DIRECTOR OF INVESTIGATIONS - COPA

City of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Chicago, COPA, seeks a Director of Investigations to lead an assigned investigative unit, guiding data-driven inquiries and coordinating with diverse stakeholders. The role emphasizes thorough investigations, policy impact, and cross‑agency collaboration in pursuit of accountability.

The position requires extensive experience in investigative leadership, strong analytical writing, and the ability to manage complex case loads while engaging with external partners and prosecutors as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience directing civil, criminal, or factual investigations.
• Ability to analyze evidence, perform research, and write reports.
• Supervisory experience overseeing investigations and staff.

Responsibilities

• Direct investigations into patterns of complaints against CPD officers.
• Coordinate with intake and other teams; manage investigation plans and supervise staff.
• Assign roles in pattern/practice investigations; review files for objectivity.

Skills

Investigations leadership

Data analysis

Policy coordination

Stakeholder communication

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 7 years

Master’s degree + 6 years

ABA-approved law degree + 4 years

Job description

Director of Investigations - COPA

Job Number: 419775

Policy, Research, and Analysis Division

Number of Positions: 1 (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)

Starting Salary: $119,472

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CST on 11/05/2026.

Under general direction, directs an assigned investigative unit and/or investigative function of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), and performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Directs investigations into patterns of complaints against Chicago Police Department Police Officers
• Coordinates with intake and other investigative teams, manages investigation plans, supervises unit personnel, and communicates instructions to investigative and analytics staff
• Assigns roles in pattern or practice investigation teams; monitors the activity and review of selective case files and investigative reports to ensure objectivity and thoroughness
• Meets with unit staff and investigators to monitor the progress of investigations, data management, analysis, and reporting tasks, and ensures timely completion of work
• Reviews analysis and investigation files upon completion of preliminary investigation and/or prior to the closing of cases to ensure that all appropriate investigatory steps have been taken and that the investigatory findings are consistent with the evidence gathered
• Manages communications, collaborations, and relationships with citywide stakeholders
• Directs the completion of data requests, data summaries, and reoccurring data reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Guides the development of recommendations for changes to relevant Chicago Police Department policies, practices, collective bargaining agreements, programs, and training
• Engages internally with agency staff to understand their policy, data, and research needs, and coordinate responsive projects and actions
• Prepares management reports on the unit activities
• Maintains open and effective communication with police units, outside law enforcement agencies, outside police oversight bodies, Illinois State Police, and Corporation Counsel to facilitate COPA investigations and remain abreast of current investigative practices
• Meets with Cook County State's Attorney's Office, FBI U.S. Attorney, and other prosecutorial agencies, as appropriate, for purposes of referring matters for criminal prosecution
• Evaluates team members pursuant to COPA's performance evaluation system
• Reviews and approves investigative reports, as needed
• Ability to participate in and support the on-call rotation as needed.
• Performs special research or specialized activities at the request of the Chief Administrator, as required

Additional duties may be required for this position

Location

COPA

Address

1615 W Chicago Avenue

Schedule

Days: Monday - Friday

Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

This position is exempt from career service.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree, plus seven (7) years of experience conducting civil, criminal, or factual investigations that involve gathering, analyzing, and evaluating evidence; conducting in-depth research, analysis and report writing; and conducting interviews with witnesses, of which three (3) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position, OR

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree, plus six (6) years of experience conducting civil, criminal, or factual investigations that involve gathering, analyzing, and evaluating evidence; conducting in-depth research, analysis and report writing; and conducting interviews with witnesses, of which three (3) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position, OR

Graduation from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school, plus four (4) years of experience conducting civil, criminal, or factual investigations that involve gathering, analyzing, and evaluating evidence; conducting in-depth research, analysis and report writing; and conducting interviews with witnesses, of which three (3) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position.

Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications

A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required.

Availability to work any duty watch is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience investigating police misconduct, analyzing probable cause & drafting and/or reviewing investigative reports of findings
• Direct experience collecting, analyzing, and drafting reports synthesizing large amounts of data
• Understanding of the research process, including research designs, analytical approaches, addressing data quality and limitations, research integrity, and reporting standards
• Familiarity with consent decrees, including their origins, implementation processes, and legal obligations
• Previous experience managing and triaging a voluminous case load and personnel

NOTE: Candidates must pass a background investigation, drug screen, and other pre‑employment procedures as determined by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability.

NOTE: Per City of Chicago Municipal Ordinance #2-78-120, no investigator employed by the COPA Office shall be a current or former sworn member of the Chicago Police Department within the last five years.

Selection Requirements

This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the interview will be

Additional Information

For Information on our benefits please visit our benefits website at: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html

For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at: https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/Classification_and_Pay_Plan_2026.pdf

Application evaluation: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resources staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.

Commitment to Diversity: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio‑Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates.

All references to political sponsorship or recommendation must be omitted from all application materials submitted for city employment.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor