Job Summary

The Director of Protective Services serves as the senior leader for CU Boulder's Protective Services program within the Division of Public Safety. This role is responsible for setting program vision, guiding strategic development, and supporting the continued growth and maturation of protective services capabilities that support executive leadership, dignitary protection, critical events, and high-risk operations across the university.

The position is intentionally designed to balance strategic leadership and operational credibility. While the Director's primary focus is program leadership, development, and alignment with institutional priorities, the role retains the flexibility to participate directly in protective operations when needed-ensuring continuity of coverage, informed leadership, and adaptability as the program evolves.

The Director of Protective Services reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor (AVC) for Security Services, and operates as a trusted advisor to DPS leadership and campus partners. The Director ensures Protective Services aligns with university priorities, national standard processes, and an evolving threat environment.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Establishes and advances the long-term vision, mission, and strategic roadmap for CU Boulder's Protective Services program.
• Designs and refines program structure, staffing models, career pathways, and succession planning.
• Develops and maintains policies, procedures, and operational frameworks aligned with national protective-services standards and higher-education procedures.
• Evaluates emerging risks, trends, and threats to inform program evolution and capability enhancements.
• Leads continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen effectiveness, professionalism, and resilience.

Team Leadership, Mentorship, and Professional Development

• Provides senior-level leadership, mentorship, and professional guidance to Protective Services personnel.
• Builds and sustains a leadership culture centered on accountability, trust, ethical decision-making, and operational excellence.
• Oversees training strategy, including protective-services skills, threat assessment, executive protection, and leadership development.
• Identifies and develops high-potential staff for advancement and expanded responsibilities.
• Promotes employee wellness, readiness, and long-term career sustainability.
• Provides feedback, sets clear performance expectations, and conducts performance evaluations to support individual and team growth.

Internal and External Partnerships

• Serves as the primary liaison for Protective Services with campus leadership, Athletics, University Counsel, Emergency Management, and other DPS units.
• Cultivates strong working relationships with local, state, and federal law-enforcement agencies and protective-services partners.
• Represents CU Boulder in regional and national public-safety and protective-services forums.
• Advises university leadership during major events, executive visits, or incidents requiring an enhanced security posture.
• Ensures coordinated, unified approaches to safety and protection across the institution.

Operational Leadership and Subject-Matter Expertise

• Provides oversight, guidance, and leadership for protective operations while maintaining the ability to participate operationally as needed.
• Serves as a senior subject-matter expert during complex, high-risk, or sensitive protective operations, major events, or critical incidents.
• Fills in for protection assignments when operational demands, staffing levels, or risk conditions require additional leadership presence.
• Reviews after-action reports, operational metrics, and incident outcomes to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Ensures operational readiness, compliance, and alignment with institutional risk tolerance.

Administrative, Budgetary and Executive Support

• Supports budget planning, resource allocation, and justification for program growth and capability enhancements.
• Prepares executive briefings, reports, and strategic materials for senior leadership.
• Assists with grant exploration, technology evaluation, and investments supporting protective-services capabilities.
• Engages in other duties as required in support of strategic and/or operational priorities and compliance.

Other Duties

• Supports security initiatives at Campus events.
• Takes on additional duties as assigned by the AVC of Security Services or the Vice Chancellor of Public Safety.

What You Should Know

Standard business hours, with weekends and nights required as needed to support special events and protection details (flex time and/or stipends may be available). This position may occasionally be available in a hybrid modality, but due to the nature of the work performed, it is expected that the position will primarily work onsite.

This position operates University vehicles and requires an active Drivers' License. This position is subject to a background investigation, including criminal, financial, and motor vehicle records background check; job suitability exam; an Excluded Parties List System check; a review of a personal history statement; reference, credit, and employment checks; and a drug screen. Pre-placement psychological evaluations are also required.

What We Can Offer

Starting salary range is $115,000 - $125,000. Relocation assistance is available within department guidelines.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be excited. Be professional. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Security Management, or a related field OR an equivalent combination of education/experience may substitute for the degree.
• Three (3) or more years of significant progressive leadership experience in protective services, law enforcement, executive protection, or public safety.
• Demonstrated experience building, leading, or modernizing specialized teams or programs.
• Must possess a current, valid driver's license.

What You Will Need

• Ability to pass a comprehensive, pre-hire background investigation.
• Strong understanding of threat assessment, dignitary protection, risk management, and crisis response.
• Exceptional communication, judgment, negotiation, interpersonal, and strategic-thinking skills.
• Strong leadership capabilities with proven ability to mentor leaders and develop high-performing teams.
• Analytical mentality with the ability to assess and resolve complex issues.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, project management software, or other relevant tools.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by September 3, 2026 for consideration.

Note : Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs .

Essential Services

This position is designated "essential services." The incumbent is required to respond to requests for work during campus emergencies (snow, wind, rain, flood and any other natural or man-made event) and report to work for his / her regularly assigned shift during emergency campus closures.