Chief of Police – Village of Cary, Illinois

MGT is pleased to announce that it is seeking candidates for the position of Chief of Police for the Village of Cary, Illinois (pop.18,031). This announcement provides background information as well as the requirements and expected qualifications for the position.

About the Village

Cary, Illinois is a suburban community located 50 miles northwest of Chicago within McHenry County.  The Village is rich with culture, having a reputation as a friendly, quiet place made better through effective and engaged government, affordable housing, and excellent schools. It is for all these reasons that so many people “Choose Cary.”

The seven-member legislative body comprised of the Mayor and six Trustees govern the Village and enact ordinances, adopt the budget, and establish policies. The Mayor appoints the new Chief of Police with consent from the Board of Trustees and the Chief reports to the Village Administrator who leads daily Village operations and the sixty-two full-time and three part-time employees within the departments of the Village Administrator’s Office, Community Development, Police, and Public Works and Engineering.

About the Position

The Chief of Police is responsible for providing a full spectrum of law enforcement services to the community.  The Department has an annual budget of $6,439,651 and consists of thirty full-time staff and one part-time employee (27 sworn, 4 civilian).  The Chief leads a professional team to accomplish the mission of the Village and Department, and seeks to improve existing systems, methods and processes to achieve the most effective operation. The Chief provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Village Administrator and responsive, courteous, and efficient services to the public.

The Chief participates as a strategic partner with external associations and community groups including the Illinois Risk Management Agency (IRMA) Police Chiefs Steering Committee, Southeast Emergency Communications (SEECOM), School District D155 School Resource Officer Program, Lexipol, Northwest Police Academy, McHenry County Regional Training Center, and many more.

The Chief provides administrative and operational leadership, encouraging creativity, initiative, teamwork, communication, and professional development to lead the Police Department in continuous improvement efforts and efficient uses of Village resources. The new Chief will lead the department into the future by conducting an organizational assessment, developing a department strategic plan to be used in the pursuit of Illinois Law Enforcement (ILEAP) Accreditation, and producing a community survey.

As part of a highly collaborative executive leadership team that values professionalism and continuing education, the Chief of Police will work interactively and extensively on projects across all operating departments. Cary’s team takes pride in a fast-paced, yet friendly, and supportive work environment and they work closely with an experienced Mayor who is actively engaged at both a local and regional level.

Position Responsibilities

Key position responsibilities include the following:

• Plan, direct, and coordinate the Police Department’s work plan, with management staff, to identify and resolve problems, and evaluate efficacy of work methods and procedures.
• Select, train, motivate and evaluate Police personnel, providing staff training and working with employees to correct deficiencies.
• Serve as management representative in collective bargaining negotiations as well as administering and enforcing union contract provisions.
• Direct and oversee the investigation of complaints against Police personnel.
• Attend meetings of the Police Commission and assist Commission members on matters related to the appointment, promotion and discipline of Police personnel.
• Coordination of the department’s safety program to ensure effective and safe police operations.
• Design and collaborate with staff to develop and evaluate new programs and initiatives.
• Represent the Police Department to elected officials and outside agencies, providing information on programs, policies, and activities, or resolving sensitive, significant and controversial issues.
• Respond to citizen inquiries, address sensitive complaints, and interact with media personnel.
• Maintain proactive communications (written, internet, verbal) to effectively provide the community with information regarding statutes/ordinances, crime activity and crime prevention.
• Attend Village Board meetings and workshops as required to advise Board on Police Department activities, programs and services.

Position Requirements

For successful performance in this role, the candidate must perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are examples of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• A bachelor’s degree or higher with major coursework in police science, public administration, business administration, or a related field (master’s degree is preferred), and at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in law enforcement including three (3) years in an administrative capacity. Must hold a Certified Law Enforcement Officer certification in Illinois (or the ability to obtain certification) and a valid Illinois motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret a variety of reports, complex analyses, and legal documents, and to effectively communicate with a wide range of audiences and in a variety of mediums.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor when dealing with the public, to take control of situations as needed, dictating subordinate activities in a responsible manner.
• Ability to instruct and train in methods and procedures, prepare performance evaluations and make decisions regarding unsatisfactory employees and assign work, add or delete; plan work, establish priorities.
• Ability to respond to complaints and grievances and to comprehend, retain and apply Village, State, and Federal policies and legislation, i.e. Village ordinances, procedure manuals, etc.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for the position is $149,240 to $201,490. Anticipated hiring range is: $160,000 to $175,000 DOQ. A comprehensive benefits package includes participation in a variety of employee plans including pension, medical, dental and vision insurance, and life insurance. The Village also offers paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave, along with several other valuable employee benefits and activities.

Selection Process:

Candidates should apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com by November 7, 2025, with resume, cover letter, and contact information for three work-related references to the attention of Ann Everhart, MGT Approved Executive Recruiter, MGT. Tel: 815-451-4559.