Description
Build Something That Will Shape Public Safety for Generations.
Central Piedmont Community College is seeking an exceptional leader to help launch and oversee one of the region's most significant investments in public safety workforce development scheduled to open in early 2028.
This is an opportunity to build the systems, partnerships, culture, and operational excellence behind a state-of-the-art public safety training environment that will prepare the next generation of law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS professionals, emergency managers, and first responders across our region.
Why This Role Matters
The Public Safety Training Center will become a regional hub for workforce development, advanced certifications, specialty training, emergency response exercises, and multi-agency collaboration.
The Public Safety Training Facility Leader will serve as the operational architect of a complex, high-volume training enterprise designed to support approximately 180 students trained daily across multiple disciplines and real-world training environments.
This leader will ensure every student, instructor, partner agency, and stakeholder experiences a training environment that is safe, seamless, innovative, and mission-focused.
Success requires more than scheduling classes and managing facilities. It requires a visionary leader who can:
Coordinate complex logistics across multiple public safety disciplines
Lead teams responsible for facility operations and training support
Build strategic partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies
Leverage technology and data to enhance operational performance
Ensure regulatory compliance and accreditation readiness
Duties and Responsibilities:
What You'll Do
Lead a High-Impact Public Safety Operation
You will oversee the daily operational readiness of a premier training center serving thousands of public safety professionals and students annually.
You'll ensure facilities, equipment, schedules, personnel, technology, and partnerships operate at the highest level of excellence.
Operational Leadership
Direct the day-to-day logistics and operational effectiveness of the Public Safety Training Center
Coordinate facility utilization across training programs, agencies, and community partners
Develop policies, procedures, and workflows that support efficient operations and exceptional customer service
Ensure all training environments are maintained, secure, and fully operational
Strategic Partnership Development
Serve as a primary liaison with local, state, and federal public safety agencies
Build collaborative partnerships that strengthen workforce development across the region
Support the expansion of specialty training opportunities and innovative public safety programming
Compliance and Risk Management
Ensure compliance with applicable standards, certifications, and accreditation requirements
Maintain readiness for audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews
Promote the highest standards of safety, accountability, and operational integrity
Innovation and Technology
Lead implementation and optimization of advanced training technologies and simulation environments
Use data, analytics, and performance metrics to improve operations and training effectiveness
Identify future opportunities that position the Center as the leader in public safety education
Team Leadership
Recruit, develop, and inspire high-performing teams
Foster a culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
Who We're Looking For:
We seek a builder.
Someone energized by creating systems, solving complex operational challenges, and leading through growth and transformation.
The ideal candidate:
Thrives in fast-paced, mission-driven environments
Understands the unique demands of public safety organizations
Has experience managing complex facilities, logistics, or training operations
Leads with confidence, humility, and service
Uses data to inform decisions and drive outcomes
Inspires others to embrace innovation and continuous learning
If this opportunity speaks to you and you believe you are the leader who can help create and operate a first-in-class Public Safety Training Center, we encourage you to apply. This is a rare opportunity. Compensation for this role will be discussed as part of the initial conversation with Talent Acquisition.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Work Characteristics:
Extensive knowledge of public safety training standards, emergency management protocols, and accreditation requirements.
Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks including POST, NFPA, FEMA, OSHA, and Clery (as applicable).
Demonstrated ability to manage complex facilities and multi-agency partnerships.
Strong fiscal management and strategic planning skills.
Ability to lead under high-pressure and crisis conditions.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to foster collaboration across diverse public safety disciplines.
Strong leadership presence with the ability to develop high-performing teams.
Working Conditions:
Exposure to live-fire training environments, emergency simulations, outdoor conditions, and moderate physical activity.
May involve exposure to loud noise, extreme temperatures, smoke, and other controlled training elements.
Requires standing, walking, and handling of equipment.
Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Emergency Management or related field.
Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in public safety, law enforcement, emergency management, or public safety training.
Minimum of five (5) years of team leadership experience.
Valid driver’s license.
CPR and Basic First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment).
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree in related field.
Experience managing a large-scale training facility or academy.
Experience with NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, NC Sheriff’s Education and Training Standards Commission & POST compliance, CALEA accreditation, NFPA standards, or similar regulatory frameworks.
Experience working within a higher education or workforce development environment.
