1

Public Safety Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Public Safety Director serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and assists the City Manager in advancing City Council priorities, coordinating major initiatives, representing the ...

Public Safety Director

Malibu, CA · On-site

$199K - $260K/yr

The Public Safety Director serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and assists the City Manager in advancing City Council priorities, coordinating major initiatives, representing the ...

Director of Public Safety

Alfred, NY · On-site

$62K - $64K/yr

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Experience, the Director of Public Safety is primarily responsible for leading, managing, and evaluating all Public Safety personnel, programs, and ...

Director of Public Safety

Alfred, NY · On-site

$62K - $64K/yr

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Experience, the Director of Public Safety is primarily responsible for leading, managing, and evaluating all Public Safety personnel, programs, and ...

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Experience, the Director of Public Safety is primarily responsible for leading, managing, and evaluating all Public Safety personnel, programs, and ...

Handle special assignments directed by the Public Safety Director/Supervisors such as driving the campus shuttle between locations on a regular or intermittent basis, special events, reception ...

Handle special assignments directed by the Public Safety Director/Supervisors such as driving the campus shuttle between locations on a regular or intermittent basis, special events, reception ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Public Safety Director information

See salary details

$57.5K

$119.6K

$189.5K

How much do public safety director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for public safety director in the United States is $119,595.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,500.00 and $140,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the job of a public safety director?

A public safety director oversees the safety and security operations within a community or organization, coordinating law enforcement, fire services, emergency management, and other safety programs. They develop policies, manage staff, and ensure compliance with safety regulations to protect public welfare.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Safety Director, and why are they important?

To excel as a Public Safety Director, you need a deep understanding of emergency management, law enforcement protocols, and public administration, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with incident command systems, crisis communication platforms, and relevant certifications such as FEMA ICS or NIMS is crucial. Exceptional leadership, decision-making, and interpersonal skills help unite diverse teams and engage with the community effectively. These competencies are vital for ensuring coordinated emergency responses, public trust, and the overall safety of the community.

How much does a director of public safety make?

The average salary for a public safety director in Ohio is approximately $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, size of the organization, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the specific responsibilities and the level of government or agency they serve.

What is the highest paying safety position?

The highest paying safety position is often that of a Chief Safety Officer or Director of Safety, who oversees safety programs and policies at an organizational level. These roles typically require extensive experience, certifications such as CSP or CIH, and leadership skills, with salaries varying based on industry and organization size.

Is a safety director a stressful job?

A safety director is responsible for developing and implementing safety policies, which can involve high-pressure situations, especially during emergencies or audits. The role often requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities, which can contribute to stress levels. However, the level of stress varies depending on the organization and industry size.

How does a Public Safety Director typically collaborate with other departments and agencies to ensure community safety?

A Public Safety Director regularly works with local law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, and sometimes public health officials to coordinate community safety initiatives. This collaboration often includes joint training exercises, inter-agency meetings, and unified response planning for emergencies or large public events. Building strong relationships and clear communication channels between these entities is critical to ensure swift, effective responses and resource sharing during crises. Additionally, Public Safety Directors may engage with city officials, schools, and community organizations to align safety strategies and promote public awareness.

What is the difference between Public Safety Director vs Fire Chief?

AspectPublic Safety DirectorFire Chief
CredentialsEmergency management certifications, law enforcement or fire service experienceFire science, emergency response certifications, leadership in fire services
Work EnvironmentOversees police, fire, emergency services, and safety programsManages fire department operations and firefighting personnel
Employer & IndustryMunicipal governments, public safety agenciesFire departments, municipal fire services

The Public Safety Director has a broader role overseeing multiple safety departments, including fire services, while the Fire Chief focuses specifically on managing fire department operations. Both roles require emergency response experience and leadership skills, but the Public Safety Director's scope is wider, often involving strategic planning and inter-agency coordination.

What are Public Safety Directors?

Public Safety Directors are senior officials responsible for overseeing the operations and coordination of various public safety departments, such as police, fire, and emergency medical services, within a city or municipality. They develop and implement policies, manage budgets, and ensure that safety protocols and emergency response plans are effective. Their goal is to protect the public, minimize risk, and coordinate responses to emergencies and disasters. Public Safety Directors often serve as the main point of contact between public safety agencies and local government leadership.
More about Public Safety Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Safety Director jobs? Cities with the most Public Safety Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Safety jobs? The most popular types of Public Safety jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Public Safety Director jobs? The top employers for Public Safety Director jobs are:
What states have the most Public Safety Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Safety Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Safety Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Safety Director jobs are:
Infographic showing various Public Safety Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,595 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

$220K - $287K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Description The City of Malibu invites applications for PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR Salary Range: $199,767 - $260,651 SAVE THE DATE In-person interviews will take place on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 Click Here to View the Public Safety Director Brochure Examples of Duties The Opportunity Malibu has experienced a series of natural disasters and fires in recent years. Through committed leadership and regional coordination, the City is making significant investments in its infrastructure, advancing road repairs, utilities, public facilities, coastal infrastructure, sewer system expansion, power grid improvements, and open space management through its Capital Improvement Program to build a more resilient community. Newly appointed, City Manager Irvin invites eligible candidates who are interested in leading transformative projects and initiatives towards building a resilient Malibu.

The Public Safety Director serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and assists the City Manager in advancing City Council priorities, coordinating major initiatives, representing the City Manager with external partners, and ensuring effective delivery of high-priority municipal services and projects. This position is primarily focused on overseeing emergency management, wildfire preparedness, homelessness initiatives, contracted police services, code enforcement, parking enforcement and other community safety programs while serving as a key advisor to the City Manager and City Council. The Ideal Candidate The Public Safety Director position is a visionary, collaborative, and highly credible public sector leader with extensive experience in emergency management, public safety administration, code enforcement, community risk reduction, and interagency coordination.

This individual possesses exceptional leadership skills, political acumen, and the ability to build strong partnerships with elected officials, public safety agencies, community organizations, and residents to advance the City's commitment to safety, preparedness, and quality of life. The City seeks a strategic thinker who serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and elected officials, capable of providing thoughtful recommendations, developing innovative solutions, and implementing programs that enhance community safety, resilience, and public confidence. Typical Qualifications The Position & Qualifications The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Public Safety, or a closely related field, along with substantial progressively responsible experience in public safety, emergency management, enforcement operations, fire services, or related disciplines.

Candidates should have a minimum of eight years of professional experience, including at least three years in a leadership or management capacity overseeing programs, staff, budgets, and complex operations. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in emergency preparedness and response, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation and management, and/or Incident Command System (ICS) operations. A strong understanding of public sector administration, interagency coordination, emergency response protocols, and public safety program management is essential.

Candidates must possess a valid California driver license and maintain an acceptable driving record. Candidates are also required to complete the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) training and FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) 100 and 200 courses, and IS-700 and IS-800 courses, or obtain these certifications within a timeframe specified by the City. Supplemental Information Recruitment Process To be considered for this outstanding opportunity, apply online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/malibucity

Applicants must submit a complete employment application, cover letter, and resume by the final filing deadline of July 31, 2026. Following a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination and selection process. Final appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation and all required pre-employment screenings and requirements.

Application Evaluation All relevant work experience, training, and education must be included to determine eligibility. Compensation and Benefits Salary will be commensurate with qualifications. The salary range is $199,767 - $260,651.

The City also offers an attractive benefit package. Interview Process Following a structured evaluation of the applications, the most qualified candidates will be invited to a panel interview scheduled on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The interviews may be consolidated into one process or expanded into multiple interviews contingent upon the size and quantity of the candidate pool.

Selected candidates must attend the interview in-person (no exceptions). For additional information about this position, please contact Alicia Freeman, Human Resources Manager at (310) 456-2489, ext. 219 or email at afreeman@malibucity.org EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The City of Malibu is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation

Having trouble logging in. Contact the NEOGOV Applicant Support Hotline Toll Free at (855) 524-5627. Need an Accommodation.

If you have questions or need special accommodation with the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at (310) 456-2489 ext. 488. The City of Malibu is an equal opportunity employer.