Director of Public Safety Jobs
Director of Public Safety jobs are open across municipalities, universities, and corporate campuses, from manager to executive level, with specializations in emergency management, law enforcement administration, and security operations. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Department Summary:
The Drake Public Safety Department provides comprehensive safety, security, and emergency response services for the Drake University community. The department is staffed by trained public safety professionals who work 24/7 to protect students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Services include campus patrol, emergency response, crime prevention, access control, parking enforcement, safety education, special event security, and transportation programs such as Safe Ride. Public Safety works closely with local law enforcement, fire, and emergency management agencies to maintain a safe and welcoming campus environment while supporting the university's educational mission.
Job Summary:
The Assistant Director of Public Safety & University Operations supports the overall leadership, coordination, and execution of safety and security operations at Drake University. This role plays a critical part in maintaining a safe campus environment by overseeing day-to-day public safety functions, Clery Act compliance review, operational readiness, and on-call supervisory responsibilities.
Working along with the Executive Director of Public Safety and University Operations, the Assistant Director helps guide department operations, ensures consistent service delivery, and contributes to a proactive, community-oriented approach to campus safety.
Minimum Qualifications:
* At least 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in public safety, law enforcement, campus safety, or a related field.
* Demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience.
* Strong knowledge of incident response, security practices, and safety operations.
* Familiarity with Clery Act requirements or willingness to complete Clery training upon hire.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to work rotating on-call shifts and respond to campus during emergencies.
* Must work on campus; this is an in-person position.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Master's degree in a related field.
* Experience in higher education public safety or campus security operations.
* Experience reviewing or managing Clery Act compliance, crime reporting, and related federal reporting requirements.
* Experience conducting investigations, threat assessments, or critical incident reviews.
* Knowledge of emergency management principles, incident command systems (ICS), and crisis response planning.
* Experience leading training programs, policy development, accreditation initiatives, or organizational improvement efforts.
* Professional certifications such as IACLEA, FEMA, NIMS/ICS, CPP, PSP, or related public safety credentials.
Job Duties:
Operational Leadership – 45%
Clery Act Compliance – 15%
On-Call Responsibilities – 10%
Public Safety Functions – 10%
Collaboration & Campus Partnerships – 10%
Administrative Responsibilities – 5%
Other Duties as Assigned – 5%
‌Special Instructions to Applicants:
For consideration, you must apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter.
If you have any questions about this job positing or the application process, please email scott.law@drake.edu
A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled .
All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts.
One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
About Drake:
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. Drake University is proud to support an equal opportunity, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Learn more about why Drake is an exceptional place to work: An Exceptional Working Environment | Drake University
Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (ph: 515.271.3133; email: jobs@drake.edu ) and let us know how we can assist you.
At Drake University, we highly value a diverse, inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We stand firmly against discrimination including on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Department Summary:
The Drake Public Safety Department provides comprehensive safety, security, and emergency response services for the Drake University community. The department is staffed by trained public safety professionals who work 24/7 to protect students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Services include campus patrol, emergency response, crime prevention, access control, parking enforcement, safety education, special event security, and transportation programs such as Safe Ride. Public Safety works closely with local law enforcement, fire, and emergency management agencies to maintain a safe and welcoming campus environment while supporting the university's educational mission.
Job Summary:
The Assistant Director of Public Safety & University Operations supports the overall leadership, coordination, and execution of safety and security operations at Drake University. This role plays a critical part in maintaining a safe campus environment by overseeing day-to-day public safety functions, Clery Act compliance review, operational readiness, and on-call supervisory responsibilities.
Working along with the Executive Director of Public Safety and University Operations, the Assistant Director helps guide department operations, ensures consistent service delivery, and contributes to a proactive, community-oriented approach to campus safety.
Minimum Qualifications:
* At least 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in public safety, law enforcement, campus safety, or a related field.
* Demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience.
* Strong knowledge of incident response, security practices, and safety operations.
* Familiarity with Clery Act requirements or willingness to complete Clery training upon hire.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to work rotating on-call shifts and respond to campus during emergencies.
* Must work on campus; this is an in-person position.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Master's degree in a related field.
* Experience in higher education public safety or campus security operations.
* Experience reviewing or managing Clery Act compliance, crime reporting, and related federal reporting requirements.
* Experience conducting investigations, threat assessments, or critical incident reviews.
* Knowledge of emergency management principles, incident command systems (ICS), and crisis response planning.
* Experience leading training programs, policy development, accreditation initiatives, or organizational improvement efforts.
* Professional certifications such as IACLEA, FEMA, NIMS/ICS, CPP, PSP, or related public safety credentials.
Job Duties:
Operational Leadership – 45%
Clery Act Compliance – 15%
On-Call Responsibilities – 10%
Public Safety Functions – 10%
Collaboration & Campus Partnerships – 10%
Administrative Responsibilities – 5%
Other Duties as Assigned – 5%
‌Special Instructions to Applicants:
For consideration, you must apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter.
If you have any questions about this job positing or the application process, please email scott.law@drake.edu
A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled .
All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts.
One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
About Drake:
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. Drake University is proud to support an equal opportunity, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Learn more about why Drake is an exceptional place to work: An Exceptional Working Environment | Drake University
Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (ph: 515.271.3133; email: jobs@drake.edu ) and let us know how we can assist you.
At Drake University, we highly value a diverse, inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We stand firmly against discrimination including on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
See All 265+ Director of Public Safety Jobs
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Find JobsDirector of Public Safety Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Automotive
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in director of public safety jobs.
- 10 or more years of progressive law enforcement or public safety leadership experience
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience managing large multi-division public safety departments
- FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) and NIMS certification
- Proficiency with CAD systems, records management systems, and emergency communications platforms
- Experience with accreditation processes such as CALEA or IACLEA
Tips for Your Director of Public Safety Job Search
Tailor your resume for each sector
Municipal, campus, and corporate director of public safety roles each weight different competencies. Emphasize community policing and union relations for city roles, Title IX and Clery Act compliance for universities, and enterprise risk management for corporate openings.
Lead with command-level outcomes
Hiring committees want measurable results, not duty lists. Quantify reductions in incident response times, budget oversight, staff headcount you managed, and any accreditation milestones your department earned under your leadership.
Align certifications to the posting requirements
Many postings require IACLEA accreditation experience, FEMA ICS credentials, or state-issued chief officer certifications. Cross-check each opening's requirements against your credentials and name the specific certification in your cover letter.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists director of public safety openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for scenario-based panel interviews
Director of public safety interviews commonly involve a public safety panel presenting a mass-casualty or civil unrest scenario. Practice talking through your incident command decision-making out loud before the interview so your answer is structured, not improvised.
Negotiate total compensation, not just base pay
Public sector and university roles often cap base pay but offer deferred retirement contributions, vehicle allowances, and professional development budgets. Ask about each component before accepting, since these can differ significantly across employers.
Director of Public Safety Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most director of public safetys?
The most active employers for director of public safetys right now are Axon, Boston Medical Center, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the most openings are in California, Texas, and Massachusetts, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. University systems and large municipal governments consistently account for the highest share of active postings.
How many director of public safety jobs are remote?
About 54% of director of public safety openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on leadership nature of the role. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements include policy development, strategic planning, and training program oversight rather than field operations leadership.
How do you become a director of public safety?
Start by building a foundation in law enforcement or emergency management and advancing through supervisory ranks such as sergeant, lieutenant, and captain or chief. Earn a bachelor's degree, pursue a master's in public administration or criminal justice, and obtain FEMA ICS and NIMS certifications. Seek command-level assignments that give you budget oversight and cross-agency coordination experience before applying at the director level.
How do you get hired as a director of public safety with limited experience?
Target assistant director or deputy director roles at smaller municipalities, community colleges, or corporate campuses, where the scope is narrower and competition less intense. Supplement field experience with IACLEA training programs, emergency management certificates, and involvement in state public safety associations. Demonstrating strategic thinking, budget familiarity, and community engagement can offset years of direct command experience for the right employer.
What does the director of public safety interview process look like?
Most employers run a multi-stage process that begins with a screening call, followed by a panel interview that typically includes city officials, HR, and community representatives. Finalists are often asked to deliver a presentation on a public safety challenge or proposed department improvement. Background investigations, psychological evaluations, and reference checks are standard before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to director of public safety jobs?
You can find and apply to director of public safety jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level, sector preference, and location, then apply directly to each opening that fits.
See All 265+ Director of Public Safety Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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