You + Reed

The Director of Community Safety oversees the 24/7 safety operations, including the development, administration, and evaluation of all safety and security functions, programs, and policies as part of a risk-based security program; advises faculty, staff, and students in response to threats or perceived threats; offers appropriate safety training for the campus community; and organizes event security. The Director ensures the protection of critical infrastructure, facilities, intellectual property, physical assets, and the research enterprise; collaborates closely with aligned risk units (information technology, environmental health & safety, facilities, etc.) in mitigating the community's exposure to security risks; and develops integrated safety strategies in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Director of Community Safety leads and trains a team of 20 community service officers and dispatchers and provides oversight for a private security contract.

Reed College offers an exceptional benefits package, including comprehensive medical and dental insurance options for you (Reed pays 60% on medical and dental insurance premiums for your dependent), 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution (after one year of service), educational assistance for employees and their children, 22 days of paid vacation, paid holidays, and many other campus amenities. This is a full-time role with typical work hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one hour unpaid lunch, although some evenings and weekends are required.

Starting salary for this position is $130,000-$140,000. Pay offers are contingent upon experience and are determined through an internal pay assessment. This is an exempt position in grade 11.

Who You Are

• You are a community-centered presence who is visible, approachable, and genuinely invested in building relationships across the Reed community.

• You have demonstrated expertise in campus safety and security, with a nuanced understanding of the distinct role of community safety/security professionals and police in a residential college setting.

• You have proven ability to develop policies, protocols, and systems that strengthen operations while advancing the professional growth and development of staff.

• You are a highly experienced and knowledgeable leader whose demeanor is open, grounded, and collaborative, and who builds trust with both campus partners and external community resources.

• You are steady and unflappable under pressure, able to acknowledge community needs, communicate clearly, and instill confidence during moments of uncertainty while remaining decisive, calm, and effective during emergencies.

• You are an innovative and adaptive practitioner who maintains legal and regulatory compliance while thoughtfully responding to the unique culture and context of the college.

• You are a trauma-informed and equity-centered leader whose daily practices align with institutional mission, values, and commitments, and who can clearly demonstrate this alignment in action. 

• You are a systems-oriented thinker who understands community safety as part of the broader campus ecosystem and considers the well-being of the entire community in decision-making.

• You have a strong command of the interplay between policy, infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and operational execution, ensuring alignment across all areas.

• You are a data-informed leader who uses assessment, metrics, and evidence to guide decisions and drive continuous improvement.

• You act with integrity and transparency, balancing safety, accountability, and compliance with respect for student rights and human dignity.

• You lead with empathy without sacrificing authority, maintaining trust, clarity, and credibility in all interactions.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the Community Safety department, including supervision of professional and student staff, staffing schedules, performance evaluations, and professional development.

• Develop and implement strategic plans and policies that support campus safety and align with Reed’s mission and values, including response protocols for common or critical events.

• Manage the campus parking operations and security.

• Serve as a primary leader in campus emergency response, including coordination of drills, response protocols, and training in partnership with campus leadership.

• Coordinate campus-wide emergency preparedness and planning, including maintaining the college’s emergency operations plan and continuity of operations strategies.

• Support student well-being and success by fostering trust, de-escalating conflict, and managing behavioral concerns in collaboration with student life, health and counseling, and academic support teams.

• Manage and monitor incident reporting and documentation systems, ensuring timely and accurate data collection, case tracking, and follow-up.

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with local law enforcement, emergency services, and mutual aid agencies.

• Serve as a key advisor and representative on institutional committees related to safety, crisis response, and risk mitigation.

• Lead community engagement initiatives to foster transparency, education, and collaborative safety practices.

• Promote a culture of equity and inclusion by embedding anti-racist and trauma-informed practices into all aspects of community safety work.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or experience in lieu

• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in community safety, campus security, law enforcement, or emergency management

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in crisis response and incident management, including coordination with emergency services.
  
  
• Working knowledge of Clery Act compliance, crime reporting requirements, and safety regulations applicable to higher education.

Application Instructions

Click below to apply. You will be directed to Interfolio to create a free account and begin your application. A resume and cover letter are required. You can submit these documents in any format, but pdf works best. 

Applications will be considered as they are submitted so you are encouraged to apply early. 

Reed College replies to every candidate. We will confirm that your application is received, and if you are not selected, we will let you know as soon as possible.