To learn more about this opportunity and apply, please visit: https://www.wilmingtonde.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2138/195
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SAFETY
DEPARTMENT: MAYOR’S OFFICE SALARY: E-06 ($82,400 - $127,720)
AFFILIATION: ELECTED & APPOINTED FLSA: EXEMPT
ANNOUNCEMENT # 1205001 POSTED DATES: 3/18/2026 – 4/04/2026
The City of Wilmington, a leading Delaware employer, is deeply committed to building a safer, more resilient community where every resident feels protected, supported, and empowered. Guided by a strong focus on prevention, transparency, and trust, the Mayor’s Office is advancing initiatives that enhance public well-being, reduce risk, and foster environments in which individuals and families can truly thrive.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Community Safety will oversee key City initiatives, including homeless services coordination, the Community Police Accountability Board, and a community incident response team, ensuring these programs operate with transparency, compassion, and operational excellence. This senior leadership role reports directly to the Mayor’s Deputy Chief of Staff and works closely with the Wilmington Police Department, Wilmington Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management, community organizations, and other City Departments to advance a holistic, prevention‑focused approach to safety.
Additional responsibilities include:
• Leading the development and implementation of the Citywide community safety strategy aligned with the Mayor’s priorities.
• Coordinating interagency efforts on violence prevention, crisis intervention, and neighborhood safety.
• Advising the Mayor on public safety trends, emerging issues, and policy direction.
• Overseeing homeless services, including encampment operations, outreach coordination, and long‑term stabilization planning.
• Ensuring homeless programs uphold safety, dignity, humane treatment, and strong operational standards.
• Strengthening partnerships with social service agencies, healthcare providers, and nonprofits to expand shelter and supportive services.
• Directing a community incident response team initiative the Community Incident Response Team to ensure rapid, coordinated responses to crises and neighborhood disruptions.
• Obtain and maintain Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS) access by completing all required background checks and adhering to all DELJIS security and compliance standards.
• Providing strategic oversight for the Community Police Accountability Board to ensure independence, transparency, and compliance with City code.
• Facilitating data access, interagency coordination, and follow‑up to support the Community Police Accountability Board’s recommendations and public trust.
• Building strong relationships with residents, community groups, faith leaders, youth organizations, and nonprofits.
• Overseeing community‑based safety programs, including outreach, conflict mediation, and violence interruption.
• Leading resident‑focused engagement efforts such as town halls, listening sessions, and data‑driven neighborhood assessments.
Managing innovative safety initiatives, including reentry support, youth engagement, crisis alternatives, and environmental safety improvements.
• Developing performance metrics, overseeing data reporting, and ensuring transparency, equity, and accountability across all community safety efforts.
• Strengthening cross-departmental coordination to ensure City agencies work seamlessly on shared safety, housing, and community-well-being priorities.
• Performing other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree in public administration, criminal justice, social work, public health, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred. At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in public safety, community engagement, homeless services, violence prevention, emergency management, or related fields. Demonstrated experience leading cross‑sector collaborations and managing complex initiatives. Experience working in urban communities and with diverse populations strongly preferred.
• Knowledge: Knowledge in criminal justice, and understanding of community‑centered safety strategies, including violence prevention, social work, homelessness prevention, crisis response, and oversight.
• Skills: Strong leadership, communication, and relationship‑building skills. Skilled in conflict resolution, facilitation, and consensus‑building. Expertise in data analysis, excel and statistics.
• Abilities: Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable strategies. Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
• License: As condition of continued employment, the new hire will be required to obtain and maintain Delaware Criminal Justice Information Systems (DELJIS) access by completing all required checks within three (3) months from the date of joining the City. Must possess a driver’s license with good driving record.
CANDIDATE EVALUATION
• Evaluation for this position includes a review of the application materials, certification of qualified applicants, and a panel interview (in-person or virtual).
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
All selected applicants must pass a criminal background investigation and pre-employment physical.
• Physical Requirements: Works in outside weather conditions. Occasionally required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Vision: Required vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally required to walk, use hands to finger, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds; medium.
• Location and Schedule: Moderate outdoor work is required when addressing traumatic and/or other community-based events.
TOTAL COMPENSATION
Compensation encompasses both salary administration and a comprehensive benefit package:
• Salary Administration: New employees are hired at the starting and up to median salary based on qualifications and internal equity. Annual merit increases are provided based on a satisfactory performance review.
• Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package is available from day one. Visit the website www.WilmingtonDE.gov/Benefits for details.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
This position is open to all internal and external applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.
• To apply, visit www.WilmingtonDE.gov. Computers are available in the Department of Human Resources, City/County Building, 800 N. French St, 4th Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801. Call 302-5762460 to schedule an appointment for computer use.
• The City of Wilmington is an equal opportunity employer.
• City Residency required within 12 months of employment.
• The City Code provides preference for eligible internal candidates, veterans, and current city residents.
• The City of Wilmington is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Consistent with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Delaware Persons with Disabilities Employment Protections Act, it is the policy of the City to provide reasonable accommodation when requested without causing an undue hardship. If accommodation is needed, please call 302-576-2466.
To learn more about this opportunity and apply, please visit: https://www.wilmingtonde.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2138/195
