Vice President for Global Safety and Security

About the Opportunity

Summary:

The Vice President for Global Safety and Security is responsible for the strategic direction, integration, and management of all security, safety, and crisis management functions across the Northeastern global university system. The Vice President provides executive leadership and operational oversight for a comprehensive, integrated safety/security organization dedicated to maintaining a safe, secure, and resilient environment for all Northeastern campuses, facilities, domestic/international travel events.

The role oversees all facets of safety and security, including campus law enforcement, security operations, emergency management, crisis management, operational continuity, event security, executive protection, crime prevention and education, community engagement, threat assessment, investigations, and regulatory compliance at the local, state, federal, and international levels. The Vice President serves as the university’s chief public safety strategist, advising senior leadership on risk mitigation, crisis management, and safety policy development.

The Vice President provides executive oversight for a multifaceted public safety organization comprising nearly 140 professional staff across police, security, emergency management, global site security, global safety, and administrative support functions. The position has six direct reports, including associate vice presidents, the Police Chief of Northeastern University Police Department, and senior directors. The Vice President exercises authority over personnel decisions, policy direction, and operational priorities for the division.

Qualifications:

Master’s degree required, with major in public safety, public administration, leadership, business, or equivalent experience may be substituted with at least 10 years of demonstrated professional work experience in the safety and security sector (safety/security, emergency planning, global corporate security, or related field) preferably within higher education institution located in a major urban location. 

Responsibilities:

Executive Leadership and Organizational Oversight: Provide executive oversight and strategic management of all campus safety and security divisions, including University Police, Global Site Security, Emergency Management, Crisis Management, and Global Safety. Ensure a unified, mission-driven approach to public safety operations aligned with institutional goals and values. Lead the development and implementation of strategic initiatives that enhance campus safety, operational continuity, and engender community trust.

Law Enforcement and Public Safety Operations: In collaboration with the Chief of Police, provide direction for all law enforcement operations, ensuring adherence to IACLEA and CALEA best practices for private, urban, research universities. Oversee patrol operations, investigations, and crime prevention programs to promote a proactive, community-oriented policing model that fosters a culture of safety, accountability, and service excellence. Lead the university’s threat assessment and evaluation efforts, ensuring a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to identifying, assessing, and managing threats or concerning behaviors that may impact the safety and well-being of the campus community.

Strategic Planning, Policy Development, and Program Management: Develop and implement short- and long-term strategic plans for the university’s safety and security construct. Lead the creation of network-wide safety and emergency programs, policies, and training initiatives to ensure compliance with evolving regulatory requirements and best practices. Identify and allocate financial and human resources to support strategic priorities and operational effectiveness.

Emergency Management, Crisis Response, and Operational Continuity: In partnership with the AVP of Crisis Management serve as the university’s senior advisor for emergency planning, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. Oversee the activation of the Strategic Continuity Team and serve as Incident Commander during major emergencies. Ensure robust emergency notification and communication systems are maintained, tested, and deployed effectively.

Security Systems, Technology, and Risk Mitigation: Direct systems security program, including the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of physical security infrastructure and technology. Oversee the university’s Global Safety Operation Center, ensuring effective 24/7 response and coordination. Develop and update a multi-year strategic security and technology plan that supports the university’s physical expansion and operational growth.

External Relations, Partnerships, and Compliance: Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and reporting requirements related to public safety and security. Serve as the university’s principal liaison to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, emergency services, and peer institutions. Represent Northeastern University on regional and national committees focused on safety/security, emergency management, and campus security best practices.

Position Type

Safety and Security

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

116S

Expected Hiring Range:

$192,710.00 - $286,655.00

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.