We use cookies. Find out more about it here. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
#alert
Back to search results
New

Assistant Director and Lead Investigator

Colgate University
paid time off
United States, New York, Hamilton
Nov 09, 2026
Posting Details
Position Information












Job Category Professional/Administrative
Position Title Assistant Director and Lead Investigator
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Division Dean of the College
Department Campus Safety
Work Arrangement type On-Site (Hamilton, NY) - expected to work fully at the designated campus/office location.
Hiring Wage/Salary Range $75,000.00-$80,000.00
Professional Experience/ Qualifications

  • Meet and maintain a valid driver's license, in accordance with the University's Driver Safety and Motor Vehicle Use Policy.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of safety/security or law enforcement-related experience, with three (3) years of supervisory experience.
  • Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
  • Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships and collaborate with faculty and staff across campus to achieve University goals.
  • Demonstrated understanding and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Proficiency with a range of computer and software applications.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality with highly sensitive information.
  • Highly responsive, dependable, and accountable.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in a higher education environment.
  • Knowledge and experience applying the Clery Act, Title IX, and FERPA regulations.
  • Possession of or ability to obtain NYS Security Guard License.
  • Familiarity with safety, security, and life safety software, hardware, systems, and programs is highly preferred.

Education
A Bachelor's degree, preferably in Criminal Justice or a related field, is preferred. A combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
Formal training and professional certifications in emergency management, security, and/or police/fire/medical are favorable.
Certifications
Offer Determination
When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.
Physical Requirements
Work environment may involve some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions. Work may involve limited exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
Work requires moderate physical activity: Handling of average-weight objects; stooping and bending; moving, lifting, and carrying; and standing or walking for extended periods of time.
Administrative work involves frequent sitting for extended periods of time.
Other Information
This position is deemed essential under the University's Essential Personnel Policy.
This position has been designated as a Campus Security Authority ( CSA), in accordance with the federal statutory requirements of the Jeanne Clery Act. CSAs are required to and responsible for reporting allegations of crimes they receive from students and employees to the Campus Safety Department.


Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Benefits
Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page.
Department Statement
The Colgate University Campus Safety team endeavors to identify and resolve safety and security barriers while educating the campus community in the delivery and application of safety services and practices that create a thriving campus environment for all to live, work, learn, teach, and develop. Consistent with the educational goals and values of Colgate University, we are committed to building community partnerships that foster mutual trust and respect, and to delivering services in a fair, impartial, collaborative, and compassionate manner, with awareness of the diverse experiences of Colgate's students, faculty, staff, and guests.
Accountabilities
In close coordination with the Director for Campus Safety, this position oversees daily departmental operations and serves as the lead Investigator for high-profile, complex, or sensitive matters. Primary responsibilities include reviewing and processing daily incidents; directing follow-up investigations and operations for patrol and security units; and ensuring timely, accurate, professional, and efficient execution aligned with university and departmental standards. The Assistant Director identifies and addresses operational deficiencies through best practices, continuous process improvement, staff training, and clear administrative directives. Advanced proficiency in departmental safety and security software and technologies is required to effectively manage operational systems.
Supervising two direct reports (the Operations Lieutenant and Administrative Lieutenant), this role requires extensive expertise in campus safety administration, operational strategy, organizational planning, and personnel management.
Position Accountabilities:

Operations Management

  • Direct daily Campus Safety operations in collaboration with the Director, ensuring all operational decisions strictly align with regulatory requirements and institutional values, missions, and policies.
  • Develop, update, and enforce departmental operational procedures; maintain required documentation; and collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with the Clery Act, NYS Education Law (Article 129-A), and the NYS Security Guard Act.
  • Work collaboratively with the Director of Campus Safety to support the effective management of financial, technical, physical, and human resources, including the development of strategic budgets aligned with divisional priorities and responsible stewardship of University funds.
  • Use data and safety systems to inform operational decisions, improve workflows, and communicate to campus partners.
  • Participate in a year-round on-call rotation and provide after-hours consultation or response as circumstances require. Coordinate critical incident response and support incident command in collaboration with the Director of Campus Safety, departmental colleagues, and University leadership.


Investigations

  • Serve as the lead Investigator for campus incidents involving student conduct violations, non-criminal concerns, and criminal activities. Manage evidence collection, direct field personnel at scenes, collaborate with outside law enforcement agencies, write thorough investigation reports, and preserve strict confidentiality.
  • Direct investigations from initiation through closure, conducting investigative interviews with involved parties and witnesses. Mentor and train front-line officers and supervisors in interview techniques, investigative protocols, and evidence management.
  • Coordinate with the Director of Campus Safety to develop and deliver trauma-informed investigative training. Analyze incident trends to inform proactive patrol strategies, crime prevention, and community education initiatives.
  • Assist the Director and Human Resources in conducting internal, confidential investigations regarding potential employee policy violations.
  • Apply knowledge of Clery Act and Title IX regulations throughout the investigative process, ensuring accurate crime classification and counting, trauma-informed practices, and proper reporting and referral procedures.

Partnership Building and Community Engagement

  • Provide responsive, high-quality customer service across safety operations, cultivating strong professional relationships with students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
  • Establish and maintain productive partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies.
  • Develop and present educational programs, safety outreach initiatives, and preventative campaigns for students, faculty, and staff.
  • Represent Campus Safety on University committees and labor/management task forces to support positive institutional relationships and effective operations.
  • Engage regularly with campus constituent groups to address safety concerns, build trust, and answer inquiries proactively.
  • Coordinate with campus partners, municipal law enforcement, and local civic organizations within statutory limits for campus safety.
  • Engage students constructively on key safety issues-including sexual violence prevention, alcohol and drug awareness, and mental health crises-offering compassionate, culturally competent support across diverse student backgrounds.

Personnel Management

  • Establish and communicate professional performance standards; regularly evaluate staff; and address performance gaps through constructive coaching, mentoring, and progressive discipline.
  • Ensure compliance with staff training requirements and maintain associated records. Identify, develop, and administer training programs, including onboarding, field training and evaluation, and other programs and practices associated with campus safety operations and delivery.
  • Participate in hiring, recruitment, selection, and retention efforts, including leading searches and performing associated functions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Colgate managerial processes and requirements, including fairly and accurately assessing employee performance in accordance with university practices. Understand federal and state regulations as they apply to human resources policies for selecting new employees, recommending pay actions, determining employment status, and initiating or approving status changes.
  • Select, develop, and retain high-performing teams by developing employee skills and performance, and providing coaching and communication regarding pay, performance, and professional development.
  • Perform other duties as needed or as assigned, for the advancement of departmental and university goals and initiatives.

Safety and Security Expertise

  • Demonstrated expertise in law enforcement or security practices, trends, and processes, with the ability to apply those skills within a small, private, rural, liberal arts university. Apply knowledge of safety, security, and emergency services to prevent and mitigate risk to individuals and the University. Maintain knowledge of and comply with federal, state, and local regulations; obtain and communicate timely and accurate information; maintain security guard registration.
  • Demonstrate knowledge, experience, and expertise in critical incident management (e.g., FEMA, DHS, OSHA, ICS, and threat assessment). Apply best practices and standards in the organization and management of emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation practices. Implement campus-wide safety and compliance frameworks that meet federal, state, and local standards, and effectively mitigate institutional risk.
  • Maintain knowledge of legal regulations in campus safety and security, and emergency management, including FEMA/NIMS critical incident response; NYS Security Guard Act, Title IX, Campus SaVE Act, and the Clery Act to ensure proper administrative compliance and campus readiness.

Posting Detail Information








Requisition Number 2026S077Posting
Temporary No
Work Schedule
Weekdays, Evenings, Occasional Weekends
Job Open Date 11/09/2026
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions Summary
EEO Statement
The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.
Clery Act
CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS

The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).



  1. *
    Are you currently a Colgate employee?

    • Yes
    • No


  2. *
    Have you ever been a Colgate employee?

    • Yes
    • No



  3. Do you have a spouse/domestic partner who currently is, or will be, employed at Colgate University?

    • Yes
    • No


  4. *
    Are you at least 18 years of age?

    • Yes
    • No


  5. *
    Please let us know how you heard about this position.

    • Albany Times Union
    • Binghamton Press & Sun
    • BlackCoachesinSports
    • Careerbuilders.com
    • Cazenovia Republican
    • Centralnewyorkhelpwanted.com
    • Chronicle of Higher Education
    • Chronicle of Philanthropy
    • Colgate Employee
    • Colgate Website
    • CoSIDA
    • Diverse Issues of Higher Education
    • HERC (Upstate New York HERC)
    • HigherEdJobs.com
    • Indeed.com
    • InsideHigherEd.com
    • LinkedIn
    • Mid-York Weekly
    • NACWA
    • naviGATE
    • NCAA News
    • Norwich Evening Sun
    • Oneida Daily Dispatch
    • Sherburne News
    • Studentaffairs.com
    • Syracuse Post Standard
    • Utica Observer Dispatch
    • Waterville Times
    • WomenLeadersinCollegeSports.com
    • Other



  6. If you selected "Colgate Employee" or "Other" for how you heard about this position, please provide the employee's name or where you heard about/saw the position.

    (Open Ended Question)




Applicant Documents
Required Documents

  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter


Optional Documents

Applied = 0

(web-7dc44f465b-sxc9q)