The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Position Description
Lead. Serve. Shape the future of public safety.
The Wilmington Police Department is accepting applications for
two executive leadership positions — Assistant Chief of Police Chief and Deputy Chief of Police - offering a unique opportunity to help shape the department’s strategic direction, operational excellence, and community partnerships. Qualified applicants may be considered for
either position under this recruitment, depending on experience, skills, and departmental needs.
Learn more about this opportunity here
Assistant Chief of Police
The purpose of this position is to assist the Chief of Police in the overall management and administration of the department. Duties include assisting in planning, staffing and succession planning, directing all police operations, and oversight of all police-community enhancement projects. This is accomplished by collaborating with other local, state, regional and federal law enforcement agencies as well as other city departments, acting in the absence of the Chief of Police, attending meetings, responding to major scenes, and completing personnel actions. Other duties include developing goals, objectives and priorities, organizing and assigning projects, managing budgets and special programs, developing new rules and regulations, and serving on committees.
Typical Tasks:
- Manages oversight and coordination of all police operations by scheduling and developing strategic initiatives, policies and procedures, identifying and scheduling training, and reviewing, recommending and/or completing all personnel actions.
- Develops partnerships by establishing and enhancing relationships with local, state, and federal agencies, serves as a liaison to other city departments, ensuring effective and efficient service delivery and program opportunities, preparing and delivering presentations to community groups and agencies, and serving on boards and committees.
- Reviews departmental budget requests to ensure they align with strategic objectives by forecasting revenues and expenditures, identifying staffing needs, developing and presenting projects, presenting proposals for approval, authorizing payments and monitoring expenditures for recommended adjustments.
- Oversees training activities by researching and reviewing objectives for training, participating in qualifications, attending conferences, mentoring subordinate personnel, and maintaining communications.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public safety, or a related field, supplemented by ten (10) years of progressively responsible supervisory/management experience in a municipal police department, state, or federal law enforcement agency, including a minimum of two (2) years’ experience as a Police Captain or equivalent..
- Valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain within sixty (60) days of hire.
- Work requires advanced skills and knowledge in approaches and systems, which affect the design and implementation of major programs and/or processes organization wide. Independent judgment and decision-making abilities are necessary to apply technical skills effectively.
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Deputy Chief of Police
The purpose of this position is to assist the Chief of Police and Assistant Chief of Police in the management and administration of the department. This is accomplished by managing an assigned police bureau, attending meetings, responding to major scenes, completing personnel actions, and working with other law enforcement agencies. Other duties include developing goals, objectives and priorities, organizing and assigning projects, managing budgets and special programs, developing new rules and regulations, and serving on committees.
Typical Tasks:
- Manages staff by scheduling and assigning tasks and projects, researching and developing strategic initiatives, policies and procedures, identifying and scheduling training, and reviewing, recommending and/or completing all personnel actions.
- Develops partnerships by establishing and enhancing relationships with local, state, and federal agencies, ensuring city departments and police work collaboratively on service delivery and program opportunities, preparing and delivering presentations to community groups and agencies, and serving on boards and committees.
- Prepares and administers the annual budget for assigned bureau by forecasting revenues and expenditures, identifying staffing needs, developing and presenting projects, presenting proposals for approval, authorizing payments and monitoring expenditures for recommended adjustments.
- Identifies and participates in training by researching and reviewing objectives for training, participating in qualifications, attending conferences, mentoring subordinate personnel, and maintaining communications.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public safety, or a related field, supplemented by ten (10) years of progressively responsible supervisory/management experience in a municipal police department, state, or federal law enforcement agency, including a minimum of one (1) year experience as a Police Captain or equivalent.
- Valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain within sixty (60) days of hire.
- Work requires advanced skills and knowledge in approaches and systems, which affect the design and implementation of major programs and/or processes organization wide. Independent judgment and decision-making abilities are necessary to apply technical skills effectively.
The following is a summary of the steps in the recruitment process:
Step 1: Completion of City of Wilmington online application.
Step 2: Screening will be facilitated by an outside vendor (against job qualifications).
Step 3: Assessment center will be conducted by outside vendor tentatively April 15-17, 2026
Steps 4-7 are completed once a conditional job offer has been given.
Step 4: Polygraph
Step 5: Psychological Evaluation
Step 6: Medical/Drug Screening
Step 7: Final Offer of Employment after an online application is submitted to the City of Wilmington Human Resources Department, it will be forwarded to the Wilmington Police Department Professional Development Unit.
**All applicants must complete an online Wilmington Police Department application and attach a Cover Letter and Resume in order to be considered. The PAS Consulting Group is assisting the city in the selection process of these positions. Candidates must successfully complete the entire recruitment process to include: assessment center; interviews; background investigation; polygraph; psychological evaluation; and medical examination with drug screen.**
Please visit the Police Department website to view a list of Employment Disqualifiers.
Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally; 10 lbs. frequently; or negligible amounts constantly; OR requires walking or standing to a significant degree.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
This position generally requires work indoors/office setting. Some outdoor work may be necessary for particular events.
Our Core Values:
INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY
Our Mission Statement: Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.
What We Offer:
The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
- Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
- Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
- Free on-site city gym access
- Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
- 6-weeks paid parental leave
- Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
- Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
- Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
- Tuition assistance benefits
Applicant Status Updates: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department.
All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.
Benefits are offered to employees working at least 30 hours per week.
Health Insurance - The City offers two options for health coverage: a standard PPO plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following 30 days of employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Both you and the City contribute to the overall cost of coverage.
Dental Insurance - Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. Employees, their spouse and dependent children are eligible for coverage.
Life Insurance - The city pays to provide coverage valued at one times your annual salary. Supplemental insurance is available for employees to purchase. Optional coverage for dependents is also available for purchase. Sworn Law Enforcement Officers (LEO's) are also provided additional life insurance thru the NC Retirement System. The supplemental life insurance is equal to one times the annual salary, not to exceed $50,000.
Retirement:
- NC Local Government Retirement System -All benefits eligible employees make a mandatory 6% contribution every pay period.
- Deferred Compensation – For all employees, the city contributes 4.5% of salary to a 401(k) plan regardless of employee contribution. In addition, the City contributes an additional 5% of salary to the LEO 401(k) plan for all Sworn Law Enforcement Officers. Employees may choose to contribute additional money to the deferred compensation plans, without a match from the City, within the IRS guidelines.
- Social Security benefits – calculated under Windfall Elimination Provision
Paid Leave:
- Sick Leave - 12 days accrued each year
- Annual Leave - Accrual based on years of service and classification. Employees can earn from 10 to 24 days each year.
- Holidays - 13 paid holidays annually
- Paid Parental Leave - Six weeks of paid leave for the birth, adoption or placement of a child.
Miscellaneous:
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Short & Long Term Disability
- Cancer & Critical Illness
- Accident Insurance
- Whole Life Insurance
- Credit Union membership
Note: The City of Wilmington is on a bi-weekly pay cycle. New employees should expect to recieve their first paycheck approximately 3 weeks after their start date.
**This is intended to be a brief overview of the benefits offered. Please visit our website at https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Government/Departments-Divisions/Human-Resources/Benefits for more information.**
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. I must thoroughly complete the work experience and education portions of the application form to demonstrate my qualifications for this job. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Entering "N/A' or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?
02
Do you have a valid NC Drivers License or the ability to obtain one within sixty (60) days of hire?
03
Which best describes your highest level of education?
- High School Diploma or GED
- Vocational/Technical Training or Certificate
- Some College
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Doctorate Degree
- None - N/A
04
Please indicate whether your degree is in criminal justice, public safety, or a related field.
05
How many years of progressively responsible supervisory/management experience in a municipal police department, state, or federal law enforcement agency experience do you have ?
- I have no experience
- less than 1 year
- 1 year to less than 3 years
- 3 years to less than 5 years
- 5 years to less than 10 years
- 10 years or more
06
Please identify the company/agency/organization where you gained the experience described in question #5. Note: These employers must be listed in the work history section on your employment application to receive credit. Entering "N/A' or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.
07
How many years of experience do you have as a Police Captain or equivalent?
- I have no experience
- less than 1 year
- 1 year to less than 2 years
- 2 years to less than 5 years
- 5 years to less than 10 years
- 10 years or more
08
Please identify the company/agency/organization where you gained the experience described in question #7. Note: These employers must be listed in the work history section on your employment application to receive credit. Entering "N/A' or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.
09
Please Indicate Which Position You Are Applying For:
- Assistant Chief of Police
- Deputy Police Chief
- Both
10
The hiring salary for the position is posted on the job posting. Salary determination is supported by budget availability and qualifications of the candidate to maintain internal equity. Please acknowledge that you understand this process.
