysis- Evaluate threat reports, crime data, and physical vulnerabilities. Utilize data-informed decision-making, emerging technologies, and innovative practices to proactively identify risks, improve outcomes, and advance institutional priorities.

BENEFITS:

South Dakota State University is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration, Administrative or Management Services, Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Homeland Security, Emergency Management, or related field by date of application;
• At least 7+ years of demonstrated experience providing strategic, enterprise-level leadership in areas related to physical security, emergency preparedness, environmental compliance, or risk mitigation by setting organizational direction; developing and executing long-term strategic and operational plans; leading people, teams, and high-performing programs; directing complex, high-impact initiatives and organizational change; aligning resources, partnerships, and organizational priorities; influencing decision-making at senior and executive levels; developing leadership capacity; and translating vision into measurable, sustainable outcomes through effective planning, programming, accountability, innovation, and execution.
• Valid driver's license and ability to maintain proper certifications and licenses required by the state;
• Effective communication skills, both verbally and written, with all levels of the university community and regulatory agencies to accurately represent the University's goals and objectives;
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and management skills;
• Knowledge of the federal and state statutes and their implementing regulations, particularly as they relate to the overseen offices and the University community;
• Ability to work with leadership and others to establish and foster partnerships to promote the safety and security of the university and local community; and
• Ability to coordinate with local, state, and federal enforcement, emergency services, and government agencies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree;
• Demonstrated experience in enterprise-level risk management;
• Professional experience in a land-grant university environment;
• Familiarity with pertinent local, state, and federal crime reporting (including NIMS/ICS, Clery Act, FERPA, ADA, etc.);
• Demonstrated training with communications, implementation of emergency plans, training and exercises, and assessment of these activities;
• Demonstrated experience with compliance and reporting, threat assessment, and behavioral intervention teams;
• Knowledge and experience related to environmental health and safety requirements;
• Demonstrated leadership and knowledge of all phases of emergency management, including planning, preparedness, full scale training exercises, all hazards responses, and business continuity and disaster recovery;
• Professional certifications: Certified Protection Professional, Physical Security Professional, OSHA, or equivalents;
• Experience in environments requiring 24/7 on-call response and multi-jurisdictional coordination.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

The system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

Posting Date
09/28/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

First Consideration Date
10/26/2026

Advertised Salary
The salary range for the Assistant Vice President of Safety and Security is $108,935 - $163,403, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Duration of the Term
12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent
100%

Work Hours

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type
Regular

Faculty Status
No

Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires
Valid Drivers License

If other, please indicate

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Contact Information

For questions on the position, contact Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 or [email protected].