Chief of University Police
California State University, Chico (Chico State), a comprehensive regional university in Chico, California, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for its chief of university police. This is an on-site leadership role; the anticipated start date is late 2026.
A member of the 22-campus California State University system, Chico State is a regional comprehensive university that enrolls more than 14,800 students from 36 states and 73 countries, with 97 percent of the total student population from California. It is a Hispanic-Serving Institution where nearly half of the students are the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree. A U.S. News & World Report “Top Public School in the West” for more than two decades, Chico State offers more than 300 programs of study with areas of strength including agriculture and the environment, healthcare, education, engineering, and more.
The chief of university police (chief) is Chico State’s senior law enforcement officer, responsible for the overall leadership and management of the university police department (UPD) in discharging its responsibilities to protect life and property within the university’s jurisdictional boundaries. The chief leads the planning, organization, and direction of UPD’s day-to-day operations; manages a $3.4 million budget; and serves on the university’s emergency response team. Reporting to the vice president of business and finance, the chief serves on the senior leadership team for the business and finance division. They lead a department of approximately 30 employees and 14 students, comprising sworn California POST-certified officers, investigators, administrators, and parking and transportation staff, who provide safety and security services to the entire campus community.
The target salary range for the chief of university police is $190,000–$200,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements for applicants include graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field and ten years of progressively responsible experience in a sworn law enforcement setting, including three years of management experience. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Applicants must satisfy all California POST minimum employment standards and possess, or be able to obtain, a California POST Management Certificate. Applicants must further possess, or be eligible to obtain, a valid California driver’s license, and remain in compliance with the California State University Police Personnel Fitness for Duty policy throughout employment. The chief will be expected to reside in Butte County.
Application and Nomination
California State University, Chico, has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with conducting this search. Review of applications will begin on Friday, July 31, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://apptrkr.com/7278035
• Contact Michel R. Frendian, senior consultant and practice leader, at for confidential inquiries.
• Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email .
Visit the California State University, Chico, website at www.csuchico.edu/
California State University, Chico, is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.
