Police Chief

TOWN OF WRIGHTSVLLE BEACH; Wrightsville Beach (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina invites experienced law enforcement leaders to serve as its next Police Chief. This role shapes public safety strategy for officers, residents, and businesses while building strong community relationships.

The Chief will lead a CALEA-accredited department, advance professional standards, and balance seasonal demand with year-round safety needs. The incumbent will engage with residents and officials to foster trust and accountability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement Administration, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field with 5+ years of related experience.
• Advanced degree and FBI National Academy or similar leadership training preferred.
• Certification as a NC law enforcement officer or eligibility to obtain it.
• Valid NC driver’s license or eligibility to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for the Police Department in partnership with Town leadership.
• Lead a coastal department through seasonal and tourism-driven demand.
• Align staffing, training, equipment, and budget with mission and community needs.
• Mentor officers and supervisors with a focus on recruitment, retention, and accountability.
• Establish a vision that builds public trust through professionalism and transparency.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Personnel development

Interagency collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in LEA/Criminal Justice/Public Admin

Advanced degree and executive leadership training preferred

North Carolina certification for law enforcement officer

Valid driver’s license

Job description

The Town of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina invites experienced law enforcement leaders across North Carolina to serve as its next Police Chief. This is an opportunity to shape public safety strategy for the officers, residents, and businesses, while building and maintaining effective relationships. We are seeking a leader who will be visible in the community, invest in employees, and carry forward a commitment to professional, accountable, community policing.

Why Wrightsville Beach?

Wrightsville Beach is a unique coastal community where maintaining the safety and quality of life of residents is a top priority. The Town's seasonal population increases bring additional public safety demands, requiring the Police Department to balance the needs of year-round residents with those of visitors. The Chief of Police must be prepared to address the challenges that come with a coastal environment while prioritizing proactive community policing, building strong relationships with residents, and fostering trust through consistent community engagement. Success in this role requires a leader who understands the importance of being accessible, responsive, and actively involved in the community while maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all.

You will lead a department accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies since 2015. This is an opportunity to build on that professional foundation while bringing your own experience to the department’s next chapter.

The Difference You Can Make

Working with the Town Manager, you will provide strategic direction for the Police Department, aligning departmental priorities with the needs of the community. Your leadership will:

• Prioritize community relationships: Maintain a strong focus on safety and quality of life through proactive community policing, meaningful engagement, and positive relationships with residents, businesses, and visitors.
• Lead through seasonal demands: Prepare the department to address the unique public safety challenges of a coastal community, including increased tourism, seasonal population changes, and evolving service demands.
• Strengthen departmental operations: Align staffing, training, equipment, and budget decisions with the department's mission, community needs, and changing public safety demands.
• Develop and support personnel: Mentor officers and supervisors through meaningful feedback, professional development, and opportunities for growth while strengthening recruitment, retention, and accountability.
• Shape the department's future: Establish a clear vision and foster a culture of professionalism, collaboration, transparency, and service that builds public trust and supports long-term success.

We are looking for a Police Chief who leads with integrity, makes thoughtful decisions, and sets clear expectations. This role requires someone who can build confidence and trust within the department, fostering a strong team, and maintain positive relationships with the residents and community they serve.

What You Bring to Wrightsville Beach

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement Administration, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field, with at least five years of progressively responsible experience in law enforcement administration or command work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Advanced degree and specialized executive or command leadership training, such as the FBI National Academy or Senior Management Institute for Police, are preferred.
• Possession of North Carolina law enforcement officer certification, or eligibility to obtain required certification within the period established by the hiring municipality and the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a valid North Carolina driver’s license as required by the municipality.

Experience:

• Considerable progressively responsible experience in law enforcement, including substantial command, management, or administrative experience involving personnel, operations, budgeting, and organizational leadership.
• Thorough knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, investigative methods, crime prevention, emergency management, police administration, and applicable federal and North Carolina laws and local ordinances.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans, evaluate departmental programs and performance data, manage budgets and grants, and allocate personnel and equipment effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, mentor, supervise, and evaluate personnel; exercise sound judgment; resolve conflict or provide discipline when necessary; guide organizational change; and make timely decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with municipal officials, employees, law enforcement partners, community groups, and the public; communicate clearly and persuasively in writing and orally; and respond tactfully to sensitive concerns.
• Ability to use relevant law enforcement, reporting, office, and financial management technology and to prepare clear, accurate, and thorough reporting.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise discretion, uphold ethical standards, and ensure lawful and accountable departmental operations.

To view the full job description, visit our Town website: https://www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=99&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=Police-Chief-112

We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

Learn more about the department and community:

https://www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com/DocumentCenter/View/10310/Police-Chief-Hiring-Program

https://www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com/DocumentCenter/View/10311/Police-Chief-Hiring-Flyer