At a glance:
California State University, Long Beach is seeking a Chief of Police to lead a team of approximately 35 sworn and non-sworn professionals and continue advancing a community- and service-focused approach to campus safety.
This is an opportunity for a thoughtful, strategic law enforcement leader who understands that policing in higher education is about more than enforcement—it’s about building trust, exercising sound discretion, de-escalating challenges, and creating strong partnerships with students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.
This highly visible role partners with leaders across the institution and the CSU Chancellor's Office to advance a safe, welcoming, and engaged campus community.
We’re especially interested in leaders with higher education experience or significant command and community engagement experience who bring a service-first mindset to public safety. Bring your leadership to The Beach. Explore the Chief of Police opportunity and apply today.
Description: What you'll be doing:
Another Source's client, California State University, Long Beach, is recruiting a Chief of Police to join their team in Long Beach, California. This is an onsite leadership position, and relocation assistance is available.
Here's a little about California State University, Long Beach:
California State University, Long Beach is part of the 23-campus California State University system and is committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors can learn, work, and engage with the university community.
The University Police Department plays an essential role in that experience. More than traditional law enforcement, the department's work encompasses campus safety, crime prevention, emergency preparedness, security, community engagement, and partnership across the university. The next Chief of Police will have the opportunity to lead this multifaceted operation while serving as a highly visible advisor and partner to university leadership and the broader campus community.
About this role:
Reporting to the Vice President of Administration and Finance, the Chief of Police provides executive leadership and daily management for Cal State Long Beach’s comprehensive law enforcement and crime prevention programs. The Chief serves as the university's senior advisor on law enforcement, public safety, emergency management, risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, traffic management, and crime prevention.
This is a role with significant reach across the institution. The Chief works closely with the President, Vice President of Administration and Finance, Student Affairs leadership, campus executives, the Chancellor's Office, regional law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and members of the public. The position also serves as a critical-incident commander during major emergencies and disasters and plays an active role in university governance and campus planning.
The Chief directly oversees leaders responsible for Field Services, Support Services, emergency operations, and administrative services, leading a team of approximately 35 sworn and non-sworn personnel. The Chief is accountable for ensuring the department’s people, policies, resources, training, and operations meet professional, legal, CSU, and campus standards.
Scope & Impact
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Provide executive leadership for University Police operations, including Field Services, Support Services, Dispatch Communications, crime prevention, criminal investigations, the K9 program, traffic safety and enforcement, facility security, emergency preparedness, training, technology, finance, budget, and human resources.
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Serve as a strategic public-safety advisor to the President, Vice President of Administration and Finance, and other university executives, providing guidance on campus safety, emergency management, risk mitigation, compliance, and law enforcement operations.
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Lead the department's fiscal and administrative operations, establishing budget priorities and responsibly managing resources in support of university and departmental goals.
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Serve as a trusted public-safety advisor and law enforcement partner to the CSU Chancellor’s Office and Chancellor, including providing security services for Board of Trustees meetings and advising on related safety and security matters.
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Build and maintain strong working relationships with Chancellor’s Office leadership and staff, reflecting CSULB University Police’s broader responsibility within the CSU system.
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Maintain an effective policy and internal accountability framework, regularly reviewing departmental practices and adapting operations in response to changes in legislation, judicial review, liability trends, professional standards, and CSU requirements.
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Ensure required reports and records are maintained for federal and state agencies, the CSU Chancellor's Office, and the university.
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Oversee departmental security operations and periodically evaluate practices to ensure alignment with applicable professional standards.
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Partner with the Office of Strategic Communications on public-safety matters and communications.
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Serve as critical-incident commander during major emergencies and disasters, providing leadership during the response as well as after-action reporting, recommendations, and guidance.
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Build trusted relationships across the campus and surrounding community, including government leaders, regional law enforcement agencies, community and neighborhood organizations, and CSU leadership.
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Participate actively in university governance and committees, including groups focused on behavioral intervention, Clery compliance, policy, and campus planning, and serve as an advisor to the President's Executive Cabinet.
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Serve as a key liaison to Student Affairs on sensitive student-related matters and help strengthen the partnership between University Police and the campus community.
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Develop educational and crime-prevention programming that empowers departments and employees to contribute to their own safety and security.
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Lead employee development and ensure University Police personnel maintain required credentials, training, and professional standards.
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Provide direct supervision, coaching, and leadership to departmental personnel and establish expectations for ongoing training and professional development.
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Perform other responsibilities as assigned, including fulfilling Campus Security Authority obligations under the Clery Act and applicable CSU requirements.
Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree or equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in a related field.
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At least 10 years of progressively responsible law enforcement or public safety administration experience, including seven years in a management capacity.
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Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory, and Management certification from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
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Successful completion of a POST Executive Training Course, or the ability to qualify for and complete the certificate/coursework requirements within the first year of employment.
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Thorough understanding of relevant legal issues, including legislation, judicial review, liability trends, and local, state, and federal laws applicable to university law enforcement.
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Working knowledge across law enforcement operations, facility security, crime prevention, criminal investigations, training, emergency preparedness, traffic safety and enforcement, and related safety standards.
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Understanding of crime awareness and reporting requirements, including the Jeanne Clery Act and related provisions of the Higher Education Opportunity Act.
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Experience with budget and personnel administration, including work within a collective bargaining environment.
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Strong executive, administrative, organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
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Ability to communicate and build productive relationships within a culturally diverse university community and collaborate effectively with other department and institutional leaders.
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Valid California driver's license and ability to meet applicable CSU driving requirements.
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Ability to qualify with a firearm in accordance with state and departmental regulations.
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Ability to successfully complete the police background, medical, psychological, and other screening requirements applicable to a sworn peace officer position under California law and POST requirements.
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Advanced or graduate-level education is highly desirable. Graduation from an advanced law enforcement leadership program, such as the FBI National Academy or California POST Command College, is also desirable, as is experience with a university-based law enforcement agency or similarly complex organization.
Compensation & Benefits
The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $230,000–$250,000. Relocation assistance is available.
Why a Career with CSU is for You:
CSU Long Beach offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet you where you are at in life and typically adds 30-35% to your total compensation package.
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Emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance with ample PTO and flexibility, which includes up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group/services)
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Enjoy the vibrant campus life with access to athletic and gym facilities, renowned sporting events, artist events, and world-renowned speakers
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Numerous professional development opportunities to advance your career, including tuition assistance for yourself.
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Three different retirement plans catered to fit your personal saving goals: CalPERS Retirement Plan, 457 (b) Deferred Compensation Plan or 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan (Similar to a 401k plan)
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Medical benefits tailored to support various life stages
Additional Information
This is a sworn peace officer position subject to California state hiring conditions under Section 1031 of the California Government Code and California POST requirements. The selection process includes applicable interview and pre-screening requirements, a full background investigation and criminal history check, financial records check, medical examination, drug testing, and psychological examination.
A background check, including a criminal records check, must be completed satisfactorily before a candidate can be offered a position with the CSU.
The position is designated under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate will be required to file applicable Conflict of Interest forms, complete required ethics training, and comply with Fair Political Practices Commission regulations.
The Chief also serves as a Campus Security Authority under the Clery Act and applicable CSU executive orders and is responsible for promptly reporting qualifying crimes occurring within the university's Clery geography.
Equal Employment Opportunity
California State University, Long Beach are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.
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