Director for Special Events and Protective Services, Police Commander

Job Summary

This role manages a team of professional staff responsible for campus police and patrol units. Manages campus vehicle traffic and parking. Monitors and maintains security programs and training, as needed. Manages a variety of campus security programs, including crime prevention, police personnel training, and criminal investigations.

Responsibilities

• Directs and manages the Department's special event planning process, including staffing assessments, risk analysis, and deployment strategies.
• Working closely within the University's High-Profile Event Review process, develops comprehensive operational plans that include primary, alternative, and contingency strategies.
• Ensures all major events are planned and executed using Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) principles.
• Serves as Incident Commander or Unified Command representative for large-scale events, when appropriate.
• May be required to direct and coordinate real-time public safety operations during major events in coordination with the SOC, UCPD, Emergency Management, and external partners.
• May be required to coordinate deployment, communications, command posts, staging, resource requests, and other operational needs during major events.
• Conducts after-action reviews and implements continuous improvement measures.
• Oversees billing and invoicing for departmental special event and dignitary protection services in accordance with Departmental and University policies.
• Plans, coordinates, and executes close-protection operations, including route planning, site assessments, and venue security for visiting VIPs and dignitaries.
• Serves as liaison with internal stakeholders, external law enforcement agencies, government entities, event organizers, and private security partners to develop executive protection plans.
• Collaborates with the DSS Intelligence unit, the DSS Strategic Operations Center, and external law enforcement partners to monitor open-source intelligence and local briefs for risks targeting events and/or specific VIPs and dignitaries.
• Coordinates the recruitment, training and ongoing professional development for departmental staff assigned to executive protection roles.
• Leverages data, analytics, and technology systems to improve operational efficiency, event planning, and resource deployment.
• Evaluates and recommends tools and systems to enhance scheduling, fleet management, and coordination efforts.
• Provides direct supervision, mentorship, and professional development for any assigned subordinate personnel.
• Establishes performance metrics and accountability measures across all areas of responsibility.
• Conducts regular evaluations, audits, and reviews to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Identifies and recommends training opportunities and career development pathways.
• Promotes a culture of professionalism, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Serves as a key member of DSS leadership, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making.
• Prepares and presents reports on operational activities, trends, and performance metrics.
• Disseminates critical information regarding significant upcoming events and VIP visits.
• Participates in management meetings and provides informed recommendations on policy, operations, and resource allocation.
• Maintains strong partnerships with University departments, administrators, students, faculty, and staff.
• Coordinates with external law enforcement and community stakeholders to support public safety initiatives.
• Ensures operations reflect the University's commitment to community engagement, inclusion, and transparency.
• Manages employees by establishing annual performance goals, allocating resources, assessing annual performance, and determining individual merit, incentive and/or promotional increases.
• Maintains an operation responsible for preventing and investigating crime, conducting crime analyses, enforcing the law, resolving conflict within the campus environment, and employing security services and programs.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Certifications: Driver's License - Multiple States, Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Certification - State of Illinois

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Completion of advanced leadership programs, such as Northwestern SPSC and FBI National Academy.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of law enforcement experience.
• A minimum of 2 years in the rank of Captain, or equivalent, or a combination of 4 years of equivalent leadership and experience.
• Background in special events planning, logistics, or operational coordination.
• Background in a university or campus law enforcement environment.
• Managing large-scale events or dignitary protection.
• Certifications: Valid driver's license that grants reciprocity in the State of Illinois or be eligible to obtain one and do so within 60 days of appointment required.
• Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board certification, or law enforcement certification in another state with the ability to be certified in Illinois preferred.
• Documented training in Incident Command System (ICS 300/400).