TEMP-Public Safety Officer - Executive Protection Driver

We are excited that you are considering joining Nova Southwestern University!

Nova Southwestern University (NSU) was founded in 1964, and is a not-for-profit, independent university with a reputation for academic excellence and innovation. Nova Southwestern University offers competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package including tuition waiver, retirement plan, excellent medical and dental plans and much more. NSU cares about the health and welfare of its students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors and is a tobacco-free university.

We appreciate your support in making NSU the preeminent place to live, work, study and grow. Thank you for your interest in a career with Nova Southwestern University.

Primary Purpose

The Public Safety Officer – Executive Protection Driver provides armed protective services and secure transportation for the University President and approved VIPs. The officer also supports general Public Safety operations when not assigned to the President, contributing to the department’s mission of campus safety, crime prevention, and service excellence.

Job Category: Non-Exempt

Hiring Range: 28.00

Pay Basis: Hourly

Subject to Grant Funding? No

Essential Job Functions

1. Provides secure, defensive driving and transportation for the University President, including route planning, advance assessments, schedule coordination, and ensuring vehicle readiness.
2. Maintains an armed protective posture while accompanying the President, utilizing advanced situational awareness, threat detection, and risk-mitigation strategies.
3. Conducts protective intelligence tasks, including pre-trip assessments, environmental scans, and coordination with Public Safety leadership and law enforcement partners.
4. Ensures confidentiality and discretion in all matters related to the President’s travel, schedule, and personal information.
5. Conducts physical inspections and investigative observations on and off campus, ensuring a safe environment consistent with departmental standards.
6. Completes activity logs, operational sheets, and incident documentation in accordance with Public Safety reporting requirements.
7. Coordinates with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies when necessary to support executive protection operations.
8. Maintains the assigned executive vehicle, ensuring cleanliness, operational readiness, preventive maintenance, and documentation of repairs or service needs.
9. Performs other duties as required.

Job Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Advanced defensive and protective driving skills.
• Exceptional situational awareness, threat detection, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to safely and professionally carry a firearm in accordance with Florida law and NSU policy.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, customer-service, and discretion/confidentiality skills.
• Ability to remain composed and professional under pressure, during rapidly evolving situations, and in the presence of high-profile individuals.
• Ability to follow complex instructions, security protocols, and legal requirements.
• Ability to work cooperatively and maintain professional relationships with law enforcement, executive leadership, and colleagues.
• Ability to plan and adjust routes based on real-time conditions, safety considerations, and the President’s schedule.
• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities, including last-minute schedule changes.

Required Certifications/Licensures

• Valid Florida Driver License with no more than three (3) points.
• Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) State Officer Certification or valid Florida Class "G" Statewide Firearm License.
• Ability to pass recurrent firearm qualification standards, driver safety certifications, and defensive driving training.

Required Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent.

Required Experience

• Previous experience in public safety, law enforcement, security, executive protection, or related protective services.
• Demonstrated experience operating vehicles in professional or high-responsibility settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior executive protection or dignitary protective services experience.
• Law enforcement, military police, or security operations background.
• Completion of EVOC, protective driving, or advanced defensive driving training.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
• Prior training or experience in threat assessment or behavioral observation.

Is this a safety sensitive position? Yes

Background Screening Required? Yes

Pre-Employment Conditions

Sensitivity Disclaimer: Nova Southwestern University is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate with regard to applicants or employees with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodation when necessary.

NSU considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status.