University Park Deputy Chief

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• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State University Police and Public Safety Department (UPPS) is dedicated to protecting and serving more than 100,000 students, employees, and visitors across 22 campuses throughout Pennsylvania. Operating as a cohesive, centralized department headquartered at University Park, we employ sworn police officers with full law enforcement authority. We are currently seeking a Deputy Chief to join our team at University Park who embodies our core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence, and community.

We are hiring a Deputy Chief for University Park. This pivotal role is responsible for standardizing and overseeing police operations, ensuring policy compliance, managing budgets, providing incident command, coordinating and working with outside collaborators and partners, and supervising staff and resources. This position will report directly to the Executive Deputy Chief.

Key duties include:

• Reviewing schedules and verifying payroll accuracy
• Coordinating staff development
• Handling employee and operational matters
• Ensuring that incidents are addressed promptly and professionally
• Representing the department on committees
• Assisting with interpreting laws and criminal procedures in alignment with department policies
• Collaborating with management as part of the University Police leadership team to lead campus initiatives
• Managing, supporting, coordinating large events and specialty units
• May perform police officer duties when necessary

Deputy Chiefs are ultimately responsible for protecting life and property, maintaining peace and order, enhancing community engagement, enforcing laws and university policies, ensuring public safety, conducting investigations, and performing other related duties. This leadership opportunity requires a flexible schedule and strong availability as an exempt employee. Command presence, leadership, mentorship, and accountability are essential attributes for success in this role.

University Park Police and Public Safety features specialized units such as K9, drone, criminal investigations, and a tactical response team. The campus is also home to the departmental headquarters, which includes the public safety divisions of Emergency Management, Physical Security,Dispatch Operations, Information Technology, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Behavioral Threat, all working closely with patrol units to respond to major incidents and events.

Serving as a police officer on a university campus offers a rewarding career, supporting students and the broader university community through both community policing and outreach programs, while maintaining the traditional policing standards found in municipal and state agencies.

This position requires:

• Successful Background Investigation
• U.S. Citizenship
• Fingerprint background check

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

The following requirements can be obtained after hire:

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification - American Red Cross, American Heart Association or other accredited organization
• Firearms Qualification - Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission
• First Aid Certification - American Red Cross, American Heart Association or other accredited organization

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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