Assistant Director of Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Please Note: The salary range for this position is $97,399.00 - $120,507.00 annually. The salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and related experience. Typically, new hires start no higher than $101,457.00/year, based on Pierce College's Administrative/Exempt Compensation Plan.

The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. The Pierce College District is committed to being an anti-racist institution; to truly be anti-racist we must work deliberately to eliminate barriers that have prevented the most promising and capable students from entering and thriving in college.

The Assistant Director of Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness supports the leadership and daily operations of the Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness departments and serves as the acting Director in the District Director’s absence. This role supervises three full time Campus Safety Supervisors and oversees the Campus Safety Department at both campuses including providing oversight of scheduling, participating in hiring decisions, performance management of supervisors, and assisting supervisors with performance management of Campus Safety Officers. 

The Assistant Director helps develop and maintain departmental policies and procedures, safety protocols, and operational standards while ensuring high-quality incident response and documentation. The position requires flexibility, including nights, weekends, supporting emergency callouts, and participation in a shared 24/7 on call rotation to support duty staff and respond to routine, priority, and emergency calls. The Assistant Director contributes to a comprehensive training program for Campus Safety personnel, supports emergency management training for the campus community, and assists with emergency planning, drills, and security assessments. Additional responsibilities include coordinating with law enforcement and local agencies, overseeing security technologies such as CCTV systems, conducting internal Campus Safety investigations involving vehicle-related incidents, lost or missing property, and other safety concerns, and supporting budget and strategic planning efforts. This role requires strong leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to operate and perform effectively in both routine and high-pressure situations to ensure the safety and security of the campus community.

This position reports to the District Director of Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness. Regular and consistent attendance is required.

About the District

Pierce College is a high-performing, mission-driven, data-informed, student-focused district committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. For nearly 60 years, Pierce College has developed a national reputation for academic excellence and support services to ensure student success. The district is proud of the many awards and recognitions it has received. Pierce College is an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction and was the 2017 recipient of their prestigious Leah Meyer Austin Award, given for measurable improvements in student outcomes.

Named as a Top 5 Finalist and a Rising Star for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom was recognized for exceptional achievements in student learning, certificate and degree completion while in community college and after transferring to a four-year institution, employment and earnings rates after graduation, and access for and success of minority and low-income students. Pierce College District was named as a Top 10 finalist for the 2021 Aspen Prize and a Top 25 for 2023. Pierce is also one of 30 original AACC Guided Pathways colleges and one of first five College Spark Washington pathways colleges. We have bold goals to have all students on a career pathway to increase completion rates for all students and to close achievement gaps by 2027.

Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom

Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community recreational park and Waughop Lake. Want a feel for our District, take a peek with aerial campus views.

Pierce College at Puyallup

Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land including modern facilities and beautiful hideaways.

Pierce College at JBLM

Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active duty families serving our country.

Our colleges enjoy a strong presence in the communities in which they serve and participate in numerous partnerships with business, community, government, and educational organizations.

The Assistant Director of Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness will be responsible for the following, but not limited to:

Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness 

• Under the direction of the District Director, the Assistant Director works to establish safety protocols, policies, and operational standards.

• Assumes the responsibilities of the District Director of Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness in their absence and provides support to other administrative areas within the department as needed.

• Ensures management is kept apprised of critical information directly or indirectly affecting campus safety.

• Assists in developing and implementing the Pierce College Campus Safety Department procedures.

• Complete projects as assigned by the District Director.

• Assists in implementing emergency preparedness procedures.

Personnel Responsibilities

• Manages, develops, trains, and supervises Campus Safety Supervisors in their supervision of Campus Safety Officers

• Supervises and evaluates full-time Campus Safety Supervisors in the performance of their duties.

• Provides regular feedback and completes annual Professional Development plans for Campus Safety Supervisors.

• In conjunction with the District Director, oversees schedules to provide the best possible service to the campus community.

• Supervises the adjustment of shift schedules at both campuses to maintain minimum staffing levels.

Operational Responsibilities

• Collaborates with campus administration regarding special events, policies, emergency procedures, and other campus safety-related activities.

• Develops strategies to manage campus traffic at special events and during the academic year.

• Issues traffic and parking citations according to established procedures.

• In collaboration with Campus Safety Supervisors, investigates crimes and other incidents occurring on campus. Prepares crime and incident reports involving accidents, property damage, fires, law violations, thefts, and disturbances of the peace. Reviews reports of subordinates and assumes responsibility for follow-up.

• In collaboration with Campus Safety Supervisors, investigates and reports the presence of unauthorized persons on grounds or in buildings; deals with disturbances according to established policy.

• Develops crime prevention activities; enforces laws, traffic regulations, and safety regulations on campus; and cites violators.

• Oversees patrolling operations including vehicle and foot patrols in campus buildings; protects individuals and controls crowds during assemblies or disturbances.

• Ensures Campus Safety Department operations and services are maintained to the highest level of performance.

• Supervises patrols on both college campuses on foot or vehicle and answers calls to protect college students, staff, and faculty; protects college property and facilities against fire, theft, and vandalism.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Oversees Clery reporting in collaboration with the Program Specialist 2.

• Oversees Incident Command System (ICS) training and operations in conjunction with the District Director.

• Oversees emergency mass notification operations using the E Launch system.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, or related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience Required

• Minimum three (3) years of experience working in higher education, security organizations, or the military, including experience with budget management and staff supervision.

• Demonstrated leadership skills.

• Experience managing a Campus Safety or Security Department.

• Familiarity with FEMA’s Incident Command System (ICS).

• Experience managing security operations, large groups,  or military style organizations.      

Special Requirements

• After a conditional offer of employment, the successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal records background check. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability to perform in this position.

• A valid Washington driver’s license (at time of hire).

• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR, AED, and first aid certifications within 120 days of employment.

• Ability to successfully complete a driver’s record check.

• Ability to obtain clearance to enter Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

• Ability to travel independently between college campuses and other work locations.

Required Competencies

• Adapts to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities.

• Manages time and priorities to ensure assignments are completed in a timely and effective manner.

• Demonstrates critical, creative, and reflective thinking; questions, seeks answers and meaning, evaluates ideas and information, and develops ideas that lead to action.

• Communicates effectively in a variety of contexts using multiple methods.

• Ensures compliance with assigned budget expenditure limits and maximizes value to the College when making resource expenditure decisions.

• Seeks, finds, evaluates, and uses information to engage in lifelong learning.

• Values open-mindedness, inclusion, multicultural perspectives, and multiple ways of knowing, thinking, and being. Actively supports and engages in Pierce College's mission and core theme for equity, diversity, and inclusion to provide access and support for our diverse community of learners.

• Demonstrates responsible personal and professional conduct that contributes to the overall mission and goals; accepts personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work; and earns the trust, respect, and confidence of the College community.

• Interacts effectively with others to establish and maintain positive working relationships.

• Works effectively and productively with others.

• Demonstrates job-specific knowledge and skills necessary to provide the appropriate quantity and quality of work in a timely and efficient manner.

• Maintains appropriate depth of knowledge and skill in assigned areas and keeps knowledge and skills current with best practices, regulations, and mandates.

• Makes timely, data-informed decisions when working toward goal and task completion.

• Enables employees to grow and succeed through feedback, instruction, and encouragement.

Please submit only the required documents listed below. For your privacy, remove or redact all Personally Identifiable Information (PII), such as Social Security numbers, from your application materials. Do not include photographs or hyperlinks to external websites or online profiles in any submitted documents. 

Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.

• Online Application: Complete the online application profile and apply for the specific job opening.

• Cover Letter: Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.

• Resume: Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience.

• Transcripts: Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education and/or coursework. International transcript must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services, visit National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

  • Please note: Certain positions require specific levels of educational attainment, such as a post-secondary degree, licensure, or certification. In order to evaluate applicant materials to determine if the minimum qualifications are met, information regarding your education and experience should be included in your application materials. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application process; official transcripts are required upon hire.

• References: Upload (attach) a list of at least three (3) professional references with names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. One of which must be your current or most recent supervisor. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. 

• Supplemental Question: Provide a response to the following question.

The College's goal is to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission. If you were selected for this position, how would you contribute to and support this goal? Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.

To learn more about our Equity, Engagement, and Belonging efforts, visit the Equity, Engagement, and Belonging webpage. 

Special Note
To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. 
 

All correspondence regarding your application status will be sent to the email address associated with your SCHOOLJOB.COM account. Please make sure to check your spam folder periodically, in the case of an automated, incorrect delivery.

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time, administrative-exempt position. The primary work location will be the Pierce College Fort Steilacoom campus. Occasional travel to other Pierce College campuses or sites may occur, and the position may be subject to reassignment between campuses or sites.

Standard work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required based on operational needs. Regular and consistent attendance is required.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $97,399.00 - $120,507.00 annually. The salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and related experience. Typically, new hires start no higher than $101,457.00/year, based on Pierce College's Administrative/Exempt Compensation Plan.

Your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long- term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided.

Physical Work Environment

This position works in both indoor and outdoor environments and may be required to work during inclement or extreme weather conditions. The position may also require travel around campus on foot or in a patrol vehicle. 

The incumbent may be exposed to hazardous situations, HAZMAT incidents, and dangerous or upset individuals. Safety requirements include the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), as needed, and First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

Screening & Interview Process
Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.

Please Note

This is a competitive selection process. Your application materials will be reviewed and evaluated based on the minimum qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the district’s needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Notification of application status normally occurs 4 to 6 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include written, oral and performance examinations, and final interviews.

Conditions of Employment

Prior to the start of employment, the finalist for this position will be subject to a criminal background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. 

Conditional offer letters will be accompanied by a declaration and authorization to release information form to be completed by the applicant. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law RCW 28B.112.080.

An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the district to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.

Equal Opportunity
Pierce College supports and values the dignity of each member of its community and visitors, and is committed to maintaining an environment free from discrimination and harassment. This commitment applies to all levels and areas of operations and programs and is intended to ensure that all students and employees are provided equitable opportunities to realize their goals and to function safely and effectively within the Pierce College environment.

Pierce College recognizes its responsibility under state laws and their implementing regulations to investigate, resolve, implement corrective measures, and monitor the educational environment and workplace to stop, remediate, and prevent discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Pierce College prohibits discrimination against and harassment of members of these protected classes, as well as any additional class(es) protected by local, state, or federal law. Any individual found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including the possibility of exclusion from Pierce College facilities, dismissal from Pierce College as a student, and/or dismissal from employment, as applicable.

Members of the college community, guests, or visitors who believe they have been the subject of discrimination or harassment should report the incident or incidents to the District Title IX/EEO Coordinator identified below. If the complaint is against that Coordinator, or if for some other reason a report cannot be made to the Coordinator, the complainant should report the matter to one of the alternate designees listed below.

District Title IX Coordinator and District Section 504 Coordinator
Kelly Benson
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
Cascade Building, Room 237
9401 Farwest Drive SW, Lakewood, WA 98498-1999
 253-651-6438

[email protected]

District Affirmative Action Officer 
Paula Henson-Williams
253-864-3229

[email protected]

Deputy Title IX Coordinator 

District Athletics
Duncan Stevenson
253-964-6612

[email protected]

Deputy Title IX Coordinator 
Student Conduct
Julie Draper Davis
253-912-2331

[email protected]

Deputy Title IX Coordinator 
Pierce College at Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Ron Burleson
253-912-2242

[email protected]

Deputy Title IX Coordinator 
EEO/Human Resources
Deena Forsythe
253-964-6586
[email protected]