POLICE CHIEF

Strategic Government Resources; Gladstone (MO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Gladstone, Missouri, is seeking an experienced Police Chief to provide leadership for the department. This role offers significant opportunities to shape the future of law enforcement, improve recruitment, and develop next-generation leaders.

With a competitive salary range of $140,000 to $160,000, candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or a related field, along with at least five years of command-level experience. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Clay Pearson for further information.

Qualifications

• Minimum five (5) years of command-level leadership experience in a law enforcement organization.
• Ability to obtain Missouri POST certification.
• Significant command-level experience in a progressive law enforcement agency.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of the department.
• Strengthen leadership development and succession planning.
• Develop future supervisors and command staff.

Skills

Leadership development

Organizational change

Community engagement

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field

Master's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration or related field

Job description

The City of Gladstone, Missouri, is seeking an experienced, engaged, and forward-thinking law enforcement executive to serve as its next Police Chief. This is an exceptional opportunity for a proven leader to shape the future of a well‑resourced department, develop the next generation of police leaders, strengthen organizational culture, and build a high‑performing organization positioned for long‑term success.

Located immediately north of downtown Kansas City, Gladstone is a thriving community of nearly 27,500 residents that combines the advantages of a close‑knit suburb with convenient access to the amenities, professional opportunities, and cultural attractions of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The City continues to invest in its future through downtown redevelopment, public amenities, parks, trails, community gathering spaces, and quality municipal services. Supported by stable governance, engaged leadership, and a strong commitment to public safety, Gladstone offers an outstanding environment in which to live, work, and lead.

The Gladstone Police Department operates from a recently constructed $17 million headquarters and is supported by modern equipment, advanced technology, competitive compensation, and strong municipal leadership. These investments provide the next Chief with significant tools to strengthen organizational performance and service delivery.

Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Police Chief will provide strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of the department. The next Chief will have a unique opportunity to strengthen leadership development and succession planning, improve recruitment and retention, develop future supervisors and command staff, enhance accountability and organizational performance, and maximize significant investments in personnel, facilities, equipment, and technology.

The City seeks a visible, approachable, and highly engaged leader who understands how to build trust, establish clear expectations, mentor future leaders, and create a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated success leading organizational change, developing high‑performing teams, and positioning law enforcement organizations for sustained excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field
• Minimum five (5) years of command‑level leadership experience in a law enforcement organization
• Ability to obtain Missouri POST certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration or a related field
• Significant command‑level experience in a progressive law enforcement agency
• Demonstrated success leading organizational improvement, culture development, and leadership development initiatives
• Experience improving recruitment, retention, and succession planning efforts
• Proven ability to mentor supervisors and develop future command staff
• Completion of a recognized executive law enforcement leadership program: FBI National Academy, Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, Southern Police Institute, Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), or equivalent executive leadership program

The salary range is $140,000–$160,000 DOE/DOQ.

For more information, contact:

Clay Pearson, Senior Vice President, Executive Recruitment

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