CHIEF OF POLICE

Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call?  

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others. 

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

So,... are you ready?

Clemson University is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and engaging Chief of Police to lead the Clemson University Police Department in the Department of Public Safety. The Chief of Police will play a pivotal role in ensuring overall campus safety and this individual will provide leadership in public safety strategies, law enforcement and emergency response, while fostering positive relationships between the police department and the campus community.

The Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) collaborates with university partners to create and foster a safe, secure campus through education, community service and strategic enforcement. CUPD utilizes innovative technology, specialized training, community policing strategies and strong partnerships to enhance the university's living and learning environment. For more information on CUPD, visit the website.

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the Clemson University community, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The department encompasses various units, including law enforcement, fire, and emergency management and Tiger One involving safety technology systems. DPS plays a vital role in maintaining a safe and secure environment for all members of the University community, contributing to the overall well-being and success of Clemson University. For more information on Clemson's DPS, visit the website.

Responsibilities include,

• Law Enforcement Management: Responsible for planning, direction, supervision and evaluation of all activities within the CUPD. Supports the authority to draft, revise, and recommend written agency directives, subject to review and final approval by the AVP for Public Safety. Provides coordination and supervision of the deployment of staff and Department training at all levels. Arranges for proper response and decisions regarding critical incidents, including bomb threats. Develops, reviews, and updates critical incident response plans and serves as part of the Unified Command during critical incidents.
• Special Event Management: Assumes and directs law enforcement activities at all special events on campus. Attendance at all home football games and major events is required.
• Personnel Management: Initiates and oversees the selection process of all new employees, promotions, terminations, progressive discipline, annual performance reviews, and coordinates the grievance process.
• Collaboration: Collaborates with other divisions within the Department of Public Safety to ensure a coordinated approach to campus safety, crime prevention and emergency planning.
• Community Outreach: Represents the Department on University Boards and Committees; oversees the community outreach efforts of the Department.

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, political science, public administration or related filed, or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Extensive experience with the principals of modern crime prevention, knowledge of criminal investigative techniques and rules of evidence. Ability to obtain secret clearance to attend security briefings within 12 months of hire.
• Must be able to pass medical and psychological testing and background check. No conviction record for a felony or crime of moral turpitude or domestic violence.
• Minimum 12 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience with substantial experience leading and managing a full-service law enforcement organization. 
• Knowledge of ICS and NIMS protocols. 
• Licenses and Certifications: Current peace officer certification required with the ability to obtain South Carolina certification within 12 months of hire. Valid driver's license required upon hire and must obtain a valid driver's license.

• Master's degree in criminal justice, political science, public administration or related filed, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of CALEA accreditation standards and accreditation process.
• Knowledge of best practices in university policing.
• Knowledge of effective community engagement strategies in a diverse community.
• Strategic or long-range planning experience. 
• Knowledge of the Clery Act requirements pertaining to crime reporting and notifications. 
• Experience with major event security planning.
• Effective communication and team building skills. 
• Decisive decision maker and problem solver.
• FBI National Academy, IACLEA, SPI or similar police executive leadership program completion desired.

JOB KNOWLEDGE
Comprehensive Job Knowledge - Comprehensive knowledge of theories and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Manages Work of Others - Manages work of others including hiring, terminating, training and developing, reviewing performance and administering corrective action for staff. Plans organizational structure and job content.
BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develops Department Budgets - Responsible for developing one or more departmental budget(s). Estimated amount of budgetary responsibility in dollar amount must be added.

  25% - Stand for prolonged period
  25% - Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period
  25% - Walk or move about
  10% - Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc
  10% - Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder)
  10% - Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl)
  75% - Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself
  50% - Recognize or inspect visually
  50% - Extends hands or arms in any direction
  10% - Use taste or smell to detect or determine particular flavors or odors
  10% - Perceive, observe, clarity of vision

The multi-function job duties of law enforcement require personnel to perform all of the above checked duties for varying lengths of time, often combining multiple physical requirements. 

  25% - Exposure to heat or cold
   5% - Exposure to dust/fumes
  25% - Wet or humid
  25% - Noise
   5% - Vibration
   5% - Chemical hazards
   5% - Exposure to bio-hazards (i.e. blood, bodily fluids)
   5% - Overnight Travel

Law Enforcement requires personnel perform their duties in a wide variety of occupational hazards and working environments. Ability to work flexible schedules - day and/or night, rotating shifts, holidays, weekends, special events - based on the needs of the department.

Standard Hrs: 40

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

Essential Level 2 employee
Required to maintain/resume essential support functions, deliver direct care services, and/or provide recovery support before normal operations resume. Some positions in this category may be required to work remotely or be on-call.

Clemson, SC

Applications and nominations will be accepted until a new Chief of Police is selected. Interested parties must apply electronically via Interfolio and submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for five references by May 4th, 2025, to ensure full consideration.

For nominations or questions regarding this position, please email Brennan Ledford, Executive Talent Partner at bnhaski@clemson.edu.

MILITARY EQUIVALENCY:
Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.
VETERAN PREFERENCE:
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.      

State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.
To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email hrjob@clemson.edu upon submission of your application.         

Clemson University is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, pregnancy, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or genetic information.