Purdue University Fort Wayne (PWF), founded in 1964, is located in Indiana’s second-largest city and offers a traditional campus experience within a thriving metropolitan setting. As part of the venerable Purdue University system, students earn undergraduate and graduate degrees from one of the most trusted and prestigious brands in higher education. With over 8,000 students and over 300 full-time faculty members, Purdue Fort Wayne is perfectly sized to offer small classes and individualized attention, yet large enough to have all the attributes of a major research university. Recently, Fort Wayne was ranked #7 Best City to Buy a House, #7 City with Lowest Cost of Living, and #97 Best City to Raise a Family by Niche.com.
The Position
Reporting to the vice chancellor for financial and administrative affairs, the chief of police leads and manages PFW’s University Police Department by providing guidance and direction to officers and staff in implementing policies, procedures, and general orders and responding efficiently and effectively to all situations that impact the PFW community. The chief will develop, review, and evaluate the department’s budget, expenses, and funding allocations, coordinate grant opportunities, and steward university resources. Further, the chief develops and implements strategic departmental initiatives, provides metrics demonstrating success, and supports emergency planning and response, community outreach, and risk/threat assessments. This position works closely with human resources/office of institutional equity, student housing, and the office of student conduct and CARE on situations involving behaviors, care, conflict, and crisis management. The chief is responsible for the RAVE emergency alert activation and testing and oversees Clery Act compliance, including the annual Security Report. In addition, the chief applies the university’s affirmative action plan EEO policy, mission, and values and facilitates the community-based policing philosophy through the department’s work. It is expected the new chief will expand and develop relationships with appropriate county, state, and federal agencies to facilitate plan development, response effort coordination, and exchanges of personnel and equipment. The chief oversees a dedicated staff of 13 officers and manages a budget of $1.7M.
Qualifications
The successful candidates will hold a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public safety, or a related field and a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively varied and responsible experience as a sworn full-time law enforcement officer with a recognized law enforcement agency(ies) and at least four (4) years in an administrative, supervisory, or management position. A combination of experience and education may be considered. The next chief will complete and maintain all required annual law enforcement training and certifications prescribed by Indiana State Law and the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board (ILETB) and be ILEA (Indiana Law Enforcement Academy) certified or hold a transferable certification upon hire date. Further, the successful candidate must be physically and mentally capable of performing all duties of a police officer, including successfully completing the Purdue Police Officer Physical Abilities Test annually and must have a valid Indiana Driver’s license and be in compliance with Purdue’s Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check policy.
Preferred qualifications include higher education law enforcement experience, working knowledge of the Jeanne Cleary Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistics Act, and completion of a nationally recognized law enforcement executive development program (i.e., FBI National Academy).
Application and Nomination
Review of applications will begin February 14, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. To apply for this position please click on the Apply button, complete the brief application process, and upload your resume and position-specific cover letter. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Heather J. Larabee at hjl@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.
The salary range is $120,000- $130,000, along with relocation assistance and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, and dental insurance, paid leave, retirement, tuition assistance, and more.
Visit the Purdue University Fort Wayne website at www.pfw.edu
Purdue Fort Wayne is an EEO/AA employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.
Purdue University Fort Wayne is committed to creating an environment that enhances learning by recognizing the inherent worth of all individuals at the university. Diversity stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches campus life. The term diversity encompasses differences of culture, background, and experience among individuals and groups. Such differences include, but are not necessarily limited to, differences of race, ethnicity, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, class, age, and disabilities, as well as political and religious affiliation, and socioeconomic status.