Chief of Police - City of St. Charles, Illinois

St. Charles, IL (Population 33,338) is seeking an experienced and adaptable law enforcement professional with an ability to provide a contemporary approach to policing to serve as the community’s next Chief of Police. The City desires a forward-thinking leader with a track record of implementing modern policing strategies and a stellar reputation for being open-minded, respectful of different viewpoints, and the ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders. This search seeks to attract a candidate who can lead the members of the St. Charles Police Department into the future by leveraging their existing strengths to prioritize transparency, decision making informed by data and research, and a deep commitment to community partnerships. The Chief of Police plays an instrumental role in the quality of life for residents in and around the City of St. Charles with emphasis on community engagement and enforcement of the laws and ordinances.

The City of St. Charles is a vibrant city located 35 miles west of Chicago in the scenic Fox River Valley of Kane County. With the Fox River running through the center of town, St. Charles, known as The Pride of the Fox, is a destination for food, fun, and entertainment. With a population of just over 33,000, the community encompasses 14.61 square miles and has a variety of residential housing types with a vibrant downtown and a thriving commercial/industrial base. There are more than 2,000 businesses that employ about 28,000 people.

The St. Charles Police Department strives to provide the highest quality professional police services in partnership with the community. The Police Department has been a CALEA Flagship Agency  since 1989 and will complete its eleventh accreditation in November of 2025. Department members are entrusted to consistently seek and find ways to affirmatively promote, preserve, and deliver a feeling of safety and security while providing service and problem resolution for all people within the City of St. Charles. The Police Department includes 85 full and part-time positions with 60 sworn personnel and 25 civilian employees (including crossing guards). Telecommunications services are provided by a regional dispatching agency known as TriCom Central Dispatch. The Chief of Police will serve on the TriCom Board of Directors.

The St. Charles Police Officers have been represented by the Metropolitan Alliance of Police, Chapter 27, since 1990. The St. Charles Police Sergeants have been represented by the Metropolitan Alliance of Police, Chapter 28, since 2009. The unions and the city have positive labor relations. The current collective bargaining agreements expire in 2028 and 2027, respectively.

The Chief of Police is appointed by the Mayor with consent from the City Council and reports to and is evaluated by the City Administrator

The successful candidates will:

• Utilize and demonstrate a collaborative approach to leadership.
• Possess outstanding communication skills.
• Demonstrate a genuine interest and commitment to the professional growth and development of police personnel.
• Possess the highest level of integrity.
• Be adept at combining adaptive management style with authentic leadership, and an ability to work with a variety of stakeholders both within the organization and beyond the walls of the police department.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with elected and appointed officials.
• Be strategic and set goals that support and align with the needs of the community.
• Foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and partnership with police personnel and other department heads and staff members.
• Manage proactively, anticipate issues and trends, and participate in community dialogue.
• Make themselves approachable and accessible to residents and business leaders.
• Be experienced with employee labor relations and contract negotiations.
• Embrace and implement innovative police practices and technologies.
• Demonstrate sound financial acumen and a clear understanding of resources.

Candidates should also have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, as outlined below:

• 15 years of service in law enforcement, including five years of supervisory and/or administrative service experience at a command level in a full-time, paid police department.
• A bachelor’s degree is required, public administration, business, finance, or criminal justice ideal; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Leadership training such as the F.B.I. National Academy, Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute For Police, or similar programs is required.
• Certification by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board or eligibility for such certification.

The anticipated hiring salary is +/- $180,000; final salary is dependent upon qualifications, experience, and record of achievement. A comprehensive benefits package includes participation in a defined benefit pension fund (if candidate is eligible), a defined contribution plan, health insurance including medical, dental, and vision coverage (also available to dependents), flexible spending account (medical, dependent care), and life insurance. The City also offers a generous leave package including paid vacation days, holidays, and sick leave. The City will be flexible in determining the number of annual vacation days for the selected candidate. Additionally, a vehicle, cell phone or cell phone stipend, and a $1,300 per year uniform allowance will be provided. The City does not have a residency requirement. A detailed list of benefits can be viewed at the following link: https://www.stcharlesil.gov/About/Jobs-with-City-of-St-Charles-IL/Benefits-for-Employees

Candidates should apply by April 04, 2025 with resume cover letter and contact information for five work-related references to www.GovHRjobs.com to the attention of Marc Hornstein, Senior Consultant at MGT Tel: 847-380-3240 X 178.

 The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.