Is Your Calling to Protect and Serve?

 Blue Ridge Community College, nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains of western North Carolina, seeks a Chief of Police who is dedicated to safety, professionalism and unifying our community. This is your opportunity to empower your fellow officers and lead by example as you engage with students, faculty, staff, and all visitors on campus to promote Blue Ridge’s mission.  We are looking for a leader to cultivate an atmosphere of trust and approachability that is at the heart of community policing.  

Reporting to the Vice President of General Administration, the chief of police serves three campus locations and is responsible for protecting and serving the College community. The successful candidate will lead the Police Department and engage the campus and surrounding communities as the public representative for the Police Department and assist in keeping the community crime and violence-free.  The position is responsible for leading a team of full-time and part-time law enforcement officers in the completion of their duties and ensuring that the Campus community is trained in all aspects of safety and security.  The position serves as the Chair of the College’s Emergency Management Committee.  The position partners with key campus stakeholders in the completion of their duties.  

The Purpose  

The Chief of Police serves as the Chief law enforcement officer and director of the Community College’s police department. He or She is responsible for effectively developing, implementing, and managing the campus police department, campus safety, security, and crime prevention operations including law enforcement operations, emergency management, security planning, environmental health and safety, fire safety, emergency response to a full array of emergencies adhering to federal, state, and local regulations on Blue Ridge Community College property within Henderson and Transylvania Counties. Work is performed under the general direction of the Vice President of General Administration and is evaluated on the basis of departmental effectiveness, efficiency of operations, and attainment of individual and department performance objectives. Work includes preparing annual reports, administering personnel and pay of staff, planning and implementing employee training and career development programs. Considerable initiative is required when determining facts, interpreting and applying laws, and making decisions without immediate reference to higher authority.

Why it’s Important

The Blue Ridge team is excited by every opportunity to be creative, innovative, and engaging. We do this by working alongside our Staff and Faculty to ensure we provide a modern, technologically advanced institution for the community. We are here to support our Students to ensure they reach their highest potential. Our team engages with the community to ensure that we are consistently meeting standards and then rising above them. Guiding students along their educational journey is our calling and we are looking for like-minded teammates to help us serve our community. Whether a student is entering the workforce for the first time, entering a new profession, or just expanding their knowledge, we are here to provide the necessary tools to accomplish all their goals. Working together, no elevation is too high, and no summit is unreachable. 

What You'll be Doing  

• Develops and presents reports and assessments on a routine basis to college leaders and as requested to the appropriate committee(s) of the Board of Trustees.
• Assists with the development of the Business Continuity Plan pertaining to campus safety and security.
• Plans, organizes, directs, and supervises all operational and administrative functions of the department.
• Develops and conducts training programs for campus community to ensure emergency preparedness.

Additionally  

• Keeps abreast of laws and applicable changes to rules and regulations related to 21st Century policing.
• Attends applicable training programs and/or conferences.
• Serves on appropriate and applicable College committees. 
• Develops and maintains excellent working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external organizations.
• Manages the department operating budget and thorough record-keeping system.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education 

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or related area.  Master’s degree preferred. Must have NC Law Enforcement Certification or the ability to obtain certification within 1 year of employment.  NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate or eligibility for award is preferred.  Completion of executive law enforcement leadership training is preferred, such as NCACP Chief Leadership Institute, AOMP, FBI National Academy, or equivalent.

Experience 

Minimum of seven years of full-time experience in law enforcement, public safety, or related field; experience in emergency management planning; skilled conflict management and resolution skills; and community policing with knowledge of laws, rules, codes, and currently accepted principles and practices relevant to safety and security operations in higher education.  Eight years of progressively increasing supervisory experience preferred. Or, a combination of training and experience relative to the position.

Skills and the Know-How  

• A thorough knowledge of criminal justice, law enforcement, fire, EMS, and higher education protocols and procedures.
• Possess strong personal and professional integrity, effective verbal and written communication skills, and a commitment to safety and community policing.  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships throughout the campus community and with external agencies. 
• Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities.
• Must be computer literate with the ability to use Microsoft Office products and email. 
• Position is on-call 24/7 and will have a college-assigned cell phone and vehicle.

Additional Information

Physical Demands  

Although work is primarily administrative, the employee is subject to the usual hazards of law enforcement work. The ability to perform all duties associated with the position including, but not limited to lifting, prolonged standing, walking, running, sitting, bending, stooping, and operating or performing work with associated tools and machines. Must maintain proficiency with a firearm and be able to physically conduct all law enforcement functions, some of which may be arduous, including but not limited to driving a police vehicle and the ability to make arrests.  Must be able to operate in all types of conditions, including rain, snow, sleet, and other natural and man-made hazardous situations.

Blue Ridge is an Equal Employment Opportunity Institution