Chief of Police Position Available In Wake, North Carolina

Chief of Police Zebulon, NC Zebulon, NC Job Details Full-time $83,053 – $126,998 a year 1 day ago Benefits Leadership training provided Qualifications Growing experience Management Criminal Justice 8 years Administrative experience Public Administration Driver’s License Supervising experience Bachelor’s degree Law Enforcement Training & development Senior level Leadership Communication skills Grant proposal writing Strategic planning Law enforcement Full Job Description Overview The Town of Zebulon is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief of Police to lead a progressive and community-focused police department. The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of 8 years of increasingly responsible law enforcement experience, including significant supervisory and leadership responsibilities. A demonstrated commitment to community policing, diversity, and collaborative leadership is essential. Zebulon Police Department (ZPD) provides patrol services, emergency response, crime prevention, investigations, community outreach, and administrative functions. The next Police Chief will have the vision and strategic ability to guide the department through a period of growth while ensuring public safety and community trust. About the Town of Zebulon Zebulon, NC, is experiencing rapid population growth, increasing the demand for high-quality public safety services. As the easternmost town in Wake County, Zebulon blends small-town charm with regional momentum. The Town is committed to promoting diversity, addressing social equity, and ensuring safety and trust in all communities. The next Chief of Police will play a key role in managing growth-related public safety challenges, reducing crime, advancing innovative policing strategies, and strengthening relationships with residents and business owners. Community Expectations In a recent survey of our residents and businesses, they expressed the following as their top priorities for a new

Police Chief:

Reducing crime Building community trust Enhancing transparency and accountability Improving response times Further, the community expects a Police Chief with integrity, supports officer training and development, excellent communication skills, willing to engage with the public with experience in diverse communities. They expect a Chief who makes decisions guided by precedent and experience, data-driven and analytical, collaborative with the community and other city leaders. Application Process Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume at www.townofzebulon.org.

Application Deadline:

First set of applications will be reviewed by July 11, 2025. However, the position will remain Open Until Filled. Initial interviews are anticipated during the last week of July 2025. Finalists will participate in a public presentation and vision discussion. Background and reference checks will be completed prior to final selection. The salary is being reviewed and subject to increase following budget adoption. Detailed Work Activities Key Responsibilities Provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight of all police department operations and personnel. Develop, implement, and enforce departmental policies, procedures, and initiatives aligned with the Town’s goals and community needs. Cultivate a culture of accountability, service excellence, integrity, and transparency. Ensure effective recruitment, training, supervision, and performance management of department staff. Advance community policing and outreach efforts to build trust, partnerships, and crime prevention programs. Oversee major investigations and serve as a visible leader during high-profile incidents. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including all NC Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission regulations. Prepare and manage the department’s annual operating and capital improvement budget. Develop and submit grant applications; oversee the implementation and compliance of awarded grants. Maintain collaborative relationships with local, regional, state, and federal law enforcement and emergency response agencies. Engage regularly with civic groups, neighborhood associations, and the broader community through public presentations and direct engagement. Serve as a trusted advisor to the Town Manager on public safety policy, risk mitigation, and law enforcement trends. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field. 8 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including supervisory and command roles. Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission (or ability to obtain). Completion of advanced law enforcement leadership training preferred (AOMP, SPI, FBI National Academy, etc.). Valid North Carolina Driver’s License. Must meet all minimum standards for law enforcement certification in North Carolina. Preferred Qualifications Proven success in implementing community policing and crime reduction strategies. Experience leading in a growing and demographically diverse community. Background in organizational change management and strategic planning. Strong record of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within a law enforcement environment. Successful grant writing and management experience. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Comprehensive knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, and procedures. Expertise in federal, state, and local criminal laws. Strategic thinker with strong leadership and administrative skills. Effective communicator, both written and verbal, with a collaborative management style. High emotional intelligence and cultural competency. Experience building and sustaining effective interagency partnerships. Ability to engage with diverse communities and navigate sensitive social issues with respect and professionalism. Physical and Environmental Requirements Ability to perform basic physical activities such as walking, standing, kneeling, climbing, and lifting up to 50 lbs. Must be able to operate vehicles and standard law enforcement equipment. Work may be performed in varying environmental conditions, including adverse weather and emergency situations.