Responsibilities of the Position
Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Assistant Vice President for Public Safety (AVP) serves as the university’s chief public safety officer, providing strategic direction, executive leadership, and full authority over all sworn law enforcement services and special operations. The AVP ensures the enforcement of criminal and traffic laws, regulations, and ordinances to safeguard life, health, and property across the institution. This AVP oversees the full scope of public safety operations, including Investigations, Special Operations, Intelligence, Records, Communications, Professional Standards, Training, Support Services, Emergency Management, Campus Access and Security, and the Public Safety Operations Center. With six direct reports, a staff of 135, and a budget of $25.5 million dollars, the AVP leads both the operational and administrative functions of a complex and highly visible division.
This leader utilizes a comprehensive, forward-looking strategy to strengthen safety, security, technology integration, and emergency management in response to the evolving needs of the campus community. In addition, the AVP develops, implements, and evaluates university-wide policies and procedures that impact faculty, staff, students, visitors, and service providers, ensuring alignment with best practices and regulatory requirements.
Additional responsibilities:
- Serves as the liaison with the Florida State University (FSU) Board of Trustees, the Finance and Administration executive leadership team, statewide university representatives, other university personnel, and law enforcement professionals on various issues and initiatives related to safety and security, emergency management, and public safety.
- Leads and oversees all aspects of talent strategy, including attracting, hiring, developing, evaluating, and empowering staff; provides clear vision and direction to managers and employees; and ensures thoughtful oversight and approval of all staffing decisions to build a strong, high-performing team.
- Administers the annual operating budgets for Public Safety, Emergency Management, and Campus Access and Security, ensuring fiscal stewardship and responsible allocation of resources.
- Builds and maintains partnerships with other university departments, local law enforcement, government agencies, social service agencies, and general public special interest groups.
- Leads efforts to identify and pursue grants and other outside sources of funding for programs and initiatives that enhance safety and security, and emergency management services on campus.
Qualifications and Characteristics of the Successful Candidate
The successful candidate will possess a master’s degree and a minimum of six years of executive-level experience in law enforcement, or a bachelor’s degree and eight years in the same. Comparable senior leadership experience in emergency management, public safety, security, or executive management at the state, county, or municipal level will also be considered. Extensive experience in incident preparedness and threat assessment is essential. Prior law enforcement experience within a university setting and advanced expertise in campus safety and security technologies are strongly preferred.
In addition to the qualifications stated above, key stakeholders identified the following capabilities and attributes of a successful candidate:
- Demonstrates a visible and engaged leadership presence, remaining approachable, accessible, and actively connected to students, faculty, staff, and public safety personnel across campus.
- Champions FSU’s mission by fostering a safe and welcoming campus environment that supports the success and well-being of the entire university community.
- Builds trust and credibility through transparency, consistency, fairness, and commitment to accountability.
- Cultivates collaborative relationships across academic, administrative, and operational units, valuing diverse perspectives and advancing shared institutional goals.
- Exercises thoughtful judgment and reflective leadership in navigating complex, evolving public safety challenges.
- Leads with steadiness during crises, communicates clearly, inspires confidence, and guides the institution through high-pressure situations.
This position requires a valid FL/GA Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one prior to hire, and a Level 2 criminal history background check.
History of the Position
The next AVP will inherit a strong, dedicated team committed to continuous improvement and a high standard of service.
Spelman Johnson is honored to partner with Florida State University on this important search. It is an exciting time to join FSU, as the institution looks to its next leader to build on this strong foundation while advancing growth, innovation, and positive change.
Opportunities and Challenges of the Role
In transitioning to Florida State, the Assistant Vice President for Public Safety will encounter the following opportunities, priorities, and challenges, as shared by key campus stakeholders:
- Advance the continued enhancement and integration of security technology, including centralizing camera and card access systems, incorporating AI-enabled tools and cloud-based platforms, and developing a new public safety operations center to support coordinated, real-time responses and campus-wide safety initiatives.
- Develop and implement a three- to five-year strategic plan for public safety that advances a proactive, comprehensive approach to campus safety and aligns with FSU’s mission, values, and institutional priorities.
- Build upon the department’s current momentum by leveraging newly allocated resources and investments to position public safety as a modern, forward-thinking organization that utilizes innovative practices, advanced technology, and collaborative partnerships to serve the campus community.
- Take the time to fully understand FSU as a large, complex, and dynamic institution by learning about its organization, culture, and the needs of the campus, while ensuring every aspect of public safety is properly equipped, trained, and prepared to serve campus communities effectively.
Measures of Success
The items listed below will define the Assistant Vice President for Public Safety’s success throughout the first year of employment:
- Within FSU’s highly relational culture, the AVP will establish strong, collaborative relationships with key campus stakeholders and be widely regarded as a trusted and respected partner.
- The AVP will maintain a visible, inclusive leadership presence across all areas of public safety, building meaningful connections with staff throughout the department, including the Panama City campus, and ensuring that every team feels heard, supported, and valued.
- Will foster a culture of trust and engagement within public safety, resulting in continued strong staff morale, high retention, and a team that remains committed to advancing current initiatives while pursuing new opportunities for innovation and improvement.
Overview of Public Safety
Florida State University Public Safety’s goal is to provide a safe and secure environment for the students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the university. The department exists to support the educational mission of the university. This is done by providing a multitude of services, including highly trained police officers, communications operators, records staff, access and security systems, emergency management systems, and transportation services. The primary purpose is to provide a safe and secure environment so that teaching and learning at Florida State University can excel.
Police Department
The Florida State University Police Department is dedicated to supporting the university’s educational mission by striving to create and maintain the safest possible environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This includes a proactive approach to law enforcement and aggressive problem-solving techniques for identified crime trends.
The Florida State University Police Department received accreditation in 2002 from the Commission on Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. It is the third-largest law enforcement agency in Leon County, providing 24-hour protection for more than 50,000 students, faculty, and staff. There are 77 sworn officers, including a motorcycle unit of five officers and a bicycle unit of 12 officers. The communications unit, security guards, public safety officers, and administrative staff are also integral to the department.
Emergency Management
Emergency Management is a part of the Florida State University Public Safety Department. FSU Emergency Management is charged with facilitating the university’s all-hazards emergency framework, which drives preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation actions for a variety of emergency conditions. FSU Emergency Management coordinates the university’s emergency alert and notification process and maintains constant situational awareness of conditions that could adversely affect the health, safety, and/or general welfare of students, faculty, staff, visitors, and families.
Campus Access & Security Services
Campus Access & Security Services (CASS) provides services and consultation in the areas of building and area access (including FSUCard and Biometric access), closed-circuit television (CCTV) security cameras, intrusion detection and alarms, and panic alarms. CASS also facilitates the installation, repairs, maintenance, and administration of these systems.
The Division of Finance and Administration
The Division of Finance and Administration provides strategic leadership and essential services that support the university’s academic mission and daily operations. The division oversees a broad portfolio that includes financial management, human resources, facilities, safety, business services, and campus operations. Through responsible stewardship of resources, innovative problem-solving, and a commitment to service excellence, Finance and Administration ensures a safe, efficient, and sustainable environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive.
Finance and Administration Organizational Chart
Divisional Leadership
Kyle Clark
Kyle Clark, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, leads the Division of Finance and Administration at FSU. Clark’s responsibilities encompass an expansive and comprehensive plan that drives the University financially. He oversees all administrative services, budget office, business services, controller, employee assistance program, enterprise resource planning, environmental health and safety, facilities, foundation accounting, human resources, information technology services, police, purchasing, and research foundation accounting.
The Comanche, Texas, native earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration at Texas Tech University’s Jerry S. Rawls College of Business Administration. Prior to his appointment at FSU, he served as Vice President for Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer at Texas Tech University where he was responsible for the oversight of the university fiscal and auxiliary operations.
Institutional Overview
One of the nation’s elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. FSU enrolls over 46,000 students from every county in Florida and 130 countries, and offers 274 degree programs. The university is currently celebrating its 175th anniversary.
FSU’s welcoming campus is located in Tallahassee, Florida, on the oldest continuous site of higher education in the state, in a community that fosters free inquiry, championship athletics, and a prime location in the heart of the state capital.
The Student Body
Total Enrollment: 46,184
Undergraduate: 71.6%
Graduate: 23.8%
Institutional Leadership
Richard McCullough
Richard McCullough became the 16th president of Florida State University in August 2021, bringing more than three decades of academic leadership experience to the role. During his tenure, he has strengthened FSU’s foundation as one of the nation’s top public universities by investing in student and faculty success as well as academic and research excellence.
Since assuming the presidency, McCullough has recruited world-class faculty, staff, and administrators; grown the university’s research portfolio; implemented a new structure to encourage entrepreneurial endeavors among students and faculty; cultivated relationships with elected officials and community leaders; enhanced fundraising efforts; and championed athletic success.
Before joining FSU, McCullough served as Vice Provost for Research for 10 years and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Harvard University. He previously spent 22 years at Carnegie Mellon University, where he began his academic career as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and rose through the ranks to become the Thomas Lord Professor of Chemistry. He also served as the Head of Chemistry, the Dean of Science, and the university’s Vice President for Research.
McCullough is a first-generation college student who attended Eastfield Community College and subsequently earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Texas at Dallas and a doctoral degree in organic chemistry from Johns Hopkins University. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University.
Mission, Core Values, and Vision
Benefits Overview
FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit the Office of Human Resources website to learn more about the compensation, benefits, wellness, retirement, and employee development programs.
Application
Review of applications will begin immediately, 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. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.
Learn more about Florida State University at their website.
FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
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