Chief of Police

Carbondale Chief of Police Recruitment

The City of Carbondale is seeking an experienced and dynamic police leader to be their next chief of police. The city desires a visionary, progressive, forward-thinking leader who embraces the best practices of 21st century policing, along with a demonstrated commitment to community engagement and collaborative team building. The candidate must be a proven leader with excellent managerial skills and have a history of ethical decision making and effective management of complex organizations. Click here to read the full job brochure.

Carbondale Community Profile

The City of Carbondale is a diverse and vibrant community of 21,592 residents. Carbondale is home to Southern Illinois University (SIU) and its diverse student population of 11,500. Located in scenic Southern Illinois, two hours southeast of St. Louis, Carbondale is the regional hub of education, trade, and tourism. SIU and neighboring Giant City State Park serve as hosts of several regional business and recreational activities.

Carbondale’s status as a college town is reflected in its economics and cultural diversity with the residents from more than 100 different countries. The city’s population is made up of 58% white, 28% African American, and 14% multi-racial and other races. The median age is 25 with a per capita income of $23,849, and a median family income of $29,670. The median home price is $124,800, with 74% of housing being non-owner occupied. Carbondale ranks high among cities nationally in educational attainment with 46% of residents possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary range for Carbondale Chief of Police is $122,000-$135,000, commensurate with experience. The city provides a comprehensive and generous benefits package to include, but not limited to:

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Participation in Downstate Police Pension Fund
• Participation in the City of Carbondale’s Supplemental Insurance Option to participate in Flexible Spending Accounts for health and dependent care.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, Personal, Sick, and 12 Holidays (including birthday)
• Unmarked car provided by the city
• Option to participate in Mission Square Retirement and Nationwide Deferred Compensation Plan

Qualifications

 Education: Bachelor’s degree in police science, public administration or related field; a master’s degree is preferred. Completion of an advanced leadership and senior management training program such as the FBI National Academy, Northwestern’s School of Police Staff and Command, Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officers Course, or PERF Senior Management Institute for Police is highly desirable.

Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive supervisory experience in law enforcement with at least two (2) years of experience of senior command-level experience as a Chief, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, or similar senior administrative rank in police administration.

Special Requirements: Valid Illinois Driver’s License and certification from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, or the ability to obtain certification within six months of appointment. Must reside within the city’s corporate limits within six (6) months of hire. A six (6) month extension may be granted with the approval of the city manager for extenuating circumstances.

Ideal Candidate

 The ideal candidate for Chief of Police in the City of Carbondale should possess and demonstrate the following qualities and capabilities:

• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to plan, oversee, and manage the department's operations and activities effectively, while maintaining and fostering a positive and professional culture.
• In-depth knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, and police administration, including organization and operational methods.
• Be committed to the principles and philosophies of community-oriented policing, while supporting activities and programs that align with a guardian approach to law enforcement.
• Proactive and forward-thinking. Show an ability to reject the status quo when visioning the future of the department.
• The ability to build and maintain positive relationships with the residential, business, and educational communities, and to lead the department through active community engagement. Practice good active listening skills and be approachable to all people.
• The ability to manage short- and long-term projects to increase effectiveness and efficiency.
• Innovative thinking, with a focus on leveraging current technology, programs, and procedures to improve service delivery and support department staff.
• A strong understanding of fiscal management and the ability to effectively oversee and manage the department's budget.
• The ability to engage in and promote open dialogue with employees on collective bargaining matters.
• Effectively collaborate with other city departments and external agencies.
• Serve as an example of teamwork and positive, proactive leadership in the Department and the community.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, initiative, and the ability to make sound decisions on complex and challenging issues.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver compelling public presentations and engage constructively with the media.
• Personal and professional integrity in all interactions with the public, elected officials, and city personnel. Must model the organization’s value.
• Be comfortable as a visible, positive proponent of the Police Department to the City Council, City Manager, and the community.

Selection Timetable

• April 3, 2025, by 12 p.m. CST: Application Submission Deadline
• April 3-10, 2025: Initial Application/Resume Review
• April 10, 2025: Applicant Questionnaire Distributed to Selected Candidates with Due Date of April 22nd.
• May 12, 2025: Virtual Interviews for Selected Candidates (Tentative Date)
• May 19th, 2025: All Day Assessment Center to be Held in Carbondale, IL for Selected Candidates
• June 2025: Finalist Interviews with City Manager, Human Resources and Virtual Community Forums
• June 2025: Finalist Background Checks