Chief of Staff - VP of Public Safety

Johns Hopkins Public Safety (JHPS) is seeking a Chief of Staff- VP of Public Safety . JHPS is committed to safeguarding the vibrant learning and working community with progressive approaches to security that foster deep community relationships built of trust, cooperation and mutual respect.

The Chief of Staff will ensure that the department and its functions are integrated into a strong infrastructure that supports JHPS and Police Department as a leader in the provision of quality, responsive and customer service oriented public safety department.

The position will manage high-priority projects in the Office of the Vice President of Public Safety, including overseeing strategic planning and implementation of projects related to Johns Hopkins Public Safety and Police; organizational and community-focused initiatives.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Anticipate, identify and troubleshoot issues of concern or significance to the VP of Public Safety; exercise discretion to ensure that matters requiring the attention and/or decision making of the VP of Public Safety are thoroughly developed, researched and evaluated.
• Direct organizational focus to foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, customer service focused and productive work atmosphere.
• As a member of the Vice President’s Executive Staff, helps establish the Public Safety and Police Department’s priorities, goals and objectives and coordinates implementation of on-going projects, plans and strategies.
• Develop strategic plans, manage the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the department.
• Directs the application of advanced and innovative concepts and best practices in management to achieve objectives and continuously improve procedures.
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures.
• Lead a variety of cross-functional initiatives, in the advancement of the strategic direction.
• Ensure long and short-term goals are on track and clearly articulates the Public Safety’s mission and vision for the department.
• Provide excellent customer service through responsiveness, collaboration, work effort, dedication, mature and proactive communication, and conflict resolution.
• Perform highly complex administrative assignments and analytical projects.
• Develop and advise on strategic, fiscal and capital improvement plans.
• Hold people accountable at all levels of the organization through extensive and comprehensive knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of effective administration with particular attention to planning and organizing.
• Initiate and support innovation with creativity, flexibility, responsiveness, and future focus.
• Interact effectively with members of the Department and community at all times.
• Research, write, edit and/or coordinate preparation of special reports, briefings and presentations.
• Build and maintain successful working relationships and coordination with a wide range of offices, leadership, staff, and stakeholders, internal and external to the University.
• Serve as a liaison with local and regional organizations as a representative of the VP of Public Safety.
• Provide timely information and necessary updates across multiple stakeholders.

Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to effectively and efficiently apply management principles related to strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership, and coordination of people and resources.
• Assist with the strategic research and evidence-based approach to police reform, transparency and accountability.
• Skill in judgment and decision making to consider relative costs and benefits of available options and to recommend and defend solutions that are in the best interest of the department and of the community.
• Skill in identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and to implement solutions.
• Ability to manage sensitive topics within and outside the department.
• Skill in motivating and developing staff and in identifying the best use of departmental resources.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing to convey accurate and timely information to varying audiences, including speaking to the media, and producing and/or approving press releases and official departmental materials.
• Ability to negotiate with different groups concerning departmental topics.
• Ability to interpret and apply legal codes, precedents, governmental regulations, executive orders, and agency rules.
• Skill in managing timeframes and schedules to meet competing deadlines.
• Ability to track, analyze, interpret, and communicate data relevant to operations of the Johns Hopkins Public Safety and Police Department.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Public Policy or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Ten years of progressively responsible administrative, managerial, and supervisory experiences in areas such as legal, law enforcement, public policy analysis, project management, legislative management, quality assurance, compliance, strategic planning and/or public administration.
• This experience must include development of a working knowledge of the role of the police in the criminal justice system and in the context of effective municipal government.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous executive law enforcement experience at Captain level or higher.
• Prior senior level experience in legal, compliance, auditing, or policy development.
• Juris Doctorate, or master’s degree in public safety, criminal justice, public administration, public policy, police science, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Classified Title: Chief of Staff
Working Title: Chief of Staff - VP of Public Safety
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PH
Starting Salary Range: Min $113,170 - Max $198,110 Annually ($200,000 budgeted; Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:30 - 5:00
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Eastern High Campus
Department name: VP for Public Safety Office of
Personnel area: University Administration

Total Rewards
The referenced salary range is based on Johns Hopkins University’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here:

Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines:
JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate’s conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.

The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

EEO is the Law
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Accommodation Information

If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit accessibility.jhu.edu.

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About the company

The Johns Hopkins University is a private research university in Baltimore, Maryland.