University of Texas System
CHIEF OF POLICE (UTRGV Employees Only)
Edinburg, TX
About the role
Institution: UT Rio Grande Valley
Posting Number
SRGV9217Working Title
CHIEF OF POLICE (UTRGV Employees Only)Number of Vacancies
1Location
Edinburg, TexasDepartment
University PoliceFTE
1FLSA
ExemptScope of Job
The Rio Grande Valley is a vibrant and culturally rich region in South Texas, known for its strong sense of community, diverse heritage, and growing economic opportunities. At the heart of the region, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) provides innovative academic programs, research opportunities, and a commitment to student success that helps shape the valley’s future. UTRGV extends throughout the valley, from Starr County to South Padre Island, and ranks as one of the most beautiful campuses in the state of Texas. It is home to state-of-the-art facilities and classic structures that make UTRGV unique and capture the beauty and energy of Vaquero Nation.
This position is responsible for the effective leadership, management, and operation of the University Police Department including planning, organizing and directing the activities of the department and ensuring that community safety and security is assured, state laws and The University of Texas System Board of Regents’ Rules and Regulations are enforced, and appropriate measures are implemented to prevent crime, protect the campus and provide for the public safety of the university community. The incumbent understands the status of the University of Texas System Police as a single state law enforcement agency and acknowledges, understands and is familiar with the relationship between the Chief of Police and the Director of Police.
This position is responsible for the effective leadership, management, and operation of the University Police Department including planning, organizing and directing the activities of the department and ensuring that community safety and security is assured, state laws and The University of Texas System Board of Regents’ Rules and Regulations are enforced, and appropriate measures are implemented to prevent crime, protect the campus and provide for the public safety of the university community. The incumbent understands the status of the University of Texas System Police as a single state law enforcement agency and acknowledges, understands and is familiar with the relationship between the Chief of Police and the Director of Police.
Description of Duties
- Promote programs and philosophies that reflect best practices and successful applied research efforts nationally in law enforcement and public safety
- Provide tireless, collaborative, and inspirational leadership to a full service law enforcement agency focused on community policing
- Work closely and successfully with the senior university leadership, all service units of the university, federal, state and local law enforcement, and other public safety agencies
- Coordinate with internal and external organizations and stakeholders regarding major activities held on campus, including but not limited to: the legitimate expression of right to free speech and assembly, athletic events, concerts, speakers’ series, commencements and student/public assemblies
- Oversee, assess, and respond to critical campus law enforcement, public safety and security concerns, issues, and situations
- Ensure that appropriate threat assessment/management and risk mitigation measures are in place and ensure the capacity of the department to respond to catastrophic events, either criminal or natural in origin
- Manage the departmental operating budget, establish an ongoing strategic plan for the department, as well as ensuring staff development, succession planning and stewardship
- Serve as the primary spokesperson for the institution on law enforcement, public safety and security matters.
Supervision Received
Directly reporting to the Vice President for Administrative Support Services.
Supervision Given
Direct supervision of assigned staff.
Required Education
Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate or related field from an accredited university.
Preferred Education
Master’s degree in an appropriate or related field from an accredited university.
Licenses/Certifications
Class “C” Operator’s Driver’s License. Applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, the applicant must obtain a Texas driver’s license within 30 days after becoming a Texas resident.
If not possessed, the required license(s) and certification must be obtained no later than six months following the date of the appointment. The process for licensing as a Texas Peace officer may require the successful completion of a licensing examination administered by TCOLE.
If not possessed, the required license(s) and certification must be obtained no later than six months following the date of the appointment. The process for licensing as a Texas Peace officer may require the successful completion of a licensing examination administered by TCOLE.
Required Experience
Fifteen years of progressively varied and responsible experience as a certified/licensed full-time law enforcement officer with a recognized law enforcement agency(ies), including at least five years of service in an administrative, supervisory, or management position at the rank of Police Lieutenant or above (or the equivalent); shall have or be eligible to obtain, a Texas Driver’s License, a Texas Peace Officer License, and Master Certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
Preferred Experience
A working knowledge of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistics Act; knowledge of Title IX regulation and obligations; experience as a chief of police; executive training through the FBI National Academy or an equivalent venue; law enforcement leadership experience working in a higher education environment.
Equipment
Use of standard office equipment.
Working Conditions
Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Office Environment; some travel and weekend work is required. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which may require presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
As part of their essential duties, employees in these roles are expected to maintain a consistent, in-person presence on campus at their assigned locations. Limited exceptions may apply for positions that are approved as hybrid or fully remote in accordance with UTRGV policies.
Other
The selected candidate must demonstrate visionary leadership and excellence in verbal and written communications, strategic planning skills, and the ability to foster a positive and rewarding work environment while maintaining professional discipline in the department, must have a reputation for honesty, integrity and ethical conduct, and the inter-personal skills necessary to work successfully with students, faculty, staff, visitors and the general public. Applicant must also have an understanding of the national law enforcement accreditation process and associated standards. The selected candidate must have a demonstrated record of successful leadership and an understanding of the challenges of 21st century policing. The selected candidate shall also have a working knowledge of the Incident Command System and National Incident Management System.
This is a security sensitive position requiring a comprehensive background investigation; the candidate must also be able to qualify for a U. S. government Secret security clearance. To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.
This is a security sensitive position requiring a comprehensive background investigation; the candidate must also be able to qualify for a U. S. government Secret security clearance. To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.
Physical Capabilities
N/A
Employment Category
Full-TimeMinimum Salary
Commensurate with ExperiencePosted Salary
Commensurate with ExperiencePosition Available Date
10/26/2026Grant Funded Position
NoIf Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Dear Applicant,
Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following:
Date of Birth
Gender
*Ethnicity/Race
Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (956) 665-2451 and/or [email protected].
Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following:
Date of Birth
Gender
*Ethnicity/Race
Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (956) 665-2451 and/or [email protected].
Additional Information
UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.
All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of Human Resources.
All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of Human Resources.