Executive Director of Emergency Management and Public Safety

Seattle University

Seattle University, a private urban institution in Seattle, Washington, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Executive Director of Emergency Management and Public Safety. This is an in-person leadership role.

Founded in 1891, Seattle University is a Jesuit Catholic university. The First Hill campus is located on a beautiful 50-acre parcel in the dynamic heart of Seattle, with the South Lake Union campus only a mile away. Seattle University's diverse and driven student population comprises more than 7,200 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs across the university's schools and colleges, which offer more than 120 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.

Reporting to the Senior Vice Provost for Academic and Student Affairs, the Executive Director (ED) provides comprehensive leadership and oversight for all safety and security efforts, including oversight of the university's emergency management system, and serves as the institutional leader for emergency preparedness, operations, response, recovery, and mitigation. The Executive Director oversees the daily operations of the Department of Public Safety (DPS), including the development, administration, and evaluation of safety and security programs, policies, and protocols within a risk-based framework; leads and manages a dynamic team of 35 professionals, including two direct reports; and administers an annual operating budget of approximately $2.7 million.

Qualifications:

Requirements include:

• A bachelor's degree (master's degree preferred) in criminal justice, public administration, education, or a related field;
• Progressively responsible experience in public safety, emergency management, or a related field, including at least three years in a supervisory or managerial role;
• Demonstrated training and experience in responding to crimes in progress, crises, and emergency situations. 

Additional requirements include:

• Demonstrated knowledge of current security technologies;
• Experience in emergency planning, hazard mitigation, and incident command (ICS/NIMS);
• A strong understanding of the Clery Act, Title IX, and other relevant higher education laws and regulations;
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse campus community;
• A proven ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and personnel. 

Application and Nomination:

Seattle University has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin on May 22, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://apptrkr.com/7113327

• Contact J. Scott Derrick at jsd@spelmanandjohnson.com for confidential inquiries.
• Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com. 

Visit the Seattle University website at http://www.seattleu.edu/.

To apply, please visit:

https://apptrkr.com/7113327

Seattle University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in the administration of any of its education policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered policies and programs, or in its employment-related policies and practices. In addition, the University does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information or status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking in its employment-related policies and practices, including coverage under its health benefits program.