The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) appreciates your interest in employment. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:
Once a recruitment has closed, applications will no longer be accepted. If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (702) 895-3504 or unlvjobs@unlv.edu.
Job Description
University Police Department (UPD), Southern Command invites applications for Deputy Chief (two positions open). We appreciate your interest in employment at our growing division.
ROLE of the POSITIONS
The Deputy Chief (DC) of Police positions are divisional commanders who provide strategic leadership within assigned operational areas and plan, direct, and monitor police operations while performing police administration work of considerable difficulty and scope. The incumbents serve as senior operational leaders within UPD, Southern Command, overseeing and supervising assigned full- and part-time staff and designated operational divisions including: Patrol Section (sworn personnel), Non-Sworn Support Section (Community Service Officers and Student Cadets), Special Events Section, Community Outreach & Problem-Solving Section, Investigations & Intelligence Services, Emergency Planning & Threat Assessment, and Strategic Operations. Collectively, these positions ensure the effective operation of UPD across a complex environment serving approximately 100,000 people across 800+ square miles and multiple campuses, making it one of the largest university police jurisdictions in the western United States.
As command-level administrators, the Deputy Chiefs provide oversight and coordination of accreditation initiatives under the direction of the Chief of Police, ensuring compliance with national law enforcement standards. The incumbents may direct comprehensive accreditation processes through organizations such as the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), ensuring the department meets or exceeds national best practices and professional standards.
As senior executive staff members, the Deputy Chiefs contribute to and lead the development of strategic and operational plans for comprehensive law enforcement operations, emergency preparedness, and campus security initiatives.
These positions require advanced expertise in risk management, crisis leadership, and interagency coordination at federal, state, and local levels. The Deputy Chiefs maintain executive oversight of all special events across the UNLV system, including high-profile events at Thomas & Mack Center, Cox Pavilion, and other major venues, coordinating with federal agencies, major event promoters, and dignitaries. The incumbents develop sophisticated risk-based analyses and threat assessments to ensure appropriate deployment of law enforcement resources for both routine operations and major events throughout the year.
The positions require extensive collaboration with internal and external agencies at the executive level, coordination of comprehensive training programs for all UPD personnel, and service as key departmental liaisons for federal task forces and homeland security initiatives. The Deputy Chiefs assist the Chief of Police in departmental budget planning, grant management, and resource allocation within assigned areas of responsibility.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
Executive Leadership & Strategic Police Operations (40%)
Serve as a senior executive leader providing strategic direction and command oversight for patrol, investigations, special operations, and community policing.
Lead the development and implementation of proactive, intelligence-led policing strategies to address emerging risks in a large, multi-campus environment.
Direct critical incident response and serve in Incident Command or Unified Command roles during major emergencies.
Oversee recruitment, supervision, performance management, and leadership development of sworn and professional staff.
Establish performance standards, accountability systems, and operational metrics to ensure effectiveness and continuous improvement.
Organizational Excellence, Professional Standards & Compliance (30%)
Oversee departmental policies, professional standards, accreditation (IACLEA, CALEA), and regulatory compliance.
Direct administrative investigations, use-of-force review, body-worn camera oversight, and quality assurance programs.
Lead comprehensive training initiatives addressing contemporary policing practices, crisis intervention, de-escalation, and community engagement.
Ensure compliance with POST requirements, federal mandates, and university policies.
Assist the Chief of Police with budget development, grant management, and strategic resource allocation.
Campus Safety Strategy, Major Events & Strategic Partnerships (30%)
Provide executive oversight for security planning and operations for high-profile athletic, entertainment, and dignitary events.
Develop and implement threat assessments, emergency preparedness plans, and campus-wide response protocols.
Coordinate multi-agency operations with federal, state, and local partners for large-scale and complex events.
Serve as executive liaison to university leadership, regional law enforcement agencies, and federal task forces.
Represent the department in executive forums, regional security councils, and professional law enforcement associations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including supervisory and command-level experience.
Peace Officer Certification: Current Nevada POST certification required or able to obtain within one-year of date of hire
PREFERRED QUALIFCATIONS
Education: Bachelor's and master's degrees preferred
Federal Experience: Experience working with federal law enforcement agencies or task forces
University Experience: Experience in higher education law enforcement or large institutional security operations
Specialized Training: Completion of advanced law enforcement leadership programs (FBI National Academy, Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, etc.)
Advanced Certifications: Preferred certifications in specialized areas such as emergency management, executive leadership, or homeland security
NOTE TO APPLICANT
This position requires that a criminal background check be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.
COMMITMENT to CAMPUS VALUES
A successful candidate will contribute to a respectful, positive work environment. They will use our Campus Values to guide their decisions and actions and demonstrate our Rebel spirit.
SALARY
The annual salary range for these positions is $150,000 - $160,000.
Generous compensation packages, separate paid time off for annual and sick leave, and holidays
Excellent health insurance including medical, dental, and vision
No state income tax
Comprehensive retirement plans and voluntary benefits programs
Tuition discounts at Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) schools
Tuition discounts for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents
PERKS
Flexible work schedule (depending on your department)
Employee recognition and appreciation programs
UNLV athletics ticket discounts
Employee discount at UNLV’s Student Wellness Recreation Center
Statewide employee purchase program discounts
RebelCard discounts on and off campus
Wellness programming for all UNLV faculty and staff at no cost
HOW TO APPLY
Submit a letter of interest (cover letter) and a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience. If you are a veteran, please attach your DD-214 or other applicable official documentation to your application as evidence of Veterans or Disabled Veteran’s status.
Attach ALL documents in the CV/Resume attachment section when applying.
Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications because this is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based. The resume must have a detailed description of the major duties that you performed as a part of each job; applicants must demonstrate that they qualify for this position. Education (including High School) and experience must be clearly documented. Your application will NOT be moved forward if your application is incomplete.
This recruitment will remain open until filled. Materials should be addressed to the Deputy Chief Search Committee and must be submitted through Workday, as we do not accept emailed materials. For assistance with the application process, contact policerecruitment@unlv.edu.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES
UNLV employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Find Jobs” process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at UNLV and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Find Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site.
If you complete an application outside of the internal application process, your application will be returned and you will have to reapply as an internal applicant which may delay your application.
EEO/AA STATEMENT
The University of Nevada - Las Vegas (UNLV) is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a person’s age (40 or older), disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks and twists), color, or religion (protected classes). Discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including unlawful harassment, which is a form of discrimination, is illegal under federal and state law. Where unlawful discrimination is found to have occurred, UNLV will act to stop the unlawful discrimination, to prevent its recurrence, to remedy its effects, and to discipline those responsible.
TITLE IX STATEMENT
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates. Non-discrimination on the basis of sex is mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq.) and the corresponding implementation regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106). The University’s commitment to nondiscrimination in its education programs and activities extends to applicants for admission and employment. Inquiries concerning the application of these provisions may be referred to: Michelle Sposito, J.D., Title IX Coordinator, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 451062, Las Vegas, NV 89154-1062, Frank and Estella Beam Hall (BEH) Room 553, Telephone: (702) 895-4055; Email: titleixcoordinator@unlv.edu, or to The Assistant Secretary of the United States Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-1100; Telephone: 1-800-421-3481 FAX: 202-453-6012; TDD: 1-800-877-8339; Email: OCR@ed.gov; or to both. Information pertaining to the University’s grievance procedures and grievance process, including how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of sexual harassment, and how the University will respond can be found online at the Office of Equal Employment & Title IX webpage.
SAFETY AND SECURITY STATEMENT
UNLV is committed to assisting all members of the UNLV community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report compliance document is available online.
JOB CATEGORY
Administrative Faculty
Exempt
Yes
Full-Time Equivalent
100.0%
Exempt
YesFull-Time Equivalent
100.0%Required Attachment(s)
Posting Close Date
03/2/2026Note to Applicant
This position may require that a criminal background check be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.
HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified, HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty member’s first day of employment.
References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.
As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.
For positions that require driving, evidence of a valid driver's license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.
All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements (if a closing date is provided).
Recruitments that provide a work schedule are subject to change based on organizational needs.