About the role
Vanderbilt University seeks Safety & Security Supervisors to support safety, security, and emergency management operations at the University’s extended campus in New York City (Chelsea).
The Safety & Security Supervisor plays a critical leadership role in ensuring a safe, secure, and supportive living and learning environment for approximately 100 undergraduate students residing on campus while participating in academic programming and internships throughout New York City. This position provides direct supervision of safety and security personnel and is responsible for the execution of campus safety operations, incident response, and day-to-day security functions.
Working under the direction of the Director of Safety & Security, the Supervisor helps implement campus-specific safety plans, supports emergency preparedness efforts, and maintains a visible and engaged presence on campus. This role is essential to building a strong safety culture and ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery in a dynamic urban environment.
The NYC campus hosts a wide range of academic, residential, and special events—from small-scale workshops to large-scale private events—requiring a flexible, service-oriented, and highly responsive approach to safety and security.
About the Work Unit
The Division of Administration supports Vanderbilt University’s academic mission by providing essential services that ensure a safe, efficient, and welcoming campus environment. As Vanderbilt expands its academic footprint beyond Nashville, the New York City campus represents a strategic investment in immersive, city-based learning experiences.
Safety and security operations for the NYC campus are designed to integrate Vanderbilt standards with the unique considerations of an urban residential setting, where student activity extends beyond the physical campus into internships and city-based programming.
Key Functions and Expected Performance
Supervision & Security Operations
Provides direct supervision of Safety & Security personnel, ensuring appropriate staffing, coverage, and operational readiness across assigned shifts.
Leads day-to-day security operations including building access control, patrols, incident response, and safety checks.
Maintains shift schedules, assigns posts, and ensures compliance with established procedures, post orders, and service expectations.
Reviews reports, monitors activity, and ensures accurate and timely documentation of incidents and operational activities.
Serves as the first point of escalation for operational issues, incidents, and staff concerns.
Emergency Response & Incident Management
Serves as the on-site lead for incidents during assigned shifts, including medical emergencies, fire alarms, safety concerns, and critical incidents.
Coordinates response efforts with the Director of Safety & Security and external agencies such as the New York City Police Department and New York City Fire Department as appropriate.
Ensures proper escalation, communication, and documentation of incidents in accordance with university protocols.
Supports emergency preparedness efforts, including drills, tabletop exercises, and response training.
Student Safety & Support
Maintains a visible and approachable presence to foster trust and engagement with students, staff, and campus partners.
Supports student safety by responding to concerns related to residential living, commuting, and participation in internships and city-based activities.
Assists in coordinating responses to off-campus incidents involving students, ensuring appropriate communication and follow-up.
Promotes awareness of safety resources and reinforces a culture of shared responsibility for safety.
Event Safety & Special Programs Support
Supports a high-volume event environment, including academic programming, university-sponsored events, and private functions such as receptions and weddings.
Leads and coordinates safety and security operations for events, including staffing plans, access control, crowd management, and coordination with event organizers.
Conducts event-specific risk assessments and ensures appropriate security measures are in place based on event size, audience, and activity.
Collaborates with building management, vendors, and external partners to ensure safe and seamless execution of events within a multi-use facility.
Monitors event activity to ensure compliance with university policies, safety standards, and occupancy requirements.
Serves as the on-site safety lead during events, responding to incidents and adjusting security posture as needed in real time.
Balances a customer service-oriented approach with strong safety oversight to support a welcoming and secure environment for students, guests, and external partners.
Program Implementation & Campus Operations
Supports the implementation of safety and security procedures, protocols, and operational standards established for the NYC campus.
Assists with onboarding and training of new staff, reinforcing expectations, policies, and service standards.
Conducts routine inspections of facilities, security systems, and equipment to ensure functionality and compliance.
Identifies operational gaps or risks and communicates recommendations to leadership.
External Coordination & Partnerships
Works collaboratively with building management, contracted security, and local partners to ensure coordinated safety operations.
Supports coordination with external agencies, including the New York City Police Department and New York City Fire Department, as needed for incidents and planning efforts.
Represents Vanderbilt Public Safety in a professional manner during interactions with external stakeholders.
Training, Communication & Accountability
Reinforces training standards and ensures staff are prepared to respond effectively to incidents and operational needs.
Provides coaching, feedback, and performance support to assigned staff.
Ensures clear, timely communication during incidents and routine operations.
Supports accountability measures, including adherence to policies, procedures, and service expectations.
Supervisory Relationships
This position reports to the Director of Safety & Security – New York City and provides direct supervision of Safety & Security personnel assigned to campus operations.
Education and Experience
High school diploma or GED is required; associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public safety, or a related field is preferred.
Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of experience in security, public safety, or a related field is required.
At least one (1) year of supervisory or team lead experience is required.
Possession of a valid New York State Armed Security Guard License is preferred; candidates must be able to obtain this license within six (6) months of hire. The University will sponsor the licensing process.
Experience working in an urban environment and/or residential setting is preferred.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in higher education, residential life, or student-facing environments.
Familiarity with emergency response procedures and incident command principles.
Experience supporting event security, crowd management, or hospitality-focused environments.
Experience working with access control systems, surveillance systems, and security technologies.
Knowledge of Clery Act–related practices or campus safety compliance is a plus.
Key Skills
Strong judgment and ability to make sound decisions in fast-paced or high-pressure situations
Effective leadership and team supervision skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to build relationships with students, staff, and external partners
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accountability
Customer service orientation with a focus on safety, support, and experience
Working Con