Description
THE POSITION
Few law enforcement executives have the opportunity to influence both the safety of a
community and the development of its future leaders.
Every day, more than 12,000 students come to South Dakota State University to
learn, discover, compete, build relationships and prepare for their futures. Thousands
of faculty and staff come to teach, conduct research and serve the people of South
Dakota. The Chief of University Police helps create the conditions that make all of that
possible.
SDState seeks a leader who understands that public safety is ultimately about people -
earning trust, developing relationships, participating in the community, preparing for the
unexpected and creating an organization whose people are committed to something
larger than themselves: community safety.
The Chief of South Dakota State University Police is a key university leader that works in collaboration to create the conditions in which students, faculty and staff can learn, work, research and thrive. The Chief of University Police will work under the direction of the Asistant Vice President of Safety and Security and will oversee comprehensive policing services including crime prevention, patrol, protection of life and propriety, law enforcement emergency responsiveness, criminal investigations, education and training along with safety planning for special events.
There is currently an open recruitment for the Assistant Vice President of Safety and Security who provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for Emergency & Risk Management, Environmental Health and Safety, and the University Police Department.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The successful candidate should bring broad knowledge of comprehensive public safety operations, program administration, organizational management, investigations, patrol, traffic control, records, crime prevention, recent court decisions, public relations, applicable laws and regulations, government budgeting, personnel management, supervision, training and performance evaluation.
SDState is looking for a leader who combines professional judgment, emotional intelligence and genuine interest in students and people. University policing is at its best when the Chief understands that public safety is inseparable from the educational mission. The role is about leadership, alignment, trust, student support and helping the university move toward its strategic future. The Police Chief is accountable for working
with the Assistant Vice President of Safety and Security to set the strategic direction of the department.
The Chief is responsible for leading staff and operations, building critical partnerships, ensuring legal and professional compliance, and managing organizational and public safety risk.
Strategic Leadership
Provides leadership and strategic direction for the University Police Department, establishing organizational priorities, aligning resources with university needs, and ensuring the department delivers effective, progressive, and community-centered public safety services.
Partnership and Liaison
Serves as the University's senior law enforcement representative, developing and maintaining trusted relationships and coordinating public safety efforts across the University, government, criminal justice system, community, and regional public safety
organizations.
Key Responsibilities
Department Oversight
Directs the department's people, operations, resources, and finances to ensure effective
delivery of comprehensive public safety services while maintaining organizational performance, accountability, compliance, and fiscal responsibility.
Compliance and Policy
Ensures University Police operations, policies, agreements, and professional practices comply with applicable laws, regulations, University requirements, accreditation standards, and recognized public safety practices.
Risk and Incident Analysis
Provides oversight of law enforcement related organizational risk, critical incidents, internal accountability, and emergency preparedness by identifying vulnerabilities, analyzing significant events, and ensuring the department is prepared to respond effectively to high-risk situations.
Requirements
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The successful candidate should bring broad knowledge of comprehensive public safety operations, program administration, organizational management, investigations, patrol, traffic control, records, crime prevention, recent court decisions, public relations, applicable laws and regulations, government budgeting, personnel management, supervision, training and performance evaluation.
SDState is looking for a leader who combines professional judgment, emotional intelligence and genuine interest in students and people. University policing is at its best when the Chief understands that public safety is inseparable from the educational mission. The role is about leadership, alignment, trust, student support and helping the university move toward its strategic future. The Police Chief is accountable for working
with the Assistant Vice President of Safety and Security to set the strategic direction of the department.
The Chief is responsible for leading staff and operations, building critical partnerships, ensuring legal and professional compliance, and managing organizational and public safety risk.
Strategic Leadership
Provides leadership and strategic direction for the University Police Department, establishing organizational priorities, aligning resources with university needs, and ensuring the department delivers effective, progressive, and community-centered public safety services.
Partnership and Liaison
Serves as the University's senior law enforcement representative, developing and maintaining trusted relationships and coordinating public safety efforts across the University, government, criminal justice system, community, and regional public safety
organizations.
Key Responsibilities
Department Oversight
Directs the department's people, operations, resources, and finances to ensure effective
delivery of comprehensive public safety services while maintaining organizational performance, accountability, compliance, and fiscal responsibility.
Compliance and Policy
Ensures University Police operations, policies, agreements, and professional practices comply with applicable laws, regulations, University requirements, accreditation standards, and recognized public safety practices.
Risk and Incident Analysis
Provides oversight of law enforcement related organizational risk, critical incidents, internal accountability, and emergency preparedness by identifying vulnerabilities, analyzing significant events, and ensuring the department is prepared to respond effectively to high-risk situations.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in
political science, criminal justice, police science, behavioral science, business or public
administration, or a related field.
10+ years of progressively responsible sworn law enforcement experience and a
minimum of 5 years of supervising law enforcement and 3 years of supervising
executive or lieutenant level positions.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in university public safety, including crime
prevention, community policing, problem solving and contemporary police service
delivery.
Valid driver’s license and current South Dakota Law Enforcement Certification, or
ability to obtain certification within 12 months of hire.
De
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in political science, criminal justice, police science, behavioral science,
business or public administration, or a related field.
15+ years of leadership and management experience in policing.
Familiarity and/or experience with IACLEA accreditation and Clery Act requirements
Additional Professional Knowledge
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary range for the Chief of University Police is $97,264 - $145,896, commensurate
with qualifications and experience. SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits
including medical, dental, vision, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation
packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. SDState offers a generous retirement
plan that includes 8% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of
sick leave each month, and 11 paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal
and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at
all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per
university’s guidelines.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Application Deadline
This position is open until filled, with a full consideration November 6, 2026.
Application Process
Applications should include a letter of interest, which specifically addresses how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to the applicant.
