University Police Chief

Christopher Newport University; Newport; On-site; GBP 101,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university in Virginia seeks a University Police Chief to lead a law enforcement team. Responsibilities include managing a 24/7 police department, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering community relationships. The role requires excellent leadership, in-depth knowledge of law enforcement practices, and a relevant master's degree. The starting salary is $135,350, commensurate with education and experience, and the position is full-time.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of modern police principles and crime prevention.
• Familiarity with federal and state laws applicable to higher education.
• Strong skills in budget planning and resource oversight.

Responsibilities

• Provide management and oversight for a 24/7 police department.
• Ensure compliance with law and best practices.
• Recruit, train, and evaluate police department staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Operational management

Community engagement

Crisis management

Data-informed decision making

Education

Master's degree in a related field

Bachelor's degree with advanced experience

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter, current resume, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application.

This position will be posted until filled; however, review of applications will begin on 01/25/2026.

Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.

Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling [phone].

Position Information

Working Title

University Police Chief

Position Number

FA112

FLSA

Exempt

Appointment Type

Full Time

Sensitive Position

Yes – requires a fingerprint‑based criminal history check.

Campus Security Authority

Yes

Designated Personnel

Yes; the position is a designated position and may be required to work during emergency closing.

Chief Objective of Position

The University Police Chief provides strategic leadership and direction for the University Police Department, overseeing a 36‑member law‑enforcement team. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, fostering an inclusive campus environment, and building collaborative relationships with student, faculty, staff, and the broader university community.

Work Tasks

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide vision, direction, and overall management for a 24/7/365 police department.
• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate departmental staff; fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, and service.
• Oversee departmental policies, procedures, and standards to ensure consistency, alignment with best practices and applicable laws, including the Clery Act, Title IX, VAWA, FERPA, and Virginia DCJS requirements.
• Direct preparation, accuracy, and timely submission of mandated reports, including the Annual Security Report and crime statistics reporting.
• Manage departmental budget and resources to ensure fiscal responsibility and operational effectiveness.

2. Operations

• Direct uniformed patrol, security, investigations, crime prevention initiatives, and emergency communications center.
• Ensure proper investigation, documentation, and reporting of crimes, accidents, and incidents in accordance with Virginia Uniform Crime Reporting standards.
• Oversee training and professional development for officers in areas such as law‑enforcement techniques, safety, legal compliance, and de‑escalation practices.
• Ensure respectful, equitable, and trauma‑informed approaches to interactions with diverse populations.
• Ensure department readiness with respect to equipment, communication systems, and operational protocols.
• Develop and promote community policing initiatives, crime prevention education, and outreach programs that support student success and campus well‑being.

3. Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Serve as a visible and accessible representative of the University Police Department to students, faculty, staff, visitors, and neighbors.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus stakeholders and external law‑enforcement agencies at the local, regional, state, and federal levels.
• Participate actively in campus and community forums, including the Threat Assessment Team (TAT), the Campus Violence Prevention Committee (CVPC), and the Campus Review Committee for Sexual Violence (CRC‑SV), to foster trust, transparency, and shared responsibility for safety.

4. University Administration

• Designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) and responsible for reporting any crime immediately to the University Police.
• Designated as a “responsible employee” with authority to investigate and report sexual violence and other student misconduct.
• Responsible for protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the general populace and critical infrastructure, requiring a criminal background check with fingerprinting.
• Maintain positive and professional customer service and relations within the department and with all constituencies, demonstrating a positive attitude and respect for all.
• Promote a safe and healthy work environment by ensuring the implementation of safety regulations and applicable standards, training employees, and reporting incidents within 24 hours.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's)

1. Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of modern police principles, practices, and procedures, including patrol, investigations, and crime prevention.
• Comprehensive understanding of federal and state laws, regulations, and reporting requirements applicable to higher education, including the Clery Act, Title IX, VAWA, FERPA, and ADA.
• Working knowledge of Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) standards for police certification, training, and compliance.
• Familiarity with university organizational structures and shared governance processes.
• Understanding of community policing philosophies and their application within a diverse campus community.
• Knowledge of best practices in supervision, employee development, and performance management.

2. Skills

• Strong leadership, management, and team‑building skills with the ability to motivate and develop personnel in a 24/7/365 operation.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Skilled in policy development, strategic planning, and data‑informed policing practices.
• Competent in financial and resource management, including budget planning and oversight.
• Proficient in using technology and data systems to support public safety operations and reporting.

3. Abilities

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Make sound, ethical, and timely decisions under pressure and in complex situations.
• Foster trust, transparency, and inclusivity through fair and equitable law‑enforcement practices.

Required Education

Master’s degree in a related field or a Bachelor’s degree with experience that equates to an advanced degree. Certification or eligibility for certification by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and possession of or eligibility for a valid Virginia driver’s license.

Additional Consideration – Experience

• Progressively responsible policing experience in a college or university setting.
• Experience managing an operating budget.
• Experience working with sexual assault and trauma victims and with a diverse student population.
• Experience with Threat Assessment Teams and processes.
• Preferred background in an advanced Law Enforcement Executive Development Program such as a Command Training School or FBI Academy.

Salary Information

Starting at $135,350, commensurate with education and experience.

CNU Information

Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community founded on honor, scholarship, service, and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education and a vibrant campus life that supports our students’ growth and success. For more information, visit cnu.edu.

Application Instructions

Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter, current resume, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application.

This position will be posted until filled; however, review of applications will begin on 01/25/2026.

Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.

Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling [phone].

Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully committed to access and opportunity.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Other Application Materials
• Other Application Materials #2
• Other Application Materials #3
• Other Application Materials #4
• Contact Information for at Least Three References

1 Avenue of the Arts
Newport News, VA 23606
P: [phone]
F: [phone]
[e-mail]