Director of Public Safety Technology & Aviation Programs (OPS)

Make a difference at one of Florida's premier institutions for education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Florida Polytechnic University, ranked the No. 1 public college in the region by U.S. News and World Report, offers a unique working environment that encourages faculty and staff to be part of a culture that prizes collaboration, innovation, and the willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our students and University succeed. Florida Poly offers a small campus academic environment where students form connections with their faculty and peers as they pursue high-value degrees in engineering and applied sciences.

The University is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and equipment and two award-winning, architecturally distinct academic buildings. Its evolving curriculum, designed to meet the needs of industry and provide a life-long educational foundation for students, has helped the institution grow in prominence since its opening in 2014. Florida Poly's deliberately small classes, affordability, and outstanding graduate outcomes have helped it earn recognitions such as being named a top value school, in the top 25 nationally for affordability, and in the top five best universities in the South for tech students. Accredited by ABET and SACSCOC, Florida Poly is educating some of the brightest minds in Florida and attracting standout talent from across the nation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Public Safety Technology Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and subject-matter expertise in public safety technology initiatives
• Advise on selection, implementation, governance, and lifecycle management of public safety and aviation-related technologies
• Support integration of UAS, data systems, situational awareness platforms, and emerging technologies into campus safety operations
• Develop technology governance frameworks that emphasize security, compliance, scalability, and best practices

Aviation & UAS Program Oversight

• Provide executive-level oversight and guidance for the University's Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, including Part 107 and airspace coordination requirements
• Oversee development and maintenance of a Safety Management System (SMS) for UAS operations
• Advise on aviation partnerships, mutual aid agreements, and regional response capabilities
• Support training standards and operational readiness for UAS personnel

Policy, Compliance & Accreditation

• Lead strategic review and modernization of public safety policies, procedures, and standards
• Ensure alignment with applicable state laws, regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and best practices
• Provide oversight and guidance for accreditation preparation and compliance documentation
• Support risk management, governance, and internal controls related to public safety programs

Information Security & CJIS Governance

• Provide senior advisory support for Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) compliance and governance
• Advise on information security policies, audits, training, and risk mitigation strategies
• Support the University's designated CJIS Local Area Security Officer (LASO) in compliance efforts
• Promote secure handling and protection of sensitive and regulated data

Strategic Planning & Interagency Coordination

• Serve as a senior advisor to University leadership on public safety technology and aviation matters
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, external agencies, and regulatory partners
• Support grant development, program planning, and long-term capability development initiatives
• Participate in executive meetings, planning sessions, and special projects as assigned

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Part-time, remote position
• Flexible schedule aligned with University's needs
• Occasional travel may be required for meetings, training, or strategic engagements
• Non-sworn role with no arrest authority or law enforcement powers

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university (required)
• Progressive law enforcement experience, including leadership or command-level positions
• Extensive experience overseeing public safety operations, technology initiatives, or specialized programs
• Demonstrated expertise in policy development, compliance, and organizational governance
• Strong written, analytical, and executive-level communication skills
• Ability to work independently and effectively in an advisory capacity

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate in a related field (criminal justice, public administration, emergency management, aviation, or technology)
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• Experience overseeing UAS programs in a public safety or governmental environment
• Experience with CJIS security requirements and information security governance
• Experience in higher education, research institutions, or complex public-sector organizations
• Experience supporting accreditation and/or national standards programs

SPECIAL NOTES

• This position isnon-swornand doesnotinclude law enforcement or arrest authority
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background screening in accordance with University policy

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: This is an hourly, non-exempt OPS position. The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, occasional overtime or event work on campus (including weekends and evenings) may be required.

TARGET HIRING SALARY: $45.00 hourly, commensurate with experience.

APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE: The position can be open for 14 days with a minimum of 7 days; however, the review of applications will commence immediately.

APPLICATION PROCESS: In addition to completing the online application, all Applicants are required to upload the following as an attachment to the application (preferably in PDF format):

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three (3) professional references

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information.

Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. An appointment is not final until proof is provided.

FLORIDA POLY BENEFITS INFORMATION

Florida Poly qualified employees have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of health benefits (through the State of Florida) to help meet their specific needs, as well as the needs of their family. This comprehensive coverage includes flexible spending accounts, medical and life insurance, and worker's compensation.

Health benefits are administered through People First, on behalf of the State of Florida, as pre-tax insurance plans. People First handles all new hire enrollments, coverage changes, premium administration, and dependent eligibility. Their Service Center is staffed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. EST, at 1-866-663-4735.

RETIREMENT

Florida Poly offers great options for retirement. From the required selection of a state plan to additional voluntary retirement plans, our employees have many opportunities to save and prepare for their future. Click Here for more information.

OTHER BENEFITS

• Discounts & Perks

• Annual Leave

• • To help promote work-life balance, Florida Poly provides a generous leave program, which includes paid time off and paid holidays. Qualified employees may accrue 22 days of annual leave. In addition, the University observes the holidays listed in our University Holidays policy FPU-1.008.

• Sick Leave

• • Qualified employees may also accrue 12 days of annual sick leave and participate in our Sick Pool Program.

• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)

EXPLORE LAKELAND FLORIDA

Conveniently located along I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is home to Florida Polytechnic University and many other businesses and attractions. Click here to explore Lakeland, Florida.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING ATTACHMENTS:

Required attachments are listed on each posting. Please be sure to attach all required documents in the Resume/CV field before continuing through the application. Once your application has been submitted, no changes may be made and additional attachments will not be considered.

An unofficial copy of the degree/transcript is acceptable during the application process. For positions requiring a degree, the official transcripts are required upon hire.

Foreign Transcript: Transcripts issued outside of the United States require a equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached with the application and submitted by the application deadline.

All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements.

This position requires a background check, which may include a level II screening as required by the Florida Statute*435.04.