Special Assistant to the President for Executive Security and Project Management

Job Title

Special Assistant to the President for Executive Security and Project Management

Agency

Prairie View A&M University

Department

President's Office

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Prairie View, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The position serves as a strategic and operational leader responsible for coordinating complex logistics projects and managing executive-level security operations. This role ensures seamless execution of high-profile initiatives involving executive leadership and law enforcement, including secure transportation, event planning, and interagency coordination. A key function of the position is to oversee the security detail for the university president, including threat assessments, emergency preparedness, and confidential liaison with public safety officials. Responsible for integrating logistics planning with protective services to safeguard institutional leadership while advancing mission-critical operations across departments.

Responsibilities:

• Provide executive security to the President, dignitaries, and other notable visitors associated with PVAMU.  Dignitaries include members of the TAMUS Board of Regents, the Chancellor, TAMUS executives, legislators, etc.  Routinely assessing and ensuring the security of the President’s home, and shared supervision of security personnel in the AI Thomas building. Manage executive security for the President at high-profile or densely populated events.

• Lead and execute all logistical aspects of the university president’s travel, appearances, and public engagements. Develop and maintain detailed itineraries, including secure transportation routes, lodging, and contingency plans. Liaise with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure appropriate security coverage at events and during travel. 

• Serving as the primary contact and executor of presidential transportation (president and spouse) to official university functions, events, meetings, and other engagements to ensure timely arrivals and departures.

• Conduct site assessments and threat analyses for venues where the president will be present. Implement physical security protocols, including access control, surveillance coordination, and emergency response planning. Maintain a risk register and update mitigation strategies based on evolving threat intelligence.

• Serve as the primary logistics liaison between the Office of the President ensuring all communications related to presidential movements are handled with strict confidentiality and discretion. Coordinate with the Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant to align logistics with the president’s strategic priorities and calendar.

• Ensure all security operations comply with university policy, FERPA, Clery Act, and applicable state/federal regulations. Maintain detailed logs of security deployments, incident reports, and after-action reviews. Support accreditation or audit processes by providing documentation of security protocols and performance metrics.

• Develop and deliver training for staff involved in executive logistics and security support. Maintain up-to-date emergency contact lists and evacuation plans for all presidential venues.

• Responsible for inventory control, vehicle maintenance, repair, and upkeep of university vehicles assigned to the Chancellor/President's division.

• Serves as Campus Security Authority (CSA) as required per the Clery Act. Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities/Project Management:

• Coordinates the planning, execution, and monitoring of high-priority projects assigned by the Senior Vice President for Strategy and Transformation, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and timelines.  

• Develops project plans, timelines, and status reports; monitors progress and proactively identify and address issues or risks that could impact project success.

• Facilitates collaboration across departments and stakeholder groups to gather requirements, provide updates, and ensure smooth execution of strategic initiatives and JTE35 goals and priorities.

• Supports data collection, analysis, and reporting for strategic initiatives, including executive summaries, briefing materials, and presentations.

• Serves as a liaison, as assigned, between the Division of Strategy and Transformation and internal/external stakeholders to ensure accountability and promote transparency in project outcomes.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Business, or Public Administration or a related field.

• Advance Peace Officer Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) or an equivalent state-recognized credential with eligibility for Texas licensure.

• Executive-level law enforcement training in public safety.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in law enforcement, executive protection, or security management, with demonstrated leadership in a command-level role.

• Experience coordinating, planning, and overseeing event security operations, including proactive incident prevention and real-time incident management.

• Experience managing or supporting complex projects in a public-sector, higher education, or law enforcement context.

• Demonstrated understanding of project planning and execution principles, including timelines, resource management, stakeholder communication, post-event evaluation.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and maintain a high degree of professionalism.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Deep understanding of logistics planning, supply chain coordination, and transportation systems.

• Familiarity with protective services, threat assessment, and emergency response procedures.

• Knowledge of interagency coordination, compliance with local/state/federal regulations, and law enforcement operations.

• Understanding of institutional risk frameworks, including Executive Order GA-48, FERPA, Clery Act, and other relevant policies.

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

• Excellent written communication, analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work in a high-stress environment.

• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

Required Registration, Certification, or Licensure:

• Valid driver’s license.

• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Advanced Peace Officer.

Other Requirements:

• Must be able to travel as needed.

• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays for university events.

• Must maintain the TCOLE peace officer certification as required for law enforcement.

• Physical demands for this position are aligned with the typical physical demands for law enforcement, including but not limited to: frequent standing, walking, and running; lifting, carrying, or dragging individuals or heavy objects; use of force and physical restraint; and exposure to high-risk situations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master Peace Officer Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) or an equivalent state-recognized credential with eligibility for Texas licensure.

• Advanced certifications focused on crisis management, threat assessment, intelligence analysis, dignitary protection, and emergency/defensive driving.

• Police Emergency Vehicle Operation and Executive Protection Training

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or 3 years of experience in leading and directing projects.

• Proficiency in project management software and Microsoft Office Suite.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.