General Statement of Duties/Supervision
Classification Summary
The Police Administrative Manager is a senior-level management position within the Police Department. The position exercises independent judgement, discretion, and authority within established policy and legal frameworks and works closely with the Police Chief and command staff.
Essential Job Duties
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Operational and Departmental Support
- Serve as the primary administrative financial and budget advisor to the Police Chief on non-sworn operational matters.
- Coordinate administrative processes that support patrol, investigations, and specialty units.
- Review, develop, and implement administrative policies, procedures, and internal controls to improve efficiency and consistency.
Budget and Financial Management
- Prepare, monitor, and administer the police department’s operating budget in coordination with the Police Chief and City finance staff.
- Track Expenditures, analyze budget variances, and prepare financial reports.
- Manage purchasing, contracts, and vendor relationships in accordance with City procurement policies.
- Identify opportunities for cost control, operational efficiencies, and external funding or grants when applicable.
- Manage accounts payable, invoicing, and administrative purchasing
Human Resources and Payroll Coordination
- Maintain awareness of local, state, and federal laws affecting police administration.
- Draft and implement administrative policies and standard operating procedures.
- Ensure compliance with record retention, public disclosure, and risk management requirements.
Interdepartmental Coordination & Communication
- Serve as the department’s primary liaison with the City’s Human Resources Department.
- Ensure accurate timekeeping, payroll processing, and leave tracking for all department personnel.
- Interpret and apply labor agreements, personnel rules, and employment laws.
Compliance and Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with state and federal laws, accreditation standards, and City policies affecting police administration.
- Coordinate audits, inspections, and internal reviews related to administrative functions.
- Assist with risk management, claims coordination, and documentation related to administrative matters.
Community and Interdepartmental Relations
- Serve as a professional point of contact for the public regarding administrative inquiries and concerns.
- Coordinate audits, inspections, and internal reviews related to administrative functions.
- Represent the department on internal committees or workgroups as assigned.
Selection Criteria
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, criminal justice, or a closely related field.
- Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible administrative or management experience including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
- Experience in law enforcement, public safety, municipal government, or other complex, regulated organizational environments.
- Experience in budget preparation, financial administration, and fiscal oversight in a complex organizational environment.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in public administration, business administration, or related field.
- Experience in police administrative or support operations.
- Knowledge of municipal budgeting, contracts, and procurement.
Other information (if any) specific to this position
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of municipal government operations, public administration principles, and police department administrative functions.
- Strong supervisory and leadership skills, including performance management and employee development.
- Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies, procedures, and labor agreements.
- Budget development, financial analysis, and report preparation skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Proficiency with standard office software and records management systems.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
- Work is performed primarily in an office or administrative environment with frequent interruptions.
- Position may require attendance at meetings outside of regular business hours.
- Occasional lifting of office materials up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use standard office equipment for extended periods.
Reasonable accommodation will be provided for qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws.
Commitment to Equity, Safety, and Ethics
Employees are expected to perform their duties in a manner that supports equity, safety, integrity, and professionalism. This includes following all safety policies and procedures, treating coworkers and the public with respect, and conducting work ethically and responsibly.
Employees are expected to uphold public trust through fair, transparent, and lawful conduct and to contribute to a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment.
The City of Tumwater offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. (Benefits for part-time employees are pro-rated.)
Paid Time Off
- Vacation: Start with 96 hours of paid annual leave your first year — increasing with service up to 184 hours per year.
- Sick Leave: Earn 8 hours per month to care for your health or for immediate family illness or loss.
- Holidays: Enjoy 12 paid holidays per year, including one floating holiday for flexibility.
Retirement & Savings
- State Retirement Plans: Membership in Washington State’s Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/LEOFF) with contributions from both you and the City.
- Deferred Compensation (457b) & Roth IRA: Save for the future and reduce taxable income; contribute up to IRS limits with catch-up options if over 50.
- 401(a) Match: The City will match up to 5% of employee contributions.
- Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): City contributes $225/month for current and future healthcare expenses.
Insurance & Wellness
- Medical, Dental, Vision: The City contributes $2,420/month toward coverage (pro-rated for part-time). That’s about 85% of family coverage!
- If your premiums cost less, you can take 60% of the unused contribution as cash in your paycheck.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care) available.
- Life Insurance: $50,000 group term policy fully paid by the City.
- Wellness Commitment: Programs and resources to support your physical and mental health.
- Discounts: City employees qualify for Liberty Mutual auto and home insurance discounts.
Work-Life & Career
- Hours of Work: Standard schedule is 40 hours/week, Monday–Friday. Alternative schedules may be available depending on the position. Some roles may require occasional evenings, weekends, or overtime.
- Career Opportunities: We believe in growing our talent — the City actively promotes from within and supports career development.
The City of Tumwater is an
Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non-merit factors.
We are committed to
wellness, safety, environmental stewardship, and racial equity in our workplace and community.
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Describe your experience managing administrative, financial, or operational functions in a complex organization. What types of responsibilities have you overseen, and how have you ensured those functions supported overall organizational goals?
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Tell us about your experience working with diverse teams, departments, or stakeholders to support organizational operations. How do you approach collaboration and service when priorities, perspectives, or needs differ?
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Provide an example of a challenging decision you were responsible for in an administrative or management role. What factors did you consider, how did you exercise judgment, and what was the outcome?
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Describe how you communicate complex or sensitive information in a professional setting. How do you adapt your communication style to different audiences, and how do you ensure clarity and understanding?
