Director of Public Safety
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign


The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is seeking nominations and applications for the Director of Public Safety. Founded in 1867, the campus is one of the original 37 public land-grant institutions. It is one of the top comprehensive-research public universities in the nation, and is located in central Illinois. Its current student enrollment is quite diverse with a total enrollment of 42,611 composed of 31,932 undergraduates, the rest being graduate and professional students. The campus is a traditional residential campus with nearly 10,500 students living in campus facilities, while others live in private housing in close proximity. The University community also includes a diverse group of 11,000 faculty and staff. The campus is located between the cities of Champaign and Urbana Illinois, and works closely with cities' public safety units to provide a safe environment for students and staff. The person in this position will report to the Vice President, University of Illinois and Chancellor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The Director of Public Safety serves as the chief law enforcement officer for the campus, and has overall responsibility for budget, human resource management, and priority setting for campus security. A significant responsibility for this individual, in conjunction with other campus officials, is helping to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. The Director will be responsible for advising the campus on short- and long-range emergency plans and priorities, and developing and directing security for the campus. This includes aspects of public safety such as technology, traffic and security.

The Director shall have the ability to lead a highly professional police service staff and an understanding of the unique role that security services play in a complex and diverse university environment. Public safety responsibilities have been organized around a philosophy of community-based service. This is accomplished by building relationships throughout the University and local communities and through a strong commitment to campus outreach and educational programs. An important qualification will be demonstrated experience and sensitivity in dealing with college or university students, faculty and staff representing many cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. The successful candidate will serve as the liaison with local, state and federal public safety organizations.

Requirements include a master's degree in public administration, criminal justice or a related field; at least ten years of related professional experience in public or higher education; substantial public safety related responsibilities; demonstrated experience in a community-based public safety environment; and excellent communication and management skills.

This is a full-time twelve-month academic professional position. Salary is open and is dependent on qualifications and experience. The position is available as soon as possible after closing date. In order to ensure full consideration, application materials (including cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three professional references) and nominations should be received by March 2, 2012. Interviews may take place before closing date, but a final decision will not be made until after March 2, 2012. Nominations and applications should be submitted to Search #810:

The Hollins Group Inc.
c/o University of Illinois Director of Public Safety Search
225 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1575
Chicago, IL 60606-1274

Electronic submissions in WORD format may be sent to: education@thehollinsgroup.com


Minorities, women, and other designated class members are encouraged to apply.
The University of Illinois is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.