Job Details

Overview

Join to apply for the Regional Security Director - Oakland role at Northeastern University.

Reporting to the Senior Director for Global Site Security within the Northeastern University Police Department, the Regional Security Director (RSD) role is a dynamic, forward-thinking position focused on the development of a campus public safety team as well as oversight of security standards across multiple locations. The Regional Security Director will lead the day-to-day operations of the Oakland Public Safety Department alongside the current Director of Public Safety. The Public Safety Department is a mid-size team of civilian public safety officers, dispatchers, and administrative personnel that support the Northeastern University Oakland campus in a 24/7 capacity, supplemented with contracted security services.

This position will be based out of the Oakland Campus with occasional travel requirements to the West Coast Global Network locations. Occasional travel to the East Coast & International campus locations may also be required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• 5+ years of prior law-enforcement experience, preferably both operational and administrative
• At least 2 years of responsible leadership experience in the law enforcement or security field; proven record of successful management of a law enforcement or security team or function similar in size and capacity as the Oakland Campus Department of Public Safety
• Experience with large campuses or areas with multi-purpose buildings and varying levels of risk assessment
• Familiarity with federal laws and CA state laws related to The Clery Act, Title IX, FERPA, and all applicable public safety and law enforcement regulations
• Demonstrated training with less lethal weapons, to include baton, OC spray, and handcuffs
• General knowledge of CPTED principles, to include basic security equipment such as security cameras, access control, and other target hardening measures
• Knowledge of public safety communications practices and procedures and the technical language of Police, Fire, EMS, APCO, and Public Safety
• Completion of a CA Post Academy or recognized equivalent
• Valid U.S. Driver's License and Passport
• Valid BSIS Card or California POST certification
• Ability to develop, plan, and coordinate schedules
• Strong organizational & time management skills
• Strong interpersonal, coaching, and management skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively – to present ideas, both in writing and orally, in a technical and non-technical manner, with internal and external constituencies
• Ability to effectively instruct and lead training sessions related to public safety
• Exceptional project management skills are required
• Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships, both within the university and externally with local, state, and federal partners
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, University administrators, government/industrial representatives, and students
• Ability to work with a broad range and diverse population of people
• High level of self-motivation and experience pivoting between rotating priorities
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Criminal Justice, Communications, Leadership, or related area
• Completion of advanced training such as the FBI National Academy or other command school/college
• Standing member of IACLEA, IACP, or similar professional law enforcement association
• Law enforcement or security experience in higher education strongly preferred
• Additional training/credentials in physical security, public safety, law enforcement, and/or security technology
• Experience leading or supporting the safety & security of large-scale, high-profile events
• Familiarity with higher education environments, including academic, research, and administrative operations

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

1) Oakland Public Safety Department (80%)

• Lead the day-to-day operations and strategic growth of the Oakland Public Safety Department alongside the current Director of Public Safety.
• Oversee all personnel within the department, including administrative employees, dispatchers, officers, supervisors, and potentially sworn staff.
• Utilize intelligence to make informed decisions regarding crime trends, incident response, and strategic placement of personnel.
• Apply best practices in law enforcement, safety, and security.
• Support staff accountability and promote positive departmental morale.
• Perform the duties of an officer or supervisor as needed.
• Liaise with local law enforcement and surrounding public safety agencies to coordinate response and proactive measures.
• Advise senior leadership on potentially threatening or concerning trends and incidents.
• Collaborate with Northeastern Police, international safety, and emergency management colleagues to apply best practices to the Oakland campus.
• Develop staffing models, training standards, and community engagement initiatives.
• Build professional relationships with external stakeholders, including the Oakland Police Department and community organizations.
• Conduct site assessments and provide recommendations for security enhancements.
• Represent the university's public safety team at events, meetings, and discussion groups.

2) Global Network Sites (20%)

• Travel several times a year to West Coast Global Network sites (Vancouver, Seattle, San Jose), with occasional travel to additional domestic and international sites (e.g., London, Canada).
• Assess sites for security improvements, engage contracted security/local law enforcement, deliver staff and student training, and work with leadership to identify solutions.
• Prepare reports and recommendations based on site visits.
• Deliver student orientation safety training annually for Global Network locations.

This is an on-call position, as the RSD will be expected to provide daily guidance to public safety officers as needed. This position will also be expected to respond accordingly in a support function for significant and critical incidents, and to partake in university leadership meetings to discuss these incidents.

This position will require extensive computer use, to include the preparation of high- level presentations, proposals, and executive briefings. Candidates applying for this position should have previous experience preparing high-level, professional documents and be proficient with Microsoft Word & Powerpoint.

This is a salary position, with the expectation that the RSD will maintain a flexible schedule to accommodate major university events and significant incidents.

In addition to the required and preferred qualifications below, the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the current best practices and trends in the safety & security field. Applicants should have a proven track record of successful communication skills, both oral and written, and will be required to demonstrate these skills to varying audiences on a regular basis.

The RSD will be required to accept feedback from all levels within the university, and articulate comprehensive recommendations based on security needs. A balance of strategic vision and operational competency will be required.

The Regional Security Director will be expected to lead as a role model, and demonstrate professionalism and integrity in all aspects of the position. A customer service mindset balanced with a holistic, forward-thinking approach to safety & security is of utmost importance.

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit for more information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Expected Hiring Range:

$123,395.00 - $178,921.25

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Strategy/Planning, Project Management, and Public Relations
• Industries
• Law Enforcement, Security and Investigations, and Public Safety

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.