Major, Protective Services

Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Police, the Major, Protective Services Bureau, is a key member of the command staff and oversees a broad portfolio encompassing civilian security operations, communications and dispatch, executive protection, and specialized safety functions across a complex urban research campus. This is a high‑visibility, impact‑driven role for a leader who combines operational acumen with emotional intelligence and the ability to inspire confidence across diverse teams.

The Major will guide a large civilian workforce and a growing supervisory structure, fostering a modern, collaborative, and mentorship‑oriented culture. The position requires a leader who can strengthen supervisory capacity, reinforce accountability, and elevate service quality while supporting teams through organizational change. The Major will also oversee the communications and dispatch function, ensuring consistent leadership, strong team engagement, and reliable operational performance.

A central component of this role is managing schedules of UMB officers assigned to executive protection. The Major will manage the officers assigned to this detail and coordinate complex travel, events, and security assessments with discretion and sound judgment. Additionally, the Major leads planning and response for high‑profile visitors, major university events, and sensitive research facilities involving regulated materials, specialized laboratories, and potential activism, requiring exceptional organization, political sensitivity, and the ability to partner effectively with federal regulators and institutional leaders.

The role carries broad command responsibilities, including emergency response and management; policy development; evaluation of operational effectiveness; personnel performance and training oversight; and ongoing communication with executive‑level university leadership on matters of significance. Success will require strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, cultural competence, and the ability to uphold UMB’s core values in every aspect of public safety service.

Candidates must hold Maryland Police Training Commission certification. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, with a master’s degree preferred. The ideal candidate brings a strong track record in law enforcement leadership, supervisory experience, knowledge of emergency management practices, familiarity with executive protection, and the judgment and integrity expected of a senior public safety official within a major urban university community. This position is designated as a Clery Act campus security authority.

BENEFITS AND LOCATION

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work-life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

UMB is assisted in this search by Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm. All inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed in confidence to the firm as described below.

APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS

All applicants must complete the following two-step process to be considered:

1. Apply via UMB’s career site: https://umb.taleo.net/careersection/jobdetail.ftl?job=2600008O&lang=en
2. Apply (including resumes and letters of interest responding to the opportunities and challenges outlined above) to the IM executive search team below.

Daniel Rodas is leading this search with Melissa DePretto Behan, Karson Freeman, and Nicole Sancilio.

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification. 

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact leave_and_accom@umaryland.edu Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. 

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.