Assistant Director of Public Safety and Deputy Chief of Police

At Wellesley, our mission is to deliver an outstanding liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. Our collaborative community, comprising of faculty, students, staff, and alumnae, is guided by our shared commitment to educational excellence. Join us in this transformative journey!

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Job Posting Title

Assistant Director of Public Safety and Deputy Chief of Police

Job Description Summary

Administrative Exempt

Job Description

About Wellesley College

Founded in 1870, Wellesley College is one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges for women and a global leader in women’s higher education. Consistently ranked among the top liberal arts institutions in the United States, Wellesley is currently ranked #7 among National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report and is widely recognized for the strength of its academic programming and undergraduate teaching. Located approximately 12 miles west of Boston, Wellesley’s beautiful 500-acre residential campus features more than 70 academic, residential, and administrative buildings, colorful gardens, landscaped grounds, and beautiful views of Lake Waban, providing an inspiring setting for a serene community life.

Wellesley’s campus is home to approximately 2,400 students representing a truly global community. Students come from all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with more than 30 languages spoken across campus. More than half of Wellesley students identify as students of color, and approximately 20 percent are first-generation college students, reflecting the College’s commitment to access and inclusion. Wellesley offers more than 50 academic majors and more than 150 student organizations, supported by a distinguished faculty and staff dedicated to preparing students to lead and contribute meaningfully to society. The Department of Public Safety supports this mission by working collaboratively across the College to ensure a safe, supportive, and engaged campus environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

About the Position

The Deputy Chief works closely with campus leadership, students, faculty, and staff to foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive campus community while advancing a proactive approach to safety, education, and engagement. The position requires a leader who understands the unique dynamics of a residential academic environment and can build trust across a diverse campus population.

The successful candidate will bring strong operational experience, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex situations with professionalism and discretion. Equally important is the capacity to approach campus safety through collaboration and problemsolving, recognizing that effective public safety in higher education often requires thoughtful engagement, prevention, and partnership across the institution.

Key Responsibilities:

The Deputy Chief assists the Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police in the leadership, management, and strategic coordination of the department and assumes command in the Chief’s absence.

Duties include the following:

• Responsible for emergency management planning and response, and participating on the College’s Emergency Operations Team (EOT)

• Oversees the emergency notification system and related safety communication protocols

• Leads and supervises criminal and administrative investigations, including oversight of internal affairs and professional standards

• Supports recruitment, hiring, and professional development of sworn personnel

• Serves as the department’s Clery Act Compliance Coordinator and works collaboratively across campus to ensure regulatory compliance

• Assists with the preparation and publication of the College’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

• Develops and delivers campus safety education programs for students, faculty, and staff

• Supports department budgeting, policy development, and operational planning

• Collaborates with campus partners and external law enforcement agencies on safety initiatives

• Assists with labor relations matters, including grievance review and collective bargaining support

• Serves as training supervisor and ensures departmental compliance with POST and MPTC training standards

• Supports the advancement of department technology, communication systems, and operational practices that enhance services to the campus community

The Deputy Chief serves as a central partner in maintaining strong partnerships across campus while ensuring the department delivers professional, responsive, and community-centered public safety services.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or other related field from an accredited college or university

• At least 10 years of progressive policing experience, including 5 years in a command-level position or the equivalent combination of training and experience

• Experience in a college or university public safety environment

• Prior experience in emergency management

• Knowledge of Clery Act compliance and campus safety regulations

• Demonstrated experience in criminal and internal affairs investigations

• Experience with Incident Command System (ICS) and emergency response coordination

• Experience with labor relations or collective bargaining environments

• Completion of advanced police leadership or management training, such as the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) or the FBI National Academy

• Ability to obtain and maintain POST certification in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts within six months of hire

• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Massachusetts License to Carry within two months of hire

• Ability to meet certification requirements under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 22C, Section 63 as a Special State Police Officer

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following:

• An approach to campus safety that centers students’ experience and is committed to their success and well-being

• The ability to lead and motivate staff while creating and maintaining a collaborative departmental culture

• Strong communication skills—to build and sustain collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external partners

• Sound judgment—to navigate complex situations with professionalism and discretion

• Strategic thinking—to contribute to the department’s long-term success

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in criminal justice or other related field from an accredited college or university

• Experience developing and delivering crime prevention and safety education programs within a campus or community setting

Compensation

The salary for this position is $120,000–$125,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, and excellent benefits.

Application Process

The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) is assisting Wellesley with the selection process. Qualified and interested candidates who resonate with this vision and believe they can make a difference may apply by April 24, 2026, with a cover letter, résumé, and five professional references in confidence to [email protected].

For questions about this position, contact Antoinette Tull at [email protected] or (804) 640-0323 or Rebecca Neuburger at [email protected] or (202) 997-6287.

Company Description and Benefits

Wellesley’s mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a community—faculty, students, staff, and alumnae.

Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Wellesley College, where we prioritize your well-being and professional growth. As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive array of benefits and resources designed to enhance both your work-life balance and long-term success.

• Competitive Compensation: Experience competitive wages ensuring your dedication is recognized and rewarded.

• Exceptional Benefits Package: Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and pre-tax saving benefits, life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones.

• Commuting and Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are also accessible via the MBTA commuter rail.

• Paid Time Off: Take advantage of paid vacations, personal days, sick time, and holidays to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life harmony.

• Retirement Savings: Plan for the future with our retirement savings plan. Wellesley College contributes up to 10.5% towards your 403(b) plan for eligible employees

• Work/Life and Wellness: A hybrid work environment for select positions (additional details will be provided during the interview process), caregiving support through Wellthy, legal plan insurance, pet insurance discount and a variety of other resources including retirement planning, and access to cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

• Professional Development: Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for growth within our supportive environment.

• Tuition and Education Benefits: Invest in your education with tuition benefits, and access resources to navigate student loan forgiveness, reinforcing our commitment to your ongoing learning.

• Campus Privileges: Enjoy free use of our state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes, Library resources, and seize opportunities to attend diverse campus events that contribute to a vibrant community.

Apply today and take your first step toward a rewarding career with Wellesley College – where your unique strengths and success are celebrated as part of our shared commitment to inclusivity!

Worker Sub-Type

Administrative

Time Type

Full time

EEO Statement

At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideas—the best solutions—draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members of the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish.

Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals in hiring and advancement based on any legally protected status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to the College community are encouraged to apply.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.