Description

The City of Traverse City is seeking a community service-minded, innovative, progressive, and dynamic law enforcement professional to lead the Traverse City Police Department. The new Chief will exemplify professionalism and integrity while promoting transparency and active community engagement, and interaction.  The City desires a hands-on Chief who is an effective administrator and leader with an approachable presence that inspires the confidence and trust of the Police Department’s members, City officials, and community members. The ability to lead by example and instill a high degree of accountability while treating employees and the community with dignity and respect will be essential to success. Successful candidates will have excellent communication skills, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a collaborative, problem-solving approach.

The next Chief will value the high level of service the city departments provide to the residents of Traverse City. The next Chief will be visible within the ranks of the department, out in the community, responsive and sensitive to the community’s needs. The ideal Chief leads by example, is transparent, and an engaging team-builder who can lead a professional law enforcement agency engaged in proactive community policing. The successful Chief will have the excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary to build positive working relationships and professional partnerships and be a collaborative, inclusive, and ethical leader. The City’s Chief of Police should be accessible to all, relate well to the rank and file, lead with fairness, and embrace workforce diversity in recruiting and hiring. The successful Chief will provide consistent, honest, and proactive communication up and down the chain of command. The successful Chief will be a champion of outreach into the community and able to cultivate successful relationships with community groups and civic leaders as well as neighborhood groups and associations. The ideal candidate should be apolitical, yet politically savvy. The next Chief will work closely with the City Manager, city management team, Mayor, and City Commissioners.

Requirements

Education, Training and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in police science, criminology, public administration, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Additional post-Bachelor training in criminal investigation or management is desired.
• Ten (10) years in law enforcement, in addition to five (5) years as a command officer in a similar-sized department.
• Three (3) years demonstrated supervisory skills as a department head.
• Three or more years of experience in labor relations and personnel administration.

 Licensing and Other Requirements:

• Michigan Law Enforcement Officer’s Training certification is required.
• A valid Michigan driver’s license is required.
• Participates in and receives applicable training in the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
• Must be willing to attend night meetings.
• Must reside and maintain principal domicile within 20 miles from the nearest city limit within twelve months of hire.

The starting wage for this position is $83,528, higher compensation is dependent on qualifications and experience

Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, short-term leave, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, employer retirement contribution, and participation in Michigan’s Municipal Employee Retirement System, pension benefit program, and take-home vehicle.