Deputy Chief of Police

Harrisonburg Police Department; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Paid leave

Holidays

Job summary

The Harrisonburg Police Department is seeking a dynamic Deputy Chief of Police to join the Command Staff. This exempt, full-time role reports to the Chief of Police and oversees staff, policy development, program planning, fiscal management, and operational/strategic direction for the department.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in a command-level position, a Bachelor's degree in a related field, and is well-versed in policing methods with a focus on collaboration and innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field.
• 6+ years in a command-level position of law enforcement.
• FBI National Academy or Northwestern SPSC preferred but not required.
• Ability to obtain POST certification within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Direct staff and oversee department operations.
• Develop policies and strategic programs for the department.
• Manage fiscal operations and budgeting for the agency.
• Lead collaboration with community stakeholders and partners.
• Foster health and wellness of department members and mentorship.

Skills

Leadership

Policy development

Strategic planning

Emerging technologies

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field

6+ years in a command level (Lieutenant or greater) position of law enforcement

FBI National Academy or Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command preferred

Job description

The City of Harrisonburg (pop. approximately 56,879). Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley and one of the fastest-growing cities in Virginia, the City is a thriving, multicultural university city and is home to James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University. The Harrisonburg Police Department protects the constitutional rights of all members of our community and further partners with stakeholders and others to solve problems, reduce crime, and improve the quality of life for residents, visitors, students, and community members.

The Harrisonburg Police Department is searching for a dynamic and forward-thinking Deputy Chief of Police to join the Command Staff, which is currently made up of a Special Operations Captain, Patrol Operations Captain, Criminal Investigations Division Captain, and Chief of Police. This is an exempt, full-time position with benefits and a full salary range of $108,076 - $162,115 annually (anticipated hiring range of $108,076 - $121,576 annually). An exact salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate's qualifications/experience and in compliance with City policy. Find out more information related to this position and the City by viewing the recruitment brochure.

The candidate selected for this position will report to the Chief of Police. The Deputy Chief of Police is responsible for directing staff, policy development, program planning, fiscal management, and operational and strategic oversight of the department. The Deputy Chief will be a supportive leader and mentor who will motivate and develop others through relationship building and demonstrate a commitment to the ongoing health and wellness of department members. The successful candidate is a natural collaborator, a leader who will seek out opportunities to improve and enhance the department through partnership with community stakeholders and community members. The ideal Deputy Chief is well-versed in policing methods and trends and intentionally introduces emerging technologies and methodologies to support the current and future needs of the department.

A detailed list of essential functions and the ideal candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is available in the class specification.

• Valid driver's license.
• Bachelor's degree with coursework in criminal justice, police administration, or related field and extensive (6+ years) experience in a command level (Lieutenant or greater) position of law enforcement. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be used to meet this requirement.
• Completion of the FBI National Academy, the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC), or an equivalent education program is preferred but not required for consideration.
• Current possession of or the ability to obtain the Peace Officer's Standards & Training (POST) in the Commonwealth of Virginia within six (6) months of hire date.

• DMV driving record review;
• Criminal background investigation, including fingerprinting and VCIN;
• Credit check;
• Industry-specific physical exam;
• Social media review; and
• Drug screen.

Anticipated First Review Date: No Sooner Than November 10, 2026. Due to the amount of information requested from candidates, please allow a minimum of 10 business days from the anticipated first review date to receive a status update.

Process Milestones requiring Finalist Availability (subject to change):

• November 13 and 16: Virtual Screenings (approximately 30 minutes); Finalists will Attend Only One of these Dates.
• December 15 and 16: On-Site Interviews; Finalists will Attend Both of these Dates.

The City provides an excellent benefits package including health insurance, retirement (VRS Enhanced Hazardous Duty & MissionSquare), life insurance, paid leave and 15.5 holidays.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veteran status.

The City of Harrisonburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.