Who we are

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Job Summary

The Special Service & Community Engagement Captain leads continual recruitment, background, hiring and on-boarding efforts, coordinates Active Shooter/Hostile Intruder training programs, and coordinates Institute safety and security preparedness and will leads the team to develop technical solutions and enhancements to alarm systems. The Captain also maintains compliance with mandates of the Facility Clearance Program, conducts emergency drills, and manages training programs such as the NYS Security Guard Certification program, Campus Safety Officer program, leadership development and Mental Health/EDPRT training. The Captain implements new programs to strengthen community engagement programs such as Residence Life Liaison and Greek Life Liaison programs, quarterly “meet and greets” opportunities with students and liaison with student government and coordinate special event planning requiring outside Law Enforcement assistance and operations planning.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in a public safety or law enforcement environment, including at least six (6) years in a supervisory role

• Must possess and maintain a valid U.S. state driver’s license

Applicants must meet stated minimum education and experience requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of criminal procedure law, penal law, and family court act and the ability to apply appropriately
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations and the ability to apply appropriately
• Ability to develop new programs and provide training
• Excellent customer relation skills and ability to effectively relate with a diverse community
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written; ability to prepare and present reports
• Effective planning, organizing and time management skills
• Personal computer skills

Representative Job Duties

• Maintains Public Safety records, log of activities, and files in accordance with Federal, State, Local laws and regulations and Institute standards. In addition, reviews crime and incident data collection and analysis for Federal, State and agency compliance and to improve department training and preparedness effectiveness.
• Plans and coordinates the background and hiring unit to make recommendations on hiring decisions. Includes coordination of initial screening, interview process, fingerprinting and requesting reference checks. Coordinates staffing, field training and shift bids for all staff. 
• Coordinates liaison programs with student, faculty and staff groups including student and faculty senates as well as residential cohort groups and fraternity/sorority housing groups. 
• Collaborate with Associate Director and conduct large scale emergency drills and tabletop exercises and oversees safety training programs across the institute including Active Shooter/Hostile Intruder training. 
• Assists the Director and Associate Director with administration of the Department. Coordinates the work of the Technical Lieutenant to update technical solutions, improve camera systems and enhance alarm systems. Oversees research and piloting of safety solutions such as weapons detection and analytics for existing camera systems. 
• Oversees the Facility Clearance Program and Rensselaer Critical Facility Clearance program. 
• Leads the Community Policing/Community Outreach program placing emphasis on identifying goals for development and implementation of public safety improvement, education and outreach on-campus and off-campus. Continue to improve effective systems for communication for students living off campus. This includes coordinating special event and athletic events staffing and other organized and approved events with internal and external partners. 
• Maintains Public Safety records, files, and logs in accordance with Federal, State and local laws as well as Institute standards. Maintain confidentiality in all situations by ensuring information is protected in accordance with Institute, state and federal guidelines including but not limited to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). 
• Provides supervision, direction and guidance to subordinates, commend and discipline subordinates including proper documentation; make and support recommendations for hiring, promotions and terminations of staff; prepare and conduct performance reviews for assigned staff. 
• Ensures training compliance and documentation for staff, including but not limited to Campus Safety Officer/Public Safety Officer and Security Guard Training and certification and completion of Field Training and Mental Health Training. Assist in the development and execution of strategic training and education programs for staff to improve Public Safety response readiness including specialized training to deal with special populations.

Shift

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel

Driving

Driving a personal vehicle for non-passenger use

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $100,000 - $109,000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).