Major, Operations Bureau

The University of Maryland, Baltimore Department of Police and Public Safety has an exciting opportunity for a Major, Operations Bureau.

ABOUT US

The University of Maryland, Baltimore Department of Police and Public Safety's mission is to promote a safe and secure campus environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. We will provide professional public safety services ethically and fairly through education, engagement, and collaboration. We will adhere to the Core Values of the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Read the full Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan here: https://www.umaryland.edu/police/meet-umb-police-and-public-safety/.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Police, the Major of the Operations Bureau plays a central role in guiding the day-to-day leadership of UMB's patrol squads, the policing of the University of Baltimore campus, the COAST community outreach unit, and Investigations. This leader must be highly effective at building trust and communication with lieutenants and sergeants overseeing these operational teams, and at fostering a sense of community, using the UMBPD's customer service philosophy as a guide. Because the department's policing approach emphasizes diversion, problem-solving, and quality-of-life response, rather than enforcement-heavy tactics, the Major needs to coach officers toward that philosophy and ensure alignment across units. The role requires meaningful engagement with student groups, faculty, downtown community partners, Baltimore Police, and adjacent neighborhoods that have historically faced over-policing, bringing both situational awareness and cultural competency to every interaction.

This position carries significant responsibility for internal cohesion, particularly in strengthening collaboration between COAST and Investigations, supporting patrol teams struggling with retention, and ensuring each unit is focused, accountable, and effective. The Major must be comfortable operating in an environment with graduate-level students, frequent political demonstrations, and a campus that serves as a safe space for advocacy. A successful candidate will bring demonstrated experience in community policing, recruitment and retention strategies, and working across diverse operational functions--investigations, administration, and program development. Above all, this role requires a hands-on, relationship-driven leader who communicates openly, understands Title IX and Clery reporting implications, and is willing to take on work alongside their teams.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore has retained the search firm of Isaacson, Miller to assist in the search for the Major, Operations Bureau position.

All applicants will also need to apply to the job posting on the Isaacson, Miller website, using the following link: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-of-maryland-baltimore/major-operations

BENEFITS

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

The ideal candidate will personally connect with the Administration and Finance Guiding Principles which closely mirror UMB's core values: Respect and Integrity, Well-Being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Responsible for public safety for the campus, including emergency response and management. This command level position will provide leadership, administrative direction, and management of a bureau for the UMB Department of Public Safety under the executive-level leadership of the UMB Police Department and Public Safety.

• Serves as a bureau commander and plans, organizes, coordinates, directs, and evaluates the activities of assigned components within the UMB Police Department and Public Safety. Assumes command of the Department of Public Safety in the absence of the Deputy Chief of Police and the Chief of Police.

• Oversees and provides day to day leadership of UMB's patrol squads, the policing of the University of Baltimore campus, the COAST community outreach unit, and ensure strong daily coordination with lieutenants and sergeants across these units.

• Develops and interprets policies and procedures that align with best practices. Assigns and implements policies and regulations. Determines priorities of the assigned bureau that includes direction for police and civilian staff in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, University regulations, and departmental regulations and requirements.

• Documents and provides regular updates to UMB Police and Public Safety executive-level leadership for any major incidents, investigations, and related matters of importance. Recommends, troubleshoots, and implements solutions.

• Ensures appropriateness of disciplinary actions. Evaluates operational efficiency and makes recommendations for improvements.

• In the absence of the Deputy Chief of Police, serves as a representative before the public and other agencies and organizations.

• Ensures that equipment and materials are correctly used and maintained as ordered by the Deputy Chief of Police.

• Compiles standardized, benchmark, and other relevant data to develop and produce aggregate reports on a regular basis. Evaluates current reporting techniques and structures, data monitoring and collection, and database creation for effectiveness, and makes recommendations for continuous improvement. Develops and implements new or improved methods as determined by executive PS leadership team.

• Creates and fosters a cohesive work team that works collaboratively to achieve departmental goals. Oversees the recruitment, performance, and training of team members and continually reviews strengths and weaknesses of staff to maintain a well-trained, highly involved, and motivated team.

• Participates in staff meetings and recommends the implementation and modification of agency directives. Evaluates and implements methods for improving the performance and work quality of personnel.

• Consults with the Deputy Chief of Police, Chief of Police, and other upper-level University administrators in the formulation of goals, programs, policies and procedures. Ensures Bureau operations and procedures comply with federal and state laws and regulations, University regulations, and departmental regulations and requirements.

• In the absence of Police and Public Safety executive leadership, maintains regular contact with and serves as a liaison between various senior administrators, department chairs, and other stakeholders in leadership positions within the University on diverse matters of sensitivity, discretion, and confidentiality.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Police Administration or other related field. Master's degree and additional certification is preferred and can be used to substitute for relevant experience.

Experience: Satisfactory completion of a Maryland Police Training Commission recognized or approved Police Academy Training program and successful completion of a Police Field Training program and seven (7) years of experience as a certified University Police Officer.

Supervisory Experience: Three (3) years of police supervisory experience.

Preferred Experience: Current or prior experience as a Lieutenant preferred.

Certification/Licensure: Certification as a sworn Police Officer recognized by the Maryland Police Training Commission and valid Maryland Non-commercial Class C or equivalent driver's license.

Other: Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.

Clery act designated job as campus security authorities (CSA) member and will comply with Clery Act requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication abilities and the ability to interact effectively with a wide range of people in a diverse community.

• A comprehensive knowledge of principles and practices of enforcement administration and federal, state, and local criminal, juvenile, and traffic laws.

• Thorough knowledge of court policy and procedures, laws and procedures of search and seizure, laws of evidence and arrest, fiscal administration and budgeting, and crime prevention and criminal investigation.

• A collaborative and engaging leadership style.

• Cultural competence.

• Sound judgment and decision-making ability.

• Excellent initiative with resourcefulness, analytical thinking, and ability to analyze/solve problems quickly under stress.

• Thorough knowledge of position requirements. Thorough knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws. Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems. Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. Ability to support a mission and strategic vision. Instructional, training, and teambuilding skills to strengthen and cultivate relationships. Skill in consultation and change management. Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

Applicants interested in this role may also want to review our Major, Protective Services Bureau position (Job Requisition: 2600008O), which focuses on different responsibilities. You are welcome to apply to one or both roles if they align with your experience.

HIRING RANGE: $153,000 - $159,000, commensurate with education and experience.

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact leave_and_accom@umaryland.edu Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.