University Police Chief in Newport

Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application. This position will be posted until filled; however, review of applications will begin on 01/25/2026. Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check. Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.

The University Police Chief is tasked with the strategic leadership and direction of the University Police Department, encompassing the oversight of all law enforcement and public safety functions. This position involves managing a department comprised of 36 sworn officers and security personnel. The Chief bears the responsibility for ensuring adherence to all state and federal regulations, cultivating a secure and inclusive campus environment, and nurturing collaborative partnerships with the student body, faculty, staff, and the wider university community. Ultimately, the Chief’s endeavors are instrumental in supporting the University’s overarching mission and core values.

The University Police Chief provides leadership and oversight for the University Police Department, ensuring professional, community-oriented law enforcement and public safety services in support of the mission and values of the University. Key responsibilities include:

• Provide vision, direction and overall management for a 24/7/365 police department.
• Recruit, hire, train and evaluate departmental staff; fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism and service.
• Oversee departmental policies, procedures and standards to ensure consistency, alignment with best practices and applicable laws, including the Clery Act, Title IX, VAWA, FERPA, and Virginia DCJS requirements.
• Direct preparation, accuracy, and timely submission of mandated reports, including the Annual Security Report and crime statistics reporting.
• Manage departmental budget and resources to ensure fiscal responsibility and operational effectiveness.
• Direct uniformed patrol, security, investigations, crime prevention initiatives, and emergency communications center.
• Ensure proper investigation, documentation, and reporting of crimes, accidents, and incidents in accordance with Virginia Uniform Crime Reporting standards.
• Oversee training and professional development for officers in areas such as law enforcement techniques, safety, legal compliance, and de-escalation practices.
• Ensure respectful, equitable, and trauma-informed approaches to interactions with diverse populations.
• Ensure department readiness with respect to equipment, communication systems, and operational protocols.
• Develop and promote community policing initiatives, crime prevention education, and outreach programs that support student success and campus well-being.
• Serve as a visible and accessible representative of the University Police Department to students, faculty, staff, visitors, and neighbors.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus stakeholders and external law enforcement agencies at the local, regional, state, and federal levels.
• Participate actively in campus and community forums, including Threat Assessment Team (TAT) and Campus Violence Prevention Committee (CVPC) and the Campus Review Committee for Sexual Violence (CRC-SV), to foster trust, transparency, and shared responsibility for safety.
• Act as a “designated position” during emergency closures as required.
• Act as a Campus Security Authority and report any crime to the University Police for investigation.
• Act as a “responsible employee” with authority and duty regarding sexual violence incidents.
• Develop and maintain positive customer service and professional relations with all constituencies.
• Promote a safe and healthy work environment by ensuring implementation of safety regulations and applicable standards.
• Ensure employees under supervision are trained in safety standards and procedures for their positions.
• Report work-related incidents within 24 hours according to procedures established by the university, state, and federal guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The University Police Chief must demonstrate a broad range of professional knowledge, leadership capability, and interpersonal skills to effectively lead a modern, community-oriented campus law enforcement agency.

Knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge of modern police principles, practices, and procedures, including patrol, investigations, and crime prevention.
• Comprehensive understanding of federal and state laws, regulations, and reporting requirements applicable to higher education, including the Clery Act, Title IX, VAWA, FERPA, and ADA.
• Working knowledge of Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) standards for police certification, training, and compliance.
• Familiarity with university organizational structures and shared governance processes, particularly within a public higher education environment.
• Understanding of community policing philosophies and their application within a diverse campus community.
• Knowledge of best practices in supervision, employee development, and performance management.

Skills:

• Strong leadership, management, and team-building skills with the ability to motivate and develop personnel in a 24/7/365 operation.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to effectively present information to campus leaders, external agencies, and the larger community.
• Skilled in policy development, strategic planning, and the implementation of data-informed policing practices.
• Competent in financial and resource management, including budget planning and oversight.
• Proficient in the use of technology and data systems to support public safety operations and reporting.

Abilities:

• Ability to build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to make sound, ethical, and timely decisions under pressure and in complex situations.
• Ability to foster trust, transparency, and inclusivity through fair and equitable law enforcement practices.

Required Education: Master’s degree in a related field or a Bachelor’s degree with experience that equates to an advanced degree. Certification or eligible for certification by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and possession of or eligible for a valid Virginia driver’s license.

Additional Consideration - Education Experience Required: The University Police Chief should have significant experience in the administration of a comprehensive security program at the federal, state, municipal or campus police level in the demonstration of law enforcement techniques, procedures, operations, investigations, court procedures, crime prevention, safety, and security. Supervisory experience required.

Additional Consideration - Experience: Progressively responsible policing experience in a college or university setting. Experience working with financial data and managing an operating budget. Experience working with sexual assault and trauma victims and experience working with a diverse student population. Experience with Threat Assessment Teams and processes. Prefer a graduate of an advanced Law Enforcement Executive Development Program such as Command Training school or FBI Academy.

Salary Information: Starting at $135,350, commensurate with education and experience.

Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, and that is reflected in our ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community, founded on our shared values of honor, scholarship, service and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education provided by dedicated, gifted teacher-scholars who are supported by a compassionate team of faculty and staff. Our 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students pursue more than 90 areas of study, as they live and learn on a largely residential campus. CNU’s on-campus performing and visual arts centers offer Broadway shows, world-class performances, engaging exhibitions, transformative lectures and classes, and more. Our athletics program is the winningest at any level in Virginia. Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU!

For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu.

Application: Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application. Review of applications will begin on 01/25/2026. The position will be posted until filled. Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check. Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145. Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully committed to access and opportunity.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter

Optional Documents: Other Application Materials

Contact Information for at Least Three References: 1 Avenue of the Arts Newport News, VA 23606 P: (757) 594-7000 F: (757) 594-7230 Email: hr@cnu.edu