Executive Director, Public Safety Institute Reinhardt University – Waleska, Georgia

Reinhardt University invites applications for the position of Executive Director of the Public Safety Institute. This is a 12-month, exempt administrative position within the McCamish School of Business and Professions.

Position Overview

The Executive Director of the Public Safety Institute provides leadership, administration, and oversight for the University’s public safety programs, including the Reinhardt University Police Academy, the Associate and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice programs, and the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. This position is responsible for the daily operations of the Police Academy, academic program coordination, and the strategic growth and development of the Institute. The Executive Director plays a key role in strengthening partnerships with law enforcement and public safety agencies, ensuring program quality and compliance, and expanding educational opportunities for traditional and non-traditional students. Primary Responsibilities Leadership & Administration Provide overall leadership and administrative oversight for the Public Safety Institute.

Manage the daily administration and coordination of the Reinhardt University Police Academy. Supervise academy personnel, including the Coordinator of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy and instructional staff.

Develop, implement, and oversee policies and procedures for Institute programs. Administer and monitor budgets and expenditures for the academy and related programs. Present reports to advisory boards and coordinate regular meetings.

Police Academy Operations & Compliance

Ensure all academy operations adhere to Georgia P.O.S.T. Council rules, regulations, and standards.

Oversee the development, review, and revision of academy training programs. Monitor the effectiveness of training programs and ensure conformity with required standards. Maintain academy certification and oversee the annual assessment process.

Monitor academy testing processes and maintain the integrity and security of testing materials. Investigate testing irregularities and report findings to the Georgia P.O.S.T. Council.

Validate training completion and submit required documentation to P.O.S.T. Establish applicant entrance standards and oversee the pre-service application process. Verify that all applicants meet peace officer pre-employment requirements under Georgia law.

Administer academy disciplinary processes and render disciplinary decisions. Maintain training equipment security, accountability, and integrity. Academic Program Coordination Serve as Program Coordinator for: Associate of Science in Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Master of Public Administration (MPA) Develop and manage course schedules aligned with program delivery.

Prepare and maintain course syllabi aligned with program and training objectives. Recruit, supervise, and evaluate adjunct faculty and instructional staff. Ensure alignment between academy training and academic programming.

Lead curriculum development, review, and continuous improvement efforts. Support program assessment, reporting, and academic quality standards.

Teaching & Student Engagement Teach assigned courses within the Police Academy and/or Criminal Justice and MPA programs. Provide guidance, advising, and support to students. Assist instructional staff in delivering effective and engaging learning experiences.

Support student recruitment and retention initiatives. Enrollment Growth & Recruitment Actively engage in student recruitment for the Police Academy, Criminal Justice programs, and MPA program.

Collaborate with University marketing and admissions teams to promote Institute programs.

Develop pathways from academy participation to undergraduate and graduate degree enrollment. Expand program offerings, including continuing education and specialized training opportunities.

External Partnerships & Professional Engagement

Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with public and private sector partners, including: Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies Public safety organizations (fire, EMS, homeland security)

Represent the University at professional conferences, community events, and Georgia P.O.S.T. Council meetings.

Maintain strong working relationships with regulatory and professional organizations. Support workforce development initiatives and identify opportunities for program growth.

Qualifications Required

Doctoral degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field. Prior experience as a law enforcement academy coordinator or director.

Prior experience teaching in higher education. Georgia P.O.S.T. Specialty Instructor Certifications (firearms, driver training, hazardous materials, emergency medical, defensive tactics).

Experience in academic program leadership, curriculum development, or program assessment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Expertise in law enforcement and public safety topics.

Ability to teach complex material in a clear and effective manner. Knowledge of Georgia P.O.S.T. Act, P.O.S.T. Rules, and Uniform Law Enforcement Academy Regulations.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and work effectively under pressure. Experience mentoring, advising, or supporting adult learners. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Work Environment / Physical Requirements Combination of office, classroom, and training environments.

Participation in physical training activities, including defensive tactics.

Ability to stand, walk, bend, and engage in physically demanding activities for extended periods.

Ability to lift and carry 50–75 pounds. Year-round training conducted in various weather conditions.

About the Public Safety Institute

The Public Safety Institute at Reinhardt University is dedicated to serving the educational and professional development needs of public safety professionals, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and military service members. The Institute provides academic and training programs designed to support leadership development, workforce readiness, and career advancement in the public safety field. Reinhardt University is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE/M/V/H/V).  Reinhardt University is an equal opportunity institution. The University respects the essential dignity of all individuals and is committed to providing equal access to and support for education and employment opportunities. Reinhardt does not discriminate in any of its policies, programs, or activities on the basis of race, color, age, culture, national origin, socioeconomic status, veteran’s status, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, religious belief, physical (dis)ability, political affiliation, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. All people involved in the operations of the University are prohibited from engaging in such discrimination. Direct inquiries regarding the equal opportunity and non-discrimination policy to: Director of Human Resources, Reinhardt University, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska, GA 30183, 770-720-9146.