Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief of Port Police serves as the department head for SC Ports' law enforcement, security operations, emergency communications, and access control functions. This position is responsible for the leadership, operational effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement of all Port Police activities supporting SC Ports facilities and operations
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Business Acumen
Strategic Thinking
Regulatory and Risk Management
Operational Excellence
Emergency Management and Crisis Leadership
Financial Management
Stakeholder Management
Change Leadership
Customer Focus
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Department Leadership : Direct and oversee all law enforcement, security operations, dispatch, emergency communications, and access control activities; Lead departmental planning, workforce development, succession planning, and performance management initiatives; Establish clear expectations, accountability measures, and performance standards for all departmental personnel; Foster a culture of professionalism, service, integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement; Develop future leaders and ensure operational continuity through effective succession planning.
Business Operations and Strategic Support : Support the implementation of departmental strategies aligned with SC Ports' strategic objectives and operational priorities; Develop and manage departmental operating and capital budgets; Monitor key performance indicators and implement process improvements to enhance operational effectiveness; Evaluate staffing models, deployment practices, technology investments, and resource utilization to ensure efficient service delivery; Partner with terminal operations and business leaders to develop practical security solutions that support safe and efficient cargo movement.
Security and Regulatory Compliance : Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and security requirements; Lead implementation and maintenance of Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) requirements, Facility Security Plans, and related security programs; Coordinate with the United States Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Transportation Security Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and other regulatory and law enforcement partners; Lead security inspections, audits, assessments, exercises, and corrective action initiatives; Maintain readiness for regulatory inspections and emergency response events.
Emergency Management and Public Safety : Direct emergency preparedness, incident response, business continuity support, and crisis management activities; Serve in leadership roles during emergencies, severe weather events, security incidents, and operational disruptions; Ensure departmental readiness through training, exercises, equipment management, and operational planning; Coordinate mutual aid and collaborative response efforts with local, state, and federal agencies.
Personnel and Organizational Development : Oversee recruitment, retention, training, certification, and professional development programs; Ensure compliance with all law enforcement certification and training requirements; Promote employee engagement, workforce development, and continuous learning; Manage employee relations matters and support a positive workplace culture.
Qualifications
CERTIFICATIONS
South Carolina Class I Law Enforcement Certification or ability to obtain as required.
FEMA ICS certifications or ability to obtain within an established timeframe.
TWIC eligibility required.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration, Homeland Security, Emergency Management, or a related field required.
Master's degree preferred.
Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in law enforcement, security, military, transportation, maritime, logistics, industrial operations, emergency management, or a related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory or command-level leadership experience. Experience leading both sworn and civilian personnel. Experience managing budgets, organizational initiatives, and operational improvement efforts. Experience working within highly regulated environments preferred.
Maritime, transportation, logistics, supply chain, critical infrastructure, or port operations experience strongly preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Additional Information
SC Ports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race; creed; color; religion; alienage or national origin; ancestry; citizenship status; age; disability or handicap; sex; pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition; marital status; veteran status; sexual orientation; gender identity; genetic information; arrest record; or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.