Director of Strategic Initiatives and Public Safety Technical Services

Employer: Brown University Department of Public Safety
75 Charlesfield Street
Providence, RI 02912
Contact: John_Vinson@brown.edu
Phone: 401-863-1268

Email: John_Vinson@brown.edu

Job Description

Job Description:
The Director of Strategic Initiatives and Public Safety Technical Services at Brown University is a senior leadership role within the Department of Public Safety (BUDPS), which is dually accredited by CALEA and RIPAC. This position is integral to the development, execution, and continuous improvement of strategic initiatives aligned with both departmental goals and the broader objectives of Brown University. The Director will oversee the Technical Services Bureau, ensuring efficient and effective operations that support BUDPS's mission to provide a safe and secure environment for the campus community.

As Chief Strategy Officer for public safety technical services, the Director is responsible for guiding long-term strategic planning, technology integration, and operational optimization across Brown University Department of Public Safety enterprise and systems. The role involves close collaboration with senior leadership, university stakeholders, and external partners to shape policies, procedures, and technological solutions that meet evolving public safety needs.

This position reports to the Deputy Chief of Police/Executive Officer, with a dotted line to the Vice President for Public Safety and Emergency Management. The position collaborates extensively with the Office of Information Technology Public Safety team, (OIT- PS Tech), managing the integration and maintenance of critical public safety systems, including the IMC CAD/RMS, 800 MHz radios, mobile data terminals, and other law enforcement technology platforms.

Requirements

Major Responsibility: Strategic Planning and Development Supporting Actions:

• Lead the development and execution of the BUPD’s long-term strategic goals and initiatives, ensuring alignment with the university’s broader priorities and values.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to identify key priorities, assess departmental performance, and implement improvements.
• Monitor emerging trends in public safety, law enforcement, and technology to inform strategic decisions.
• Provide regular updates on key initiatives, performance metrics, and outcomes to senior leadership and university stakeholders.



Major Responsibility: Technological Leadership and Integration Supporting Actions:

• Serve as a senior advisor on technical matters, guiding the integration of innovative technologies to improve departmental operations.
• In coordination with OIT Public Safety team, lead the adoption of new public safety technologies, such as body-worn cameras, data analytics platforms, and advanced records management systems.
• In coordination with OIT Public Safety team, oversee system implementations, upgrades, and troubleshooting, ensuring seamless operation across BUDPS’s technology infrastructure.
• Foster cross-departmental collaboration to align technical strategies with broader operational goals.

Major Responsibility: Operational Management and Daily operations.

• Oversee the daily operations of critical public safety systems, including CAD/RMS, radios, and other dispatch/records management tools.
• Manage system maintenance, security, and performance, acting as the primary point of contact for all technology-related issues within BUDPS.
• Supervise staff, including a program manager, the Police Communications Supervisor, dispatchers, and public safety officers, ensuring effective service delivery and professional development.

Major Responsibility: Technology Integration and Innovation Supporting Actions:

• Liaison with the OIT Public Safety tech team to Identify and implement technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency, public safety outcomes, and regulatory compliance.
• Liaison with the OIT Public Safety tech team to coordinate the integration of emerging technologies into BUDPS operations, including coordination with vendors and OIT as necessary.
• Continuously assess system performance and make recommendations for improvement, ensuring that technical solutions align with department goals.

Major Responsibility: Data-Driven Decision Making and Reporting:

• Collect, analyze, and report on key departmental metrics, operational efficiency, and public safety outcomes to inform strategic decision-making.
• Prepare and present reports to senior leadership and external stakeholders on departmental performance and technology initiatives.

Major Responsibility: Technological Leadership and Integration
Supporting Actions:

• Ensure departmental policies, procedures, and systems align with best practices, legal requirements, and industry standards.
• Oversee compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including security and data retention policies.
• Act as a liaison to external law enforcement agencies, ensuring effective data sharing and coordination for compliance and operational efficiency.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in administration, communication, management, business administration, police science computer science, information systems, public administration, criminal justice, or a closely related field.
• Minimum six years of progressively responsible experience in public safety, law enforcement, or a related field, with a focus on strategic initiatives, technology integration, and/or operations management.
• Proven experience managing complex projects and leading cross-functional teams.
• Basic understanding of public safety technologies, including dispatch systems, records management, and data analytics.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across various levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and drive organizational change in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in policy development, compliance, and crisis management.

Preferred:
• Master’s Degree
• Experience in higher education or university law enforcement settings

Job Competencies:
• Understanding of law enforcement technologies, including CAD/RMS systems, dispatch software, and data analytics.
• Strong strategic thinking, leadership, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and secure technology-related grants.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance, public safety standards, and crisis management protocols.
• Strong technical acumen in public safety systems and operations.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple complex projects.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and data-driven decision-making.
• Experience in leading teams, fostering a collaborative environment, and mentoring staff.
• Knowledge of compliance requirements for law enforcement technology systems and data security.

Budget and Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Oversee a budget of approximately $ 250,000.
• Supervise a program manager, police dispatch supervisor, 12 Communication Control Officers, and 2-3 Public Safety Officers.

TIMELINE:
Application review will begin on May 12, 2025. The posting will remain open until this position is filled.

To apply, please click [HERE] or visit Brown.edu/careers and reference REQ199649 under the external staff applicants tab.

All offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University. Additionally, must pass a comprehensive background investigation to include a psychological test, medical examination, and drug screening.
Please email your inquiries to Deputy Chief John Vinson at John_Vinson@brown.edu
Benefits of Working at Brown:
Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.

Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:
All positions require demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and other Brown and community stakeholders with diverse perspectives and demonstrated ability to contribute to an inclusive environment.

Submission Guidelines:
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

EEO Statement:
Brown University is an E-Verify Employer.
As an EEO/AA employer, Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our University policies.

About Brown (Please visit our website and get to know us better at: www.brown.edu)
Located in historic Providence, Rhode Island and founded in 1764, Brown University is the seventh-oldest college in the United States. Brown is an independent, coeducational Ivy League institution comprising undergraduate and graduate programs, plus the Alpert Medical School, School of Public Health, School of Engineering, and the School of Professional Studies.
With its talented and motivated student body and accomplished faculty, Brown is a leading research university that maintains a particular commitment to exceptional undergraduate instruction. Brown’s vibrant, diverse campus community consists of about 4,500 staff and faculty, 6,200 undergraduates, 2,000 graduate students, 490 medical school students, more than 5,000 summer, visiting, and online students, and over 700 faculty members. Brown students come from all 50 states and more than 115 countries. Brown is frequently recognized for its global reach, many cultural events, numerous campus groups and activities, active community service programs, highly competitive athletics, and beautiful facilities located in a richly historic urban setting.

Brown offers competitive benefits such as a generous retirement plan and education programs; details are available at: http://www.brown.edu/about/administration/human-resources/

Salary Levels

$0.00 - $0.00

Positions Available

There are 1 positions available at this time.

Application Period

Friday, May 02, 2025 through Friday, June 13, 2025