Chief of Police
Salary: $190,000.00 To $205,000.00 Annually
Position Summary:
Albemarle County is seeking an inspirational, high-energy, and servant-minded law enforcement leader with a proven record of building healthy, cohesive workplace cultures. The next Chief of Police is an approachable, visible, apolitical leader who leads by example from the front, spending time in the field, meeting with and maintaining an authentic connection to frontline officers and professional civilian staff. The successful candidate will communicate with directness, humility, and transparency, earning trust within the department, across County government, and throughout the broader community.
The ideal candidate will possess the professional maturity and political savvy needed to navigate a complex, mixed-density community that combines a progressive, rapidly growing urban ring with deeply rooted rural traditions. A skilled listener and consensus-builder, the Chief understands how to articulate strategic organizational goals, establish clear expectations, and encourage innovation while holding personnel at all levels accountable to high standards of professionalism and integrity. The next Chief brings strong administrative acumen, demonstrated skill and well-rounded in all aspects of policing, a commitment to modernizing police practices through continuous professional development.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a forward-looking, holistic perspective on modern policing that integrates proactive crime reduction, traffic safety, and mental health diversion. Experienced in leading through growth and operational change, the Chief will be a dedicated collaborator who thrives in a regional environment, working seamlessly with municipal and university law enforcement agencies, county leadership, diverse community stakeholders, and with officers and civilians at all levels. Combining executive presence with operational credibility, the next Chief of Police will champion a culture of service and operational excellence across Albemarle County.
Requirements:
- Minimum requirements include any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Police Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field, and 10 or more years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience.
- Candidates must possess at least five years of senior-level management, administrative, and supervisory experience in a law enforcement agency (e.g., at the rank of Captain, Commander, Major, Deputy Chief, or higher).
- Candidates must hold or be eligible to obtain certification as a law enforcement officer through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) within one year of appointment, and possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Requirements:
- Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Executive Leadership, or a related discipline, alongside executive leadership development credentials from premier institutions such as the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP/PERF), the Southern Police Institute (SPI), or Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command.
- Other preferred experience includes service in a growing, diverse, mixed-density community (suburban/rural balance) and in a department that partners closely with university and municipal law enforcement agencies.
- Well-rounded supervisory experience in all areas of policing, including working with social service teams, is also preferred.