Director for Special Events and Protective Services, Police Commander

Department
OPS DSS Emergency Management

Job Summary
This role manages a team of professional staff responsible for campus police and patrol units. Manages campus vehicle traffic and parking. Monitors and maintains security programs and training, as needed. Manages a variety of campus security programs, including crime prevention, police personnel training, and criminal investigations.

Responsibilities

• Directs and manages the Department's special event planning process, including staffing assessments, risk analysis, and deployment strategies.
• Working closely within the University's High-Profile Event Review process, develops comprehensive operational plans that include primary, alternative, and contingency strategies.
• Ensures all major events are planned and executed using Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) principles.
• Serves as Incident Commander or Unified Command representative for large-scale events, when appropriate.
• May be required to direct and coordinate real-time public safety operations during major events in coordination with the SOC, UCPD, Emergency Management, and external partners.
• May be required to coordinate deployment, communications, command posts, staging, resource requests, and other operational needs during major events.
• Conducts after-action reviews and implements continuous improvement measures.
• Oversees billing and invoicing for departmental special event and dignitary protection services in accordance with Departmental and University policies.
• Plans, coordinates, and executes close-protection operations, including route planning, site assessments, and venue security for visiting VIPs and dignitaries.
• Serves as liaison with internal stakeholders, external law enforcement agencies, government entities, event organizers, and private security partners to develop executive protection plans.
• Collaborates with the DSS Intelligence unit, the DSS Strategic Operations Center, and external law enforcement partners to monitor open-source intelligence and local briefs for risks targeting events and/or specific VIPs and dignitaries.
• Coordinates the recruitment, training and ongoing professional development for departmental staff assigned to executive protection roles.
• Leverages data, analytics, and technology systems to improve operational efficiency, event planning, and resource deployment.
• Evaluates and recommends tools and systems to enhance scheduling, fleet management, and coordination efforts.
• Provides direct supervision, mentorship, and professional development for any assigned subordinate personnel.
• Establishes performance metrics and accountability measures across all areas of responsibility.
• Conducts regular evaluations, audits, and reviews to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Identifies and recommends training opportunities and career development pathways.
• Promotes a culture of professionalism, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Serves as a key member of DSS leadership, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making. Prepares and presents reports on operational activities, trends, and performance metrics. Disseminates critical information regarding significant upcoming events and VIP visits.
• Participates in management meetings and provides informed recommendations on policy, operations, and resource allocation.
• Maintains strong partnerships with University departments, administrators, students, faculty, and staff.
• Coordinates with external law enforcement and community stakeholders to support public safety initiatives. Ensures operations reflect the University's commitment to community engagement, inclusion, and transparency.
• Manages employees by establishing annual performance goals, allocating resources, assessing annual performance, and determining individual merit, incentive and/or promotional increases.
• Maintains an operation responsible for preventing and investigating crime, conducting crime analyses, enforcing the law, resolving conflict within the campus environment, and employing security services and programs.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:
Driver's License - Multiple States, Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Certification - State of Illinois
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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Completion of advanced leadership programs, such as Northwestern SPSC and FBI National Academy.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of law enforcement experience.
• A minimum of 2 years in the rank of Captain, or equivalent, or a combination of 4 years of equivalent leadership and experience.
• Background in special events planning, logistics, or operational coordination.
• Background in a university or campus law enforcement environment.
• Managing large-scale events or dignitary protection.

Certifications:

• Valid driver's license that grants reciprocity in the State of Illinois or be eligible to obtain one and do so within 60 days of appointment required.
• Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board certification, or law enforcement certification in another state with the ability to be certified in Illinois preferred.
• Documented training in Incident Command System (ICS 300/400).

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
Police & Security

Role Impact
People Manager

Scheduled Weekly Hours
40

Drug Test Required
Yes

Health Screen Required
Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Yes

Pay Rate Type
Salary

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Range
$187,986.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.