Public Safety Accountability Manager

Cobar; Aurora, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Aurora is seeking a Public Safety Accountability Manager to lead the new division responsible for civilian oversight and accountability across police, fire, and related services.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree and at least six years in civilian oversight with three years in leadership; a master’s degree or JD is preferred. The position offers a hybrid work schedule with proximity to the Greater Aurora/Denver area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Sociology, Organizational Leadership, or related field.
• Six+ years of progressively responsible experience in civilian oversight, public safety accountability, administrative investigations, auditing, compliance, legal or policy analysis, civil rights, or related field.
• Three+ years of supervisory, management, or program leadership experience.
• Master’s degree or J.D. preferred; certifications or training in civilian oversight, administrative investigations, mediation, auditing, or compliance are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Public Safety Accountability Division and oversee oversight of investigations, disciplinary processes, and accountability systems.
• Provide objective, impartial oversight across police, fire, and other public safety activities; analyze organizational trends and performance.
• Collaborate with City leadership, policy committees, legal counsel, and community stakeholders to ensure transparency and public trust.
• Engage with the community and lead outreach, public education, and responsive communication to build confidence.

Skills

Civilian oversight

Public safety accountability

Administrative investigations

Auditing

Policy analysis

Civil rights

Organizational leadership

Law enforcement oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree or JD preferred

Job description

City of Aurora, Colorado Public Safety Accountability Manager Salary Range: $112,800 - $141,000 - $176,250; Hiring Range: $130,000 - $160,000 Filing deadline: Friday, September 18, 2026

Known as the Gateway to the Rockies, this All-America City lies on the eastern edge of the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area. The city boasts spectacular views of the Front Range spanning from Pikes Peak to Longs Peak. More than 404,200 residents choose to call Aurora home, and over 24,000 businesses are licensed in Aurora making it the third largest city in Colorado and the 51st largest in the United States. The city covers 164 square miles and is located within three counties, Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas, with 74 square miles of land inside city limits still undeveloped.

Under administrative guidance of the City Manager, the Public Safety Accountability Manager serves as the City's independent civilian oversight leader responsible for strengthening transparency, accountability, public trust, and continuous improvement across public safety services. This new position leads the Public Safety Accountability Division and oversees the review and monitoring of complaint investigations, critical incidents, discipline-related processes, accountability systems, and organizational trends involving police, fire, emergency communications, detention, sworn and non-sworn personnel, and other public safety agencies or activities.

Acting as an objective and impartial accountability professional, the Manager works collaboratively with City leadership, Public Safety Policy Committee, public safety departments, legal counsel, community stakeholders, and external oversight partners to ensure accountability processes are fair, thorough, transparent, and responsive to community expectations. The position provides both case-specific oversight and system-wide analysis, helping the City identify opportunities to enhance public safety practices, policies, training, and organizational performance. The new Public Safety Accountability Manager shall be equally committed to community engagement and transparency and understand the importance of outreach, public education, and responsive communication in building public confidence.

Candidates shall have bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Sociology, Organizational Leadership, or a closely related field; at least six (6) years of progressively responsible professional experience in civilian oversight, public safety accountability, administrative investigations, auditing, compliance, legal or policy analysis, civil rights, public administration, law enforcement oversight, or a closely related field; and a minimum of three (3) years of supervisory, management, or program leadership experience. It is preferred for candidates to have a related Master's Degree or Juris Doctorate; and certification or training in civilian oversight, administrative investigations, mediation, auditing, compliance, or related professional discipline. This position is eligible for a flexible/hybrid work schedule, but candidates must reside in proximity to the Greater Aurora/Denver Metro Area.

The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer.