Chief of Police
Salary
$49.53 - $74.29 Hourly
Location
Police Department, Appleton, WI
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
2026-94
Department
Police
Division
Police - Administration
Opening Date
05/15/2026
Closing Date
6/30/2026 11:59 PM Central
Job Description
As the leader of the department, the Chief of Police is responsible for the overall leadership and vision of the Police team. Work involves leading the organization and providing high-level professional expertise and advice on all areas of responsibilities. This position is responsible for developing and implementing long term strategies that will shape the growth of the organization. Work is performed under the general direction of the Mayor.
This position is a key member of the City Leadership Team and is expected to serve in both leadership and management capacities:
Leadership: the position is responsible for participating in and supporting the ongoing strategic planning process for the City. It will also lead the development and implementation of the Police Department Strategic Plan. In addition, the Chief of Police will be responsible for evaluating the departmental structure and resources to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
Management: in addition to playing a leadership role, this position must also serve a tactical, hands-on administrative role for the City. This position oversees budgets, operations, and performance metrics for all areas of the Police Department.
For more details on the position and the City of Appleton, click here.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Supervises and directs all Police Department operations and administrative functions.
Makes final hiring and promotional decisions from Police and Fire Commission approved candidate list.
Establishes departmental goals and objectives and sets priorities for completing various projects.
Mentors staff and promotes career development.
Participates in labor negotiations, administers labor agreements, addresses grievances and maintains dialog with the union leadership.
Approves purchasing requests and contracts.
Reviews and approves development and revision of policies, procedures and work rules.
Develops and oversees program development, both within the department and in related agencies.
Coordinates or directs coordination of department activities with other governmental agencies.
Determines long-term strategy of department and oversees long and short-term goals.
Determines staffing, service levels and budgetary needs for future considerations.
Identifies problems and the extent of problems within the community and develops plans of action.
Approve prepared preliminary budgets.
Review personnel performance records and evaluations.
Participate in public safety and city council meetings.
Consults with and advises the Mayor and City Council members on issues related to the Department. Attends meetings with various groups both internally and externally to the organization.
Promotes Department Image and Educates public through presentations and speeches.
Reviews, reports, memos, correspondence and investigations prepared by subordinate staff.
Maintains regular punctual and predictable attendance, works overtime and extra hours as required.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS
Provides consultation to other departments in regard to police services
Performs routine administrative duties (telephone, written correspondence, e-mail, etc.)
Assists in assessment centers.
Participates in and performs field observations of departmental programs.
Prepare agendas for the conduct of internal and external meetings.
Prepare for presentation and committee meetings.
Attends training sessions
Other duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
Bachelors degree in Police Science, Criminal Justice, Law enforcement, Public Administration or related field is required, with a Masters degree desired and at least eight to nine years broad and extensive municipal police management and administrative experience, or equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:
Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and ordinances.
Knowledge of modern principles, practices and methods of police operations & administration.
Knowledge of labor relations and contract administration.
Ability and desire to lead by influencing, motivating and enabling individuals to contribute to the success of the department.
Ability to delegate authority to appropriate staff subordinates monitoring adherence to established police policies, rules and regulations of the Police Department and the City.
Ability to analyze the effectiveness of the department, and to correlate its development with changing conditions in the City.
Ability to plan, assign and direct the work of a number of subordinate operating units.
Ability to plan, assign and direct the operations of personnel and equipment under emergency conditions.
Ability to train, direct, review and evaluate the work of subordinate staff in a fair and equitable manner; recommending commendations and administering discipline as necessary.
Ability to analyze police problems and formulate policies and procedures as appropriate.
Ability to offer budgetary documentation to the Citys governmental authorities within the guidelines of the City structure; ability to support and defend the recommended operating budget of the department.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing in an efficient and effective manner.
Ability to deal effectively and compassionately with victims, suspects, and family members of each.
Ability to work effectively and communicate with people at various levels, both within and outside the organization.
Ability to develop short and long-range strategies for implementing various programs.
Ability to operate a computer terminal and understand the computer system.
Ability to thrive in a team environment.
Ability to perform all functions required for classification of Assistant Chief.
Possess and maintain a valid Wisconsin drivers license.
Supplemental Information
COMPETENCIES
Communication
Visionary
Political Savvy
Strategic Skills
Decision Maker
To learn more about these competencies click here
Employees in this class are afforded full benefits including, but not limited to:
To view the current Benefits Booklet online, click here.
For a more detailed overview of our benefit package, click here.
Employer City of Appleton
Address 100 North Appleton Street
Appleton, Wisconsin, 54911-4799
Phone 920-832-5890