Chief of Police
Northern Illinois University 

A national search is underway to attract a highly qualified candidate to lead the Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS) at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb, Illinois. The DPPS services NIU’s main campus and works collaboratively with the City of DeKalb PD to coordinate coverage of off-campus areas with student populations. The DPPS is staffed with 52 sworn police officers and 62 professional and support staff (including 40 student employees) working in a relatively flat organizational structure that provides key services including first response, crime prevention, community policing, criminal investigation, emergency management planning, dispatch, and personal safety education. The chief of police is responsible for protecting the safety and security of more than 16,000 NIU students, faculty, staff, and visitors, as well as the physical campus. The chief is expected to work in collaboration with other critical campus internal and external partners while making strategic judgments and continually refining the department’s strategies to advance campus safety. This position is an exceptional opportunity for a forward-looking and collaborative leader with a strong knowledge of public safety and emergency response practices. The successful candidate will possess outstanding communication skills, an appreciation and vision for the unique role of public safety in the campus environment and a record of success advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in a public safety organization. Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in criminology, criminal justice, administration of justice or a related field, ten years of sworn law enforcement, with at least three years in management. An advanced degree is desirable, as is graduation from the FBI National Academy, PERF's Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), FBI-NEI, PELI or other recognized executive leadership course. The selected candidate must have the ability to obtain police officer certification in Illinois. This at-will position has a very competitive salary that is augmented by an excellent benefits package. Interested candidates should apply by submitting a compelling cover letter and comprehensive resume to [email protected] by October 15, 2021. Confidential inquiries and nominations are welcomed and should directed to: Mr. Gary Peterson, Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc., Telephone: (916) 789-9990 or 622-5323 (mobile), Email: [email protected]. Position profile can be viewed here.  

EEO Statement, Visa Policy, ADA Accommodation

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.