Assistant Vice President for Facilities, Events and Public Safety

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world. 

Position Description Summary/Purpose: 

The University of Bridgeport seeks a dynamic, strategic, and experienced leader to serve as the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Events and Public Safety. This senior administrative officer is responsible for the integrated leadership, vision, and operational excellence of event management, hospitality services, and public safety at the University.  

The AVP will ensure that all campus events, from smaller campus functions to large-scale events such as commencement ceremonies, are executed flawlessly, safely, and in a manner that reflects the University's values. This position will also be responsible for overseeing the ancillary, non-academic buildings to ensure smooth operation and positive revenue.  This role is critical in fostering a campus environment that is both welcoming and secure, balancing open access with proactive risk management. The AVP will report to the Senior Vice President for Facilities, IT, and Security, and work closely with the President and other senior managers as needed. 

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities: 

Strategic Leadership & Administration (50%)  

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, integrated strategic plan for campus events, hospitality, and public safety that aligns with the University's mission and goals.  
• Knowledge of industry best practices, and an ability to evaluate processes and procedures and make recommendations for process improvements 

• Establish and enforce policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure the safety, security, and positive experience of all students, faculty, staff, and guests.  

• Prepare, manage, and oversee complex departmental budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic allocation of resources.  

• Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and professional development for directors and managers within events, hospitality, and public safety teams.  

• Serve as the primary crisis manager for events and safety incidents, leading the emergency response planning and coordination efforts.  

• Ability to manage large construction and maintenance systems 

• Planning and zoning regulations, issues and processes. 

• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations; code requirements; and safety practices 

• Experience in higher education principles and practices is preferred 

• Strategic and tactical planning and execution 

Event Management & Hospitality (25%)  

• Provide executive oversight for the planning, scheduling, and execution of all major University events, including but not limited to: Orientation, Commencement, Convocation, donor galas, athletic competitions, and external rentals.  

• Champion a culture of exceptional hospitality and customer service across all touchpoints, ensuring a seamless and positive experience for all campus constituents and visitors.  

• Oversee the management of key event venues and hospitality services, ensuring facilities are maintained to the highest standards.  

• Collaborate with key stakeholders including Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Athletics, University Advancement, and President's Office to understand needs and ensure event success.  

Public Safety & Risk Management (25%)  

• Provide executive leadership to the University's Department of Public Safety, including direct and contracted personnel.  

• Ensure a visible, professional, and community-oriented public safety presence on campus that builds trust and promotes a safe learning environment.  

• Oversee all aspects of campus security, emergency preparedness, fire safety, access control, video surveillance, and parking/transportation.  

• Maintain strong collaborative relationships with local, state, and federal law enforcement and emergency response agencies.  

• Conduct regular risk assessments for events and general campus operations; develop and implement mitigation strategies.  

• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal safety regulations, including the Clery Act and OSHA. Partner with Title IX staff to ensure that processes support compliance in this area. 

The above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the AVP for Events and Public Safety. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities of the position. You will devote your full time and best efforts to the performance of your various job duties and will observe any and all policies, rules and regulations that the University may now have or shall hereafter establish.

Other Functions:   

• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates. 
• Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends. 
• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort. 
• Other duties as assigned. 
• Conducts all work in a safe manner and all work safety practices are followed. 

Knowledge, Ability and Skill: 

• Demonstrated experience in crisis management, emergency response planning, and business continuity.  

• Proven ability to develop and manage large, complex budgets.  

• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and diplomatic skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse community of students, faculty, staff, executives, and external partners.  

• Deep understanding of compliance requirements, including the Jeanne Clery Act, and other relevant higher education regulations.  

• Strong strategic planning and organizational change management skills.  

• Experience in a higher education or similarly complex institutional environment (e.g., large non-profit, corporate campus, healthcare system).  

• Experience with event management software; experience with public safety communication systems preferred. 

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering a campus environment in environment in which all members and visitors of the University community are treated with respect and dignity. 

• A leadership style and service orientation consistent with the culture and mission of the University. 

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as critical thinking ability. 

• Function as a team player in a diverse working environment. 

Minimum Required Qualifications: 

Education, Training, and Experience 

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Facilities or Project Management, Hospitality Management, or a related field required. 

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in event management, public safety, security, or emergency management, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing multiple functional areas. 

• Professional certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), or Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) strongly preferred. 

• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel. 

Physical and Mental Requirements:  

Work Environment 

Physical Activity 

Lifting Requirements   

Vision requirements (Especially relevant if driving is required by the job) 

___ Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less) 

_X__ Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more) 

___ Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors) 

___ Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or 

left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point) 

___ Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and 

spatial relationships) 

___ No special vision requirements 

Full-Time Employee Benefits: 

• Medical Insurance 

• Dental Insurance 

• Vision Insurance 

• Pet Insurance 

• 401k employer match 

• Employee & dependent life insurance 

• Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents 

• Paid Time Off program 

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between The University of Bridgeport and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)