Chief of Police

Wilmington, North Carolina
Chief of Police

The City of Wilmington is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as its next Chief of Police, guiding a nationally accredited department in a city that blends Southern hospitality with progressive momentum. Located in New Hanover County, Wilmington is home to a diverse, vibrant, family-friendly community of approximately 123,000 residents. It spans 52.97 square miles and lies 43 feet above sea level, highlighting an eclectic landscape of scenic waterfronts, historic districts, and thriving residential communities.

The Wilmington Police Department is a community-focused police agency with an annual budget of $42 million. The department is currently authorized for 281 sworn officers and 78 professional staff, with an actual complement of 263 sworn officers and 64 professional staff members. The command staff comprises the Chief of Police and three Deputy Chiefs, each of whom leads one of the department’s three primary bureaus: (1) the Office of the Chief, (2) the Support Services Bureau, and (3) the Field Services Bureau. There is currently one Deputy Chief vacancy, which the city will seek to fill after the selection of the Chief of Police.

The department holds dual accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and the North Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation (NCLEA), reflecting its dedication to best practices, accountability, and continuous improvement in public safety, ensuring that the Wilmington Police Department operates under nationally recognized standards in law enforcement policy, operations, and professional conduct.

The next Chief of Police will be a proactive and visionary leader who authentically cultivates trust, transparency, and collaboration while ensuring professional excellence and accountability in the department and building a coalition of community and business partnerships to enhance outreach and promote public safety through prevention, intervention, preparedness, and enforcement.

At a minimum, the selected candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, business, or other relevant field and five years of command-level experience or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. The successful candidate will also need to complete a thorough background investigation successfully.

Candidates are required to possess a valid North Carolina Class C driver’s license and be certified by, or eligible for certification through, the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission within the required state timeframes. A Master’s degree or other advanced degree, along with additional leadership education, such as FBI National Academy, Senior Management Institute for Police, or the Southern Police Institute, is also highly desirable.

In addition to being visible and accessible, certain traits will be essential for the success of the next Chief. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated effectiveness in the following areas:

• Strategic thinking with the ability to set and articulate long-term goals, align departmental priorities with community needs, and lead transformative change
• A leadership style defined by integrity, ethical decision-making, collaborative problem-solving, and a commitment to fairness and equity at all levels of the organization
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively in the department and across all segments of the community, including residents, business leaders, advocacy groups, and elected officials
• A track record of assessing, implementing, and sustaining meaningful improvements to policing services to ensure fair, equitable, and consistent public safety outcomes across all communities in a growing and diverse city
• Extensive command experience and a deep understanding of the evolving challenges facing modern policing, with the education, training, and expertise necessary to implement contemporary, accountable, and community-centered public safety practices
• A demonstrated history of strong administrative leadership, with expertise in managing and optimizing the delivery of policing services in a growing and diverse city
• Advocacy for employee wellness and safety, ensuring that mental health, resilience, and professional development are priorities in the department
• Proven experience in designing and implementing innovative and inclusive hiring, retention, and staffing strategies that reflect the diversity of the community
• A history of proactive outreach and engagement, with a commitment to visibility across all levels of the department, ensuring officers feel heard, supported, and valued

The expected hiring range for this position is $180,000 to $195,000, with the final salary based on qualifications and experience. The City offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, retirement plans, and wellness programs. The Police Chief will participate in the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System (LGERS). In addition, the City provides an automatic contribution to a 401(k) plan, and employees have the option to make additional contributions to either a 401(k) or a 457 plan. Relocation assistance may also be provided if the selected candidate qualifies.

Learn more about this exciting opportunity here.

North Carolina law considers applications for employment to be part of a potential employee’s personnel records, and personnel records are not public records that are subject to disclosure by the employer under state law.

The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) is assisting the city in the selection process. For questions about this position, contact Antoinette Tull at antoinette@hurtlellc.com or (804)640-0323 or Rebecca Neuburger at rcneuburger@gmail.com or (202)997-6287.

Qualified candidates may apply in confidence and should send a cover letter, resume, and a list of five references by May 5, 2025, to WilmingtonPC@policeforum.org.

The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate based on race, sex, age, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or disability status.