The opportunity The Town of Carthage invites qualified internal and external candidates to apply for Chief of Police. Carthage is the county seat of Moore County and is experiencing continued residential and commercial development. The Town seeks an ethical, progressive and community-focused law-enforcement executive who can lead approximately 13 full-time sworn officers while preparing the department for the community Carthage will require in the next five to ten years. Subject to the general supervision of the Town Manager, the Chief provides strategic direction and overall leadership for patrol, investigations, records, training and administration. The Chief establishes departmental goals, policies and professional standards; manages personnel, budgets, equipment, technology and grants; maintains community and interagency partnerships; and serves as a visible representative of the Police Department and Town. Leadership priorities Plan for growth using calls-for-service, crime, traffic, staffing and development data. Recruit, retain, mentor and develop employees; strengthen supervision, succession and accountability. Build community trust through visible, accessible and problem-solving policing. Maintain contemporary policies, training, internal review, evidence and records practices, and sound risk management. Evaluate technology for officer safety, service, efficiency, accountability, privacy, cybersecurity and cost. Prepare and administer operating and capital budgets; pursue and manage grants; communicate clear recommendations to the Town Manager and Board. Coordinate effectively with Moore County and municipal, state and federal partners during routine operations, major incidents and emergencies. The ideal candidate The successful candidate will combine command credibility with strong people-management and municipal-administration skills. The next Chief should be fair, approachable, decisive and consistent; capable of leading change without losing the important personal relationships in a small community; and comfortable remaining connected to operations while functioning as an executive leader. Minimum qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, public administration, business administration, organizational leadership or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of advanced education, professional training and significant command-level law-enforcement experience as determined by the Town. At least eight years of progressively responsible full-time law-enforcement experience. Significant supervisory and management experience; three to five years of command-level experience is strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience in personnel management, budgeting, policy development and organizational planning. Experience across multiple law-enforcement functions such as patrol, investigations, administration, professional standards, training or community policing. Current North Carolina law-enforcement certification or ability to meet all applicable North Carolina certification requirements. Preferred qualifications North Carolina Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate and/or a related master's degree. Graduation from FBI National Academy, NC State AOMP, Southern Police Institute, FBI-LEEDA or comparable executive training. Senior command experience in a municipal agency or growing community. Experience with strategic planning, accreditation principles, policy/risk review, recruitment and retention, succession planning, grants, capital programs, community engagement and public/media communication. Experience evaluating or implementing contemporary law-enforcement technology and data-informed operations. Compensation and requirements The position is classified at Salary Grade 26 with a current range of $84,446 to $120,638. Hiring salary will be based on qualifications, experience, internal equity and Town authorization. The Town provides a comprehensive benefits package in accordance with Town policy. The successful candidate must possess or obtain a valid North Carolina driver's license, meet requirements of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, maintain required certifications, and successfully complete all lawful pre-employment requirements established by the Town. Any residency or response-time requirement will be administered in accordance with applicable Town policy. How to apply Submit all required materials through the Town of Carthage application process no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026: Completed Town employment application Comprehensive resume Cover letter, no more than two pages Responses to the supplemental questions included with the application Applications will be evaluated against the same published criteria. The selection process is expected to include application review, a structured virtual interview for selected semifinalists, and an in-person assessment for finalists. Finalists should expect presentation, scenario and written exercises, professional references, and comprehensive background and post-offer requirements. Applicant information will be protected to the extent allowed by North Carolina law. Application can be found at the following link: https://www.townofcarthage.org/Job-Postings/Police-Chief Please return completed application to TownClerk@townofcarthage.org or by postal mail to: Human Resources Officer, Town of Carthage, 4396 US 15-501 Hwy, Carthage, NC 28327 The Town of Carthage is an Equal Opportunity Employer.