Assistant Director and Lead Investigator

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Category Professional/Administrative

Position Title Assistant Director and Lead Investigator

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Division Dean of the College

Department Campus Safety

Hiring Wage/Salary Range $75,000-$79,000

Determination

When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Benefits

Current Benefits

Colgate University is proud to offer in-depth, competitive benefits that support the health and wellbeing of our employees and their family. The majority of benefits are effective on the date of hire.

Health And Wellness:

We pride ourselves on the scope and quality of the benefits offered to our employees. We invite candidates to visit our Benefits page to learn more about our generous benefits package, which includes but is not limited to:

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, behavioral health benefits, disability and life insurance, 403 B Retirement with employer core and matching contributions.

Paid Time Off:

Vacation time (varies based on position classification), sick time, 13.5 holidays including a Winter Recess between Christmas and New Year’s and 3 floating holidays.

Paid Family Leave:

After six months of employment, employees become eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid time off up to 67% of salary to a state maximum for bonding with a newborn, adopted or foster child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition or to help after a family member has been deployed to active military duty abroad.

Continuing Education And Professional Development:

Employees and their spouse/domestic partner may take up to 2 courses per semester at Colgate, tuition free with a $20 per course registration fee.

Funding for work related courses to obtain an undergraduate or graduate degree related to your current position.

After 7 years of service in an eligible position an employee’s eligible children may be awarded up to half of Colgate’s tuition to attend an accredited college, university or trade school of their choice.

Along with a generous benefits package, additional perks unique to Colgate University include but are not limited to free on campus parking, free gym membership with discounts for family members, reduced Seven Oaks Golf Course memberships, University Bookstore discount, free library access, 3 free tickets for any regular season athletic home event, access to Colgate owned Bewkes Center and Glendening Boathouse, free access to all cultural events.

Department Statement

The Colgate University Campus Safety team endeavors to identify and resolve safety and security barriers while educating the campus community in the delivery and application of safety services and practices that create a thriving campus environment for all to live, work, learn, teach and develop. Consistent with the educational goals and values of Colgate University, we are committed to building community partnerships that foster mutual trust and respect; and, to delivering services in a fair, impartial, collaborative, and compassionate manner, with awareness of the diverse experiences of Colgate’s students, faculty, staff, and guests.

Under the direction of the Director for Campus Safety, this position oversees the daily operational aspects of the Campus Safety Department and serves as the lead (senior) Investigator for high-profile cases and matters serious or sensitive in nature. Primary responsibilities include daily activity/case review and directed or assisted follow-up (for patrol and security) to ensure timely, accurate, professional, effective, and efficient execution, in accordance with university and departmental policies and practices. This position will identify and resolve operational and performance deficiencies through the planning and application of best practices, process improvement, staff training and development, and written communication/directives. This position has primary responsibility for training, technology, systems, and tools directly associated with campus safety daily operations and service areas, including automated records management systems, access control, camera surveillance, and other life safety systems and equipment. This position is highly practiced in exercising sound knowledge and application of campus safety and security administration, operations, organization, planning, and personnel and resource management.

Accountabilities

Operations Management

• Oversee the daily operations of Campus Safety, in consultation and coordination with the Director. Responsible for the application and execution of operational decisions that are aligned with regulatory requirements and the department and university mission, vision, values, policy, and procedure.
• Develop, update, administer, and enforce patrol and security policy and procedure; maintain associated records and monitor compliance. Collaborate internally for regulatory compliance in the areas of Clery crime reporting and statistical data; NYS Education Law (129a); and, the NYS Security Guard Act.
• Maintain a 24/7 year-round (on-call) duty status; respond to campus emergency conditions and significant events; initiate proper response protocol and procedures and, assist and/or assume incident command in coordination with the Director and/or Associate Director; or at the direction of the AVP for Campus Safety, EH&S and Fire Safety.
• Develop, direct and assist in the supervision and management of the university’s parking operations; ensure consistent, fair, and equitable enforcement of university parking regulations; coordinate with transportation services for events and activities that impact parking and enforcement; and, assist with parking management functions including policy and procedure.
• Identify, design, and implement proactive, affordable, and efficient process improvements within Campus Safety. Participate in budgeting and expense management within the department; monitor and administer resources in a conservative fiscal manner.
  
  

Investigations

• Serve as lead (senior) Investigator for campus safety investigations. Duties include but are limited to: Investigate university conduct/policy violations, non-criminal and criminal activities, and local, federal, or state law violations; direct other personnel at an incident/scene; identity/gather information and evidence; coordinate with (local/state/federal) agencies as needed or required; write detailed reports; file, distribute and maintain all records with strict confidentiality and in accordance with university and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Lead, track and direct daily incident/case investigations and follow up; and, coordinate with other agencies as necessary. Hold interviews with witnesses, reporting parties, responding parties, and persons of interest. Identify case leads and developments; and, lead (internal) team meetings to direct and oversee case follow-up from initiation to closure. Work directly with personnel (in and out of the field) to cultivate their understanding of incident investigation, classification, and response, in accordance with departmental and university policy. Provide ongoing training and mentoring for enhancing interview and investigative skills of front-line staff and supervisors; and, ensure all staff has knowledge (and can demonstrate the practical application) of interviewing and investigation fundamentals.
• Conduct (basic and advanced) training and create tools for developing department personnel in the fundamentals of interviewing and investigations, including trauma-informed response and behaviors. Conduct crime (activity/incident) mapping to better understand underlying causes of incident/case activity and formulate strategies to mitigate or remove identified problems; collaborate and communicate with appropriate stakeholders for same. Closely coordinate with administrators and supervisors for allocating personnel for directed patrols and maximum visibility, as needed. Create community awareness by using crime prevention methods and intervention techniques based on data.
• Assist the Director in conducting internal and confidential investigations pertaining to violations of campus and/or departmental policies or regulations (in coordination with Human Resources).
  
  

Outreach

• Establish and maintain collaborative, cooperative, and sound working partnerships with internal and external (local, state, federal and other) regulatory offices and officials.
• Identify, develop and administer preventative programming, education and outreach for the campus community. Participate in campus-wide events and activities as a regular course of business.
• Represent the university and Campus Safety on committees and working groups, as needed or as assigned. Participate in labor/management committee meetings, contract negotiations and other related business for building positive partnerships.
• Meet regularly with university community groups to obtain input on safety issues and to respond and resolve questions, issues, or concerns about safety or security issues on campus.
  
  

Personnel

• Develop and progress professional standards for performance; observe and evaluate staff performance; and, correct deficiencies in performance through coaching, mentoring, continuous training, and the application of progressive discipline.
• Ensure compliance with staff training requirements and manage associated training records; identify, develop and administer training programs, including onboarding, field training and evaluation, and other programs, practices, and requirements associated with campus safety functions, service, and delivery.
• Participate in hiring, recruitment, selection, and retention efforts including leading searches and performing associated functions.
• Other duties as needed or as assigned, for the advancement of departmental and university goals and initiatives.
  
  

This position has been designated as a Campus Security Authority ( CSA ), in accordance with the federal statutory requirements of the Jeanne Clery Act. CSAs are required to and responsible for reporting allegations of crimes they receive from students and employees to the Campus Safety Department.

Technical Competencies

Name Safety and Security Expertise

Description

Demonstrated ability and expertise in law enforcement and security practices, trends, and processes and ability to apply skills within the context of a small, private, rural, liberal arts university. Expertise in safety, security, and emergency services sufficient to avoid and mitigate risk to individuals and the University. Knowledge of and ability to comply with federal, state, and local regulations. Knowledge sufficient to solicit and produce timely and accurate information. Ability to successfully maintain security guard registration.

Name Emergency Preparedness and Response

Description

Demonstrated knowledge, experience and expertise in critical incident management (e.g., FEMA , DHS , OSHA , ICS and threat assessment). Practiced in the organization, management and application of emergency management resources and responsibilities (e.g., preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation). Ability to understand and apply best practices and standards. Expertise sufficient to avoid and mitigate material consequences to the University.

Name Operations Management

Description

Expertise in managing financial, technical, facilities, and human resources across assigned areas. Ability to develop budgets with strategic alignment to the goals of the division and act as a responsible steward of assigned University funds and facilities. Expertise in developing and delivering effective communications about the function with a broad range of campus partners. Knowledge of data and systems sufficient to identify and meet operational needs. Demonstrated ability to develop and apply policies, protocols, and workflows to support operational performance of department and functions within University guidelines.

Name External Relations Expertise

Description

Demonstrated ability to coordinate with the University community, local community, and local and state law enforcement agencies. Ability to comply with the defined role of campus safety in the local community in compliance with NY State law.

Name Customer Service

Description

Demonstrated ability to respond effectively to safety and security issues to meet the needs of the University community for safety and security. Demonstrated ability to provide quality customer service in most situations and to relate to and gain the trust of a variety of University constituents, including faculty, students, staff and visitors.

Name Training and Outreach

Description

Demonstrated ability to deliver training and outreach to faculty, staff, students on guidelines and programs to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize risks related to applicable areas of environmental protection, health and safety, and emergency management programs. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain trust and confidence of all Colgate community members for the purpose of minimizing risk and increasing compliance. Ability to maintain appropriate certifications needed to provide training.

Name Program Management

Description

Demonstrated expertise in program design, implementation, and assessment consistent with broader organizational guidelines and within the context of a small, private, residential, rural liberal arts college. Expertise with data and systems sufficient to identify key data tracking needs, identify quantitative trends and develop data-driven solutions. Connects intended program priorities, outcomes, and goals to divisional and institutional priorities, outcomes and goals.

Name Risk Management

Description

Demonstrated ability to develop and implement programs, policies and processes for the entire University to ensure health and safety and regulatory compliance with Federal, State and local regulations and within the context of a small, private, rural, liberal arts university. Ability to manage functions to meet University objectives and standards for risk management. Expertise sufficient to avoid and mitigate material consequences to the University.

Name Regulatory Expertise

Description

Demonstrated ability and knowledge in the application of federal, state, and local laws, standards, codes, ordinances and regulations in the areas of criminal procedure, environmental health and safety, fire safety, and emergency management. Ability to maintain records and produce reports on compliance and incidents. Expertise sufficient to avoid and mitigate material consequences to the University.

Familiarity with Clery and Title IX regulations in the investigations process including how and where the two intersect with regard to crime counting (Clery), trauma informed investigations (Title IX), and requirements for reporting, investigating, referring and documenting.

Name Managerial Skills

Description

Demonstrated knowledge of Colgate managerial processes and requirements, to include:

• Demonstrated ability to fairly and accurately assess employee performance in accordance with university practices. Demonstrated understanding of federal and state regulations, as they apply to the university policies and guidelines related to human resources is sufficient to effectively select new employees, recommend pay actions, determine employment status and initiate or approve employee changes in status.
  
  

Demonstrated ability to select, develop and retain high performing work teams, to include:

• Demonstrated ability to develop employee skills, performance, and behaviors. Demonstrated ability to effectively coach and communicate with employees on issues of pay, performance and development.
  
  

Name Higher Education Sexual Violence Support and Prevention

Description

Knowledge sufficient to effectively engage students on issues surrounding sexual violence support and prevention within the context of a small, private, residential, rural liberal arts college. Demonstrated ability to be supportive to students who have experienced trauma. Proven ability to work with diverse populations including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, class, and spiritual backgrounds. Familiarity with Title IX, Campus SaVE Act, Clery guidance and regulations, national/state laws, and other relevant laws and regulations, especially as they pertain to prevention education and interpersonal and sexual violence on a college.

Behavioral Competencies

Name Personal Accountability for Results

Description

Takes responsibility for decisions, performance, and outcomes; behaves in a responsible manner with a positive attitude; shows self-awareness and openness to feedback.

Name Effective Communication

Description

Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills; shares information and seeks input from others; adapts communication to diverse audiences; protects private and confidential information.

Name Problem Solving and Decision Making

Description

Analyzes and prioritizes situations to identify and solve problems; generates solutions to improve efficiency and quality; involves others in solving problems and making decisions; factors organizational goals into decisions; makes clear, transparent, and timely decisions.

Name Change Management

Description

Responds positively to changing university initiatives and readily adapts behavior to maintain effective performance; understands the long-term direction of the university and can relate this to departmental area; adapts to new methodologies; identifies and acts on areas where change is appropriate.

Name Leadership and Teamwork

Description

Applies skills and knowledge to provide a climate to achieve departmental and organizational success; balances individual and department goals; helps others perform at their best; builds productive relationships to enhance individual and organizational effectiveness; treats others with respect; resolves conflicts among team members.

Name Creativity and Innovation

Description

Generates, explores, encourages, and implements innovative ways of creating strategic value for the university, division, department, and individual level; critically assesses the effectiveness of new initiatives.

Name Diversity and Inclusion

Description

Demonstrates respect for people and their differences; understands the benefits of a diverse workforce; earns the trust and respect of others; includes and welcomes others; works to understand the perspective of others; promotes opportunities to experience diversity within our community.

Name Sustainability

Description

Understands the impact of decision making and personal behavior in achieving the university’s commitment to a sustainable and carbon-neutral campus; supports and advances the university’s sustainability initiatives; influences others to use sustainable practices.

Requirements

Professional Experience/ Qualifications

Requirements

• Commitment to professional development through ongoing and self-initiated learning; includes keeping current on job-related issues and trends.
• Demonstrates commitment to working in a diverse workplace and to building a community of belonging by promoting increased understanding of individual differences and perspectives that build intercultural competency and grow a culturally responsive team.
• Continuous participation in professional development; focus on acquiring, improving and applying technological and other skills that are essential to achieving the goals of the university.
  
  

Professional Experience/ Qualifications

• Valid NYS Class 5/D or above driver’s license. Meet and maintain the eligibility requirements to drive a university vehicle in accordance with the university’s Driver Safety and motor Vehicle Use Policy is required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of safety/security-related experience, with three (3) years in a supervisory capacity.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to successfully manage interpersonal working relationships; and, effectively collaborate with faculty and staff across campus to achieve the goals of the university.
• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Proficient in diverse and progressive computer/software applications.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with highly sensitive information.
• Highly responsive, dependable, and accountable.
• Strong emphasis was placed on professionalism, efficiency, and a positive attitude.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a higher education environment.
• Experience, knowledge, and application of Clery, Title IX, and FERPA .
• Possession of or ability to obtain NYS Security Guard License.
• Familiarity with safety/security/life safety software, hardware, systems, and programs is highly preferred.
  
  

Education

A Bachelor’s degree preferably in Criminal Justice or related field is preferred. A combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.

Certifications

Formal training and professional certifications in emergency management, security, and/or police/fire/medical are favorable.

Physical Requirements

• Work environment may involve some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Work may involve limited exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Work requires moderate physical activity: Handling of average-weight objects; stooping and bending; moving, lifting, and carrying; and standing or walking for extended periods of time.
• Administrative work involves frequent sitting for extended periods of time.
  
  

Other Information

Posting Detail Information

Requisition Number 2024S040Posting

Temporary No

Work Schedule

Primarily Mon-Fri with willingness to work evenings (as needed or assigned) in order to work with/lead frontline staff across two shifts (6a – 6p and 6p – 6a);

Serves in 24/7 on-call duty rotation; and,

Designated as essential personnel (i.e., reports as needed and/or on rare occasions when the University is closed).

Some remote work flexibility in accordance with University policy.

Job Open Date 05/20/2024

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions Summary

EEO Statement

It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, protected Veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, being or having been victims of domestic violence or stalking, familial status, or any other categories covered by law. Colgate is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups, women, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Clery Act

CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS

The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance . Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu .