Description

The next Police Chief for Williston should be prepared to lead the Department and the Town in an environment that continues to be dynamic. With ongoing growth and change, especially in Taft Corners, policing matters related to dense urban places will continue to be part of Williston’s reality. Over the next 25 years, policing in Williston will evolve to encompass the policing of urban public spaces including urban parks, plazas, and sidewalks, added parking enforcement and strengthened partnerships with local retail and industrial businesses and nonprofits. This evolution will take place against a backdrop of steady growth, and aging population, and the continued welcoming of a diversity of residents at all levels of socioeconomic status to the community.

The next Chief must balance the needs of the growth center with those in the residential and rural sections of Town, and recognize the holistic approach to deploying public safety assets in a manner that serves all needs of the community within the limitations of resource capacity.

VIEW OUR BROCHURE ABOUT THE POSITION AND COMMUNITY!

Submit cover letter and resume in PDF format to: Susan Leonard, Human Resources Director | sleonard@willistonvt.org

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Extensive knowledge of modern law enforcement administration, criminal law, and public safety practices, including applicable federal, state, and local laws and accreditation standards.
• Demonstrated transformational leadership skills, with the ability to set vision, lead organizational change, inspire high performance, and foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making abilities, including the capacity to lead complex operations and respond effectively in high-pressure, ambiguous, and emergency situations.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and fair policing practices, with the ability to lead an organization that values diversity, builds trust across communities, and ensures equitable service delivery.
• Knowledge of community-oriented policing, restorative justice, and trauma-informed practices, with the ability to integrate these principles into policies, operations, and organizational culture.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust, engage diverse stakeholders, and maintain effective relationships with staff, elected officials, and community.
• Ability to collaborate across agencies and disciplines, build consensus, and advance shared public safety and community outcomes.
• High proficiency in budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation, with the ability to align resources with organizational priorities and think creatively to advance organizational goals within the fiscal resources available.
• Experience leveraging data, performance metrics, and technology to inform decision-making, improve service delivery, and support transparency and accountability.
• Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, and discretion, including the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide visionary and transformational leadership for the Williston Police Department, setting strategic direction and advancing a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a key advisor to the Town Manager and municipal leadership on public safety strategy, policy, and emerging community needs.
• Lead all law enforcement operations, including oversight of patrol, investigations, communications, and emergency response.
• Ensure organizational integrity through compliance with laws, standards, and accreditation requirements, while promoting ethical, transparent, and accountable policing.
• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing workforce, fostering a culture of professionalism, inclusion, and shared responsibility with an eye toward developing future leaders in the organization.
• Steward departmental resources, including budgeting, capital planning, and grant funding, to align operations with strategic priorities.
• Advance equitable, community-centered policing, building trust and strong partnerships with residents, stakeholders, and partner agencies.
• Leverage data, technology, and innovation to enhance decision-making, improve performance,and modernize public safety services.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field and 10 years of progressively responsible experience with at least four years at policy development/command-level. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Must be a certified Vermont Law Enforcement Officer or able to obtain Level III certification within one year of appointment.
• Ability to meet all Vermont Criminal Justice Council requirements.
• Valid motor vehicle operator's license.

TO APPLY

Submit cover letter and resume in PDF format to: Susan Leonard, Human Resources Director | sleonard@willistonvt.org