CNM Chief of Security

Compensation

This is a contract based position which subject to renewal each fiscal year

Limited Term End Date

6-30-2027

Position Summary

The Chief of Security provides leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for all security functions across Central New Mexico Community College's multiple campuses and facilities. The Chief is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive security programs that promote a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff, visitors, and college property. The Chief of Security serves as CNM’s principal advisor to executive leadership on matters involving campus safety, emergency preparedness, security technology, regulatory compliance, and public safety operations. The Chief of Security reports to the Vice President of Finance & Operations or designee. The position requires visible leadership, active engagement with the campus community, and the flexibility and ability to respond effectively to emergencies, critical incidents, and operational challenges.

This role supports compliance with applicable Clery Act requirements, including required reporting and coordination with appropriate institutional offices.

This role must comply with reporting provisions of the Cleary Act.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Directs the activities of the department, which includes planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating departmental goals, policies, programs, projects, processes, procedures, systems, operational standards, and/or service offerings; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and/or standards.

• Directs, leads, and manages staff, which includes prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff is trained; ensuring employees follow policies and procedures; maintaining a positive and supportive working environment; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.

• Promotes a student-centered, service-oriented approach to campus safety by establishing professional standards, accountability measures, and performance expectations that emphasize visibility, professionalism, de-escalation, respectful engagement, and support for a diverse community college population.

• Develops and implements policies and procedures regarding security, emergency response, and building access to ensure efficient and safe operation in compliance with laws and regulations governing campus security and safety operations, supports labor relations matters related to security operations as appropriate. including participating in labor negotiations. 

• Manages and oversees the administrative components, which include overseeing department budget and monitoring expenditures; forecasting and controlling expenditures by projecting department needs, justifying requests, allocating funds, revising priorities, and monitoring expenditures.

• Directs 24-hour security operations and ensures appropriate staffing levels are maintained to support institutional needs.

• Reviews operational reports, incident reports, crime trends, staffing levels, and security metrics to improve service delivery and resource allocation.

• Analyzes and evaluates Security operations to identify risks or opportunities for improvement, while collecting and analyzing crime pattern data and providing proactive strategies to mitigate threats.

• Collaborates with Risk Management personnel in the development, implementation, and evaluation of emergency management, continuity of operations, and crisis response plans, including emergency preparedness exercises, drills, tabletop exercises, and after-action reviews.

• Coordinates response efforts with local, county, state, tribal, and federal public safety agencies.

• Maintains collaborative relationships with law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services, and emergency management organizations.

• Serves as a technical resource and consults with internal and external organizations to maintain multi-campus security at a level consistent with objectives set by CNM administration in support of the institutional mission.

• Oversees the development and submission of internal and external statistical reports including the timely reporting of other provisions of the Cleary Act.

• Oversees the operation, maintenance, and strategic planning of security technologies including access control systems, surveillance systems, emergency communications systems, mass notification systems, alarm systems, radio communications, and license plate recognition systems.

• Conducts safety presentations, workshops, training sessions, and awareness programs on topics including personal safety, workplace violence prevention, emergency preparedness, crime prevention, active threat response, and security best practices.

• Provides safety briefings, presentations, and educational programs to departments, student organizations, and campus groups upon request.

• Supports Campus Safety Month activities and other institutional safety initiatives.

• Performs other related duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Homeland Security, Emergency Management, Business Administration, Security Management, or a closely related field and Fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in law enforcement, campus security, public safety, military police, emergency management, or a related field, including five (5) years of supervisory experience.

• This position requires a valid unrestricted Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Homeland Security, Emergency Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Experience managing multi-campus security operations.

• Experience and knowledge of higher education laws, safety regulations, and security officer regulatory standards in higher education.

• Professional certifications related to security, emergency management, leadership, or public safety.

• Best Consideration Date: 8/14/2026 or till filled

EEO STATEMENT:

As an EEO employer, Central New Mexico Community College will not discriminate in our employment practices based on an applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, serious medical condition or status as a protected veteran or spousal affiliation. Central New Mexico Community College hires only U.S. citizens and individuals lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.