Police Captain

Position Title:

Police Captain

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience. Must be able to use and carry a firearm. Possession of certification from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy as a Law Enforcement Officer, or Possession of law enforcement certification in another state.

Special Required Qualifications

Valid U.S. Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's Degree

Experience working in higher education law enforcement

Experience working in a law enforcement agency of 25 of more sworn officers

Job Description:

The Department of Public Safety at Iowa State University is seeking a highly skilled leader to oversee critical departmental operations, ensure accountability, and support the safety and well-being of the campus community. This role manages internal and external investigations, develops and maintains policies that meet legal and accreditation standards, and streamlines processes to enhance departmental efficiency. The position provides leadership in the absence of the Chief and Assistant Chief, serves as Manager on Call during major incidents, and supervises a team including special events, training, evidence management, and accreditation staff. Responsibilities also include coordinating major event operational plans, overseeing evidence and intelligence processes, supporting departmental training and professional standards, assisting with budget development, managing audits and grants, and ensuring compliance with CALEA requirements. This position also performs police officer duties, leads both Field Services and Investigative & Threat Management units, and oversees sensitive investigations that impact the university community. The selected candidate will also be required to complete the Southern Police Institute Administrative Officer’s Course.

Iowa State University Police Department employees will support the Department’s vision and mission by operating in a fair, unbiased manner, which respects the rights and dignity of all individuals. Department employees’ everyday actions are guided by the Department’s values of Respect, Integrity, Caring, Honor, Excellence and Service (RICHES) and be grounded in the highest ethical and professional standards. Department employees are expected to work in partnership with the campus and area communities to provide leadership in solving community problems, preventing crime and providing a safe environment to fulfill the mission of the University. Employees will strive for excellence in fulfilling the Department’s Mission and Vision Statements, values and goals.

This position serves at the pleasure of university administration and is exempt from certain P&S policies.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Example of Duties
• Directs the operations and management of one or more major functional areas of the University’s public safety unit.
• Provides communication, training, and outreach to stakeholders.
• Reviews, develops, implements, and recommends training programs.
• Assesses, plans, and evaluates area operational plans and deployments.
• Institutes and maintains standard operating procedures.
• Coordinates and supervises major case investigations.
• Oversees records, budgets, and departmental expenditures.
• Directs emergency response efforts.
• Manages supervisors and staff and provides day-to-day leadership.

Level Guidelines
• Provides input into annual departmental objectives and action plans
• Accountable for achievement of key annual objectives for a department
• May provide input into institution policy within area of functional expertise
• Responsible for functional output of a department or work team
• Manages subordinate staff
• Has full management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel
• May provide input to the budgeting process
• Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope
• May provide input into financial decisions that impact department or work area

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS811

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
 

Original Posting Date:

January 26, 2026

Posting Close Date:

February 27, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R18486