Skip to Main Content

Job Title


Assistant Vice President for Facilities, Events and Public Safety


Company : University of Bridgeport


Location : Bridgeport, CT


Created : 2025-12-04


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Description Summary/Purpose: The University of Bridgeportseeksa dynamic, strategic, and experienced leader to serve as the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Events and Public Safety. This senior administrative officeris responsible forthe 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 alsobe responsible foroverseeing theancillary, non-academic buildings to ensuresmoothoperationand positive revenue. This role is critical in fostering a campus environment that is both welcoming and secure, balancingopen accesswith proactive risk management. The AVP will report to theSeniorVice President forFacilities, IT, and Security, and work closely with thePresidentand other senior managersas 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. Knowledgeofindustrybestpractices, andanabilityto evaluateprocessesand proceduresand make recommendations forprocess 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. Abilitytomanagelargeconstructionandmaintenancesystems Planningandzoningregulations,issuesandprocesses. Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations; code requirements; and safetypractices Experienceinhighereducationprinciplesandpracticesispreferred Strategicandtacticalplanningand 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. Championa 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 aremaintainedto 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, includingdirectand contractedpersonnel. 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 Actand OSHA.Partner with Title IXstafftoensure that processes support compliance in this area. The above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of workto be performedby theAVP for Events and Public Safety. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of allresponsibilitiesof the position.You will devote your full time and best efforts to the performance of your various job duties and will observeany and allpolicies, rules and regulations that the University may now have or shall hereafter establish. Other Functions: Performs similar or related work asrequired, directed or as situation dictates. Continuesprofessional development and training; keeps current with trends. Assistsother department staff as needed to promote a team effort. Other duties as assigned. Conductsall work in a safemannerand all work safety practices are followed. Knowledge, Ability and Skill: Demonstratedexperience 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 theJeanne 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 (, large non-profit, corporate campus, healthcare system). Experience with event management software;experience withpublic safety communication systemspreferred. Demonstrated commitment to developing and fosteringacampus environmentinenvironmentin which all membersand visitorsof 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-solvingand analytical skills, as well as critical thinking ability. Function as a team player in a diverse working environment. Qualifications Minimum Required Qualifications: Education, Training, and Experience Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Facilities or Project Management, Hospitality Management, ora relatedfieldrequired. Minimumof 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 asCertified ProtectionProfessional (CPP),Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), orCertified Meeting Professional (CMP)stronglypreferred. Demonstratedproficiencywith Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel. Physical and Mental Requirements: Work Environment None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Outdoor Weather Conditions X Work with fumes or airborne particles X Work near moving mechanical parts X Risk of electrical shock X Vibration X Physical Activity None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Standing X Walking X Sitting X Talking & Hearing X Using hands/fingers to handle/feel X Climbing or balancing X Bending, pulling, pushing X Driving X Lifting Requirements None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Up to 10 pounds X Up to 25 pounds X Up to 50 pounds X Up to 75 pounds X Up to 100 pounds X Over 100 pounds X Vision requirements(Especially relevant if driving is required by the job) ___ Close vision (;clear visionat 20 inches or less) _X__ Distancevision (;clear visionat 20 feet or more) ___ Color vision (;ability toidentifyand distinguish colors) ___ Peripheral vision (;ability toobservean area that can be seen up and down or left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point) ___ Depth perception (;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 foremployee,spouse& dependents Paid Time Off program (This job descriptiondoes not constitutean employment agreement betweenThe University of Bridgeportandemployee. 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 jobchange.)