Job Details

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The Chief of Police provides strategic leadership for the University Police Department, overseeing the safety and security of people and property across the campus. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, the Chief manages a department of approximately 45 permanent and part-time staff and oversees the departmental budget. The Chief is responsible for directing all areas of the department, including policy development, budget management, staffing, training, supervision, and evaluation, while maintaining a culture of professionalism, innovation, and continuous improvement.

As the Universitys primary law enforcement leader, the Chief serves as Incident Commander for emergencies and special events, remains on call as required, and coordinates crisis and emergency response efforts. The Chief is a standing member of key committees and teams, including the Behavioral Assessment Team and Student Concern Response Team, and ensures effective law enforcement, crime prevention, and emergency communications across the campus.

The Chief also fosters strong relationships with the campus community-including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors-as well as with neighboring jurisdictions, regional public safety agencies, and the University of North Carolina System Office and constituent institutions. The role includes maintaining and expanding mutual aid agreements and promoting collaborative approaches to public safety for the benefit of the University and the surrounding region.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this Position:

Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any other immigration-related assistance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelors degree in a related field, such as criminal justice, public administration, emergency and disaster management, or emergency administration and planning, or a closely related discipline. Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience is required. Police officer certification in the State of North Carolina, or eligibility to obtain certification within six months of employment, is required. Extensive supervisory experience in a law enforcement agency is also required.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
State employees engaged in "law enforcement work," as defined by State statute, must meet all applicable education, employment, and training standards established under the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Act and administered by the N.C. Criminal Justice Training and Standards Council.

Certification requires the successful completion of a drug screening, psychological evaluation, and background investigations, including criminal history, driving record, and prior employment.

A Masters degree in a related field is preferred. Graduation from an advanced law enforcement executive leadership program-such as the FBI National Academy, Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, the North Carolina Law Enforcement Management Program, or an equivalent program-is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated record of professional development, training, and continuing education in the law enforcement profession. Prior experience in a higher education setting is also preferred.

To be considered, applicants must apply online.

Please attach a current resume, cover letter and a listing of at least three professional references to include their complete contact information.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For questions or additional information, please contact Mr. Michael Byers at mtbyers@wcu.edu