Position Title

Deputy Chief of Police

About the University

Western Washington University, with over 15,000 students in seven colleges and the graduate school, is nationally recognized for its educational programs, students and faculty. The campus is located in Bellingham, Washington, a coastal community of 90,000 overlooking Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades Mountain range. The city lies 90 miles north of Seattle and 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. Western has additional sites in Anacortes, Bremerton, Everett, Port Angeles, and Poulsbo. Western is recognized nationally for its successes, such as being named one of the top public master's-granting institutions in the Pacific Northwest for 25 years in a row by U.S. News & World Report.

Western Washington University is committed to achieving excellence through advancing inclusive success, increasing our Washington impact, and focusing on transformational education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and based on innovative scholarship, research, and creative activity. Western's greatest strength is the outstanding students, faculty, staff, and alumni/ae who make up its community. Western supports an inclusive governance structure for all and provides a learning and working environment in which everyone can thrive. In pursuit of this excellence, individual employees are expected to establish and maintain productive and effective inclusive working relationships amongst diverse populations including staff, faculty, administration, student, and external constituents. Further, individual employees are expected to have the ability to operationalize sustainability concepts (economic, societal, environmental) into all aspects of performing their job duties.

About the Department

The Western Washington University Police Department supports Western's mission, which states that together with our students, staff, and faculty, we are committed to making a positive impact in the state and the world with a shared focus on academic excellence and inclusive achievement. We encourage applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and other candidates from underrepresented backgrounds and with diverse experiences interested in this opportunity.

About the Position

The Deputy Chief of Police (Deputy Chief) serves as second in command of the Western Washington University Police Department with responsibility for managing daily patrol operations and police services of the department. This includes the responsibility for the preservation of peace, protection of life and property, and the enforcement of laws and regulations in a manner that provides a safe and secure educational environment for the University.

Due to the nature of the areas of responsibility, this position involves discretionary decision making and planning to ensure a positive impact on the reputation and image of the University. The position is highly visible and expected to affirmatively represent the University when interacting with law enforcement and other allied agencies, community groups, students, parents, and University visitors.

Compliance with University policies and procedures, state laws and state regulations are required to successfully accomplish the duties of this position.

The Deputy Chief assists the Assistant Vice President for Security / WWU Chief of Police (AVP-Chief) with long-range planning, budget preparation, and collective bargaining. The Deputy Chief directs all activities of the University Police Department in the absence of the AVP-Chief.

The Deputy Chief plays an integral role in providing a culture of open, transparent leadership in an environment that emphasizes employee engagement, promotes diversity, encourages positive morale, and promotes effective employee mentorship and development within the department. The successful candidate possesses a proven history of high integrity, accountability, including having difficult developmental conversations with employees when required, and the ability to do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reasons.

Full Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for assisting in the planning, organization, direction, and coordination of the activities of department personnel to ensure safety and security of the University community through the enforcement of laws.
• Supervise the patrol functions of the University Police Department; execute departmental policies in accordance with administrative intent. Ensure there is patrol coverage and review alternative schedules as needed. Assign patrol personnel duties, which may include crime prevention, research, and training. Review police reports for accuracy, timeliness, and completeness. Approve reports for dissemination to other departments or outside agencies.  
• Oversee the development of departmental standard operating procedures and work towards accreditation for the department. Develop highly effective crime prevention strategies and response protocols to enhance safety and security at WWU. 
• Enforce local, state, and university laws and regulations; provide advice and assist subordinates in highly complex criminal investigations.  
• Manage the planning and coverage of major special events on university property. Patrol the main campus jurisdictions and respond to calls for service as needed.  
• When needed, assume direct command of forces in emergency situations or major law enforcement operations. Work collaboratively with local, state, and/or federal partners. 
• Receive and process inquiries, internal investigations and commendations in a manner mandated by local, state, and federal laws, as well as university and department policies and procedures.  
• Assist in the development of training programs, provide educational presentations for other departments as requested, attend staff meetings and community meetings. 
• Complete annual evaluations of subordinates.
• Under general direction of the AVP-Chief, develop and administer the University Police Department budget. Working with the Assistant to the AVP-Chief, maintain fiscal control over expenditures, including purchasing of equipment and supplies, security and maintenance of equipment and assets, and oversight of contracts for services. Ensure maintenance of appropriate financial records including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll. Recommend financial policy and fiscal measures. 
• Supervise, manage, direct, evaluate, develop, and discipline University Police Department staff directly or through subordinate supervisors. 
• In compliance with law, policy, and University Police labor agreements, oversee internal investigations of alleged employee misconduct including fact-finding and analysis. Recommend disciplinary action. 
• Review and approve employee records, departmental statistical reports, and personnel action forms.
• Participate in WWU committees as appropriate. 
• Foster collaborative working relationships by creating a culture of care and open accountability within a highly diverse university culture. 
• Maintain effective collaborative and proactive relationships with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as other colleges and universities. 
• In partnership with the AVP-Chief, work towards ensuring WWU Police Department policies and procedures are up to date and in line with WASPC and/or ICALEA accreditation. 
• Prepare operational reports and analyses regarding progress, trends, and appropriate recommendations as needed. 
• Assist in the preparation of the University Police Department budget and budget requests, budget planning, and ensure the efficient use of funds. 
• Prepare and manage the submission of any departmental grant requests. 
• Perform other duties as directed.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. (Note: Equivalency cannot substitute for legally mandated requirements such as licensure or certification.)

Minimum of five years of supervisory experience in law enforcement administration, with proven leadership in managing personnel, operations, and complex public safety initiatives.

Current commission as a law enforcement officer of the State of Washington, or the ability to obtain one through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) within one year of hire.

Thorough understanding of:

• Principles, policies, and best practices in police management.
• Federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to law enforcement and   public safety.
• Labor relations, collective bargaining agreements, and administrative procedures.
• Modern policing trends, such as community engagement, crisis response, and trauma-informed strategies.

Proven ability to:

• Lead with integrity, accountability, and ethical decision-making.
• Supervise, mentor, and help staff grow through constructive feedback and professional development.
• Build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with diverse communities, including students, faculty, staff, and external partners
• Communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) on sensitive, complex, and high-profile issues.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute strategic initiatives within a complex organizational environment.
• Develop, review, and update departmental policies and procedures.

Demonstrated commitment to:

• Equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive policing.
• Partnership with mental health and social services to enable compassionate crisis response.
• Ongoing learning and professional development through training, education, and staying updated with emerging best practices.

Ability to:

• Qualify with a department-issued firearm within 30 days of hire and stay proficient with firearms regularly.
• Meet the physical requirements of the role, including the ability to perform essential police duties when needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, leadership, or related field.
• Completion of an executive law enforcement leadership program such as Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, the FBI National Academy, or a comparable command-level training program.
• Proven experience in higher education or campus public safety, with knowledge of student development, academic culture, and Clery requirements.
• Working knowledge of public safety software systems, including records management (RMS), crime reporting, and incident tracking platforms.
• Experience in budget development and financial management, including monitoring expenditures, forecasting, and preparing budget justifications.
• Completion of the Clery Act Compliance Training Academy or an equivalent 40-hour Clery Act compliance course.
• Certification in the National Incident Management System (NIMS), including ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 300, and ICS 400.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment

This position is sworn law enforcement and requires:

• U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, as required by Washington State law.
• Basic law enforcement certification or eligibility for certification through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC).

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of:

• A thorough background investigation
• Criminal convictions check
• Fingerprinting
• Psychological examination
• Polygraph examination
• Medical examination

The incumbent must undergo a re-background check every 5 years, according to state and department standards.

Must continuously meet eligibility requirements for law enforcement commissioning, including compliance with professional conduct, fitness, and firearms qualification standards.

All employees must comply with our Immunization policies, including Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60-days of hire. Please reach out to HR@wwu.edu if you need information regarding medical or religious exemption and applicable accommodations.

Salary 

Hiring range for position is $144,867 - $166,596/year.  Through longevity position tops out at $188,327/year.

Benefits Information

Benefits Overview for Administrative Professional Position.

Application Instructions

A cover letter and resume are required and should address your experience related to the position responsibilities and the required and preferred qualifications. Please include the names and contact information of three professional references. References will only be contacted if necessary, with notice provided beforehand.

Closing Date Notes

Application review begins May 21, 2026; position is open until filled.

Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with applicable laws, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, citizenship or immigration status, pregnancy, use of protective leave, genetic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed, religion, veteran or military status, disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal (including a service animal in training) by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU’s Policies on Prohibiting Discrimination Based on A Protected Class and Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Sex. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu

WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3751 or 711 (Washington Relay).

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: This report is provided pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act ("The Clery Act"). It includes statistics for the previous three calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on Western's campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Western; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report in printed or alternate formats by contacting the Office of Student Life at student.life@wwu.edu. The report can be found at: Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

All new employees must comply with the immunization policy and show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service before beginning work at WWU. A thorough background check will be conducted on all new hires which includes a sexual misconduct background check.