Chief of Police
City of Rocky Mount
Rocky Mount, NC
About the Role
ABOUT THE POSITION: In this critical role, the Police Chief will be responsible for leading a department of approximately 160 sworn and 50 non-sworn employees working across five divisions: Administrative Services, Criminal Investigations, Patrol Services, Special Operations, and Support Services. Managing an annual budget of more than $24 million, our ideal candidate is a collaborative problem solver who has a proven track record of building strong, trust-based relationships—both within a police department and across the broader community. This leader will bring forward-thinking strategies to public safety, grounded in transparency, fairness, and a deep commitment to community-oriented policing. We’re looking for an individual with impeccable integrity who demonstrates consistency in managing internal and external relationships, mitigating challenges, and maximizing opportunities through partnership and innovation. The ideal candidate embraces the diversity of our community, leveraging differing viewpoints and cultures to create unity and strengthen public trust. A skilled communicator, the next Chief of Police will be assertive yet empathetic and accessible with internal staff, elected officials, and community stakeholders alike. The right candidate is not only respected among peers at the regional and state levels but is also known for “walking the talk” when it comes to implementing and upholding community focused initiatives.
As an advocate for staff development, this leader will creatively address challenges in recruitment, training, compensation, and retention, ensuring the department is positioned for long-term success. We’re seeking someone with a strong operational foundation across key functional areas, including accreditation, patrol, investigations, specialized units, and more. The ideal candidate is well-versed in intelligence-led and technology-driven policing and stays on the leading edge of trends in law enforcement, public policy, and community expectations. At the heart of our search is a desire for a goal-oriented, high-performing leader who sets and upholds high standards for themselves and their team—someone who thrives in a culture of excellence, embraces personal accountability, and builds a department that reflects and respects the people it serves.
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS : Candidates must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field. An advanced degree is highly preferred, along with completion of recognized executive-level law enforcement training programs such as the FBI National Academy, Administrative Officers Management Program (AOMP), PERF, or LEEP. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 15 years of law enforcement experience, including 5–7 years of progressively responsible leadership in administrative and command roles equivalent to Captain, Major, Assistant or Deputy Chief, or higher. Experience should reflect a strong cross-functional background and a demonstrated ability to lead complex public safety operations. A valid North Carolina driver’s license (or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire) is required. Candidates must also hold current law enforcement certification as a municipal or local government officer in their respective state, or have had no more than a one-year break in full-time sworn service at the time of appointment. Please note: North Carolina does not have reciprocal certification agreements with federal law enforcement agencies, but does recognize and provide partial credit for military police (MP) training, occupational classification, and MP duty experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge of behavioral science, organizational behavior, and human resource management.
Knowledge of municipal accounting standards.
Knowledge of best practices in law enforcement administration.
Knowledge of purchasing laws governing public contracts and equipment purchases.
Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
Knowledge of law enforcement vehicles, equipment, tools, and technology.
Skill in the interpretation and application of federal, state, and local policies, codes, and laws.
Skill in the supervision of personnel.
Skill in analyzing problems and identifying solutions.
Skill in preparing clear and accurate reports.
Skill in establishing cooperative and productive working relationships.
Skill in evaluating and establishing written policies and procedures.
Skill in setting priorities for competing projects.
Skill in performing mathematical calculations.
Skill in operating computers and other standard office equipment.
Skill in interpersonal relations.
Skills in oral and written communication.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES: The Chief of Police serves as a key member of the city’s executive leadership team and provides strategic direction and oversight for a department of approximately 160 sworn officers and 50 non-sworn employees. This includes the leadership and coordination of two majors and five captains across five divisions: Administrative Services, Criminal Investigations, Patrol Services, Special Operations, and Support Services. The Chief is responsible for setting the vision for public safety, ensuring effective service delivery, and fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, and community engagement throughout the department. The Chief’s leadership role is integral to advancing citywide priorities and will be shaped by both organizational needs and the successful candidate’s strengths and experience.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is primarily performed in an office setting within a local government environment. The role involves frequent interaction with city leadership and staff, with occasional attendance at meetings or events outside regular business hours.
SALARY AND BENEFITS: Anticipated hiring range is $160,000-$175,000.00 based on qualifications and experience. Starting salary will depend on experience and qualifications. The city provides an excellent benefits package. To learn more, visit https://www. rockymountnc.gov/376/Employee-Benefits.
TO APPLY: Applicants must complete an online application and upload a resume and cover letter to be considered. This position will remain open until filled. To apply, visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/rockymountnc.
About the Company
Nestled in the vibrant region of eastern North Carolina, the City of Rocky Mount—proudly known as “The Center of It All”—offers a unique opportunity for an experienced and visionary leader. Spanning both Edgecombe and Nash counties, Rocky Mount serves as the principal city of the “Twin Counties” metropolitan area, a community rich in history, culture, and growth. As the city continues to evolve, it seeks a dynamic leader to help guide its most valuable asset—its dedicated workforce. This pivotal role is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by advancing the city’s strategic goals and fostering a culture rooted in excellence, innovation, and inclusion. If you are a results-driven professional with a passion for public service and a strong track record in organizational leadership, we invite you to explore this outstanding career opportunity—and become a vital part of the Rocky Mount community.
The city of Rocky Mount is located in the Coastal Plains of eastern North Carolina, was incorporated in 1867 and lies in Edgecombe and Nash Counties. Rocky Mount is a two-time All-America City that sits on the Tar River. The city was recognized as one of 10 winners nationwide of the 2020-21 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize. Serving as the Gateway to Eastern North Carolina, the city’s nearly 1,000 employees serve approximately 54,000 residents daily.
The city’s mission is to advance community well-being, safety and quality of life by delivering excellent public services and actively collaborating with the community toward a fulfilling and inspired future for its citizens. As a publicly owned utility, the city of Rocky Mount is committed to safe, reliable service for its customers and operates in Nash and Edgecombe counties, providing customers with electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater (sewer), refuse, recycling and/or stormwater services.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY: Established at the falls of the Tar River, Rocky Mount is a leading cultural, economic and education center of Eastern North Carolina. With lovely parks and greenways, this city of over 50,000 lies in two counties, Nash and Edgecombe, and is home to North Carolina Wesleyan College as well as Nash and Edgecombe Community colleges. The 165,000 square-foot Rocky Mount Event Center is the region’s premier sports and entertainment venue and the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, which is housed in a lovingly renovated tobacco warehouse, serves as the community’s cultural gem. The city is served by three major highways: Interstate 95 to its west; U.S. 87 is its main east-west corridor and U.S. 301 (Wesleyan Boulevard) is the main north-south corridor. The city has easy access to Raleigh (55 miles) and the Research Triangle. It is also a two-hour drive from Wilmington and the beautiful North Carolina coast. Easy access to major highways and Raleigh-Durham International Airport make Rocky Mount a great place to live and do business. With its temperate climate and proximity to both the North Carolina mountains and Atlantic Ocean beaches, Rocky Mount provides residents with the best of both worlds. Additional information about the city is available at rockymountnc.gov.
ABOUT THE CITY GOVERNMENT: The city of Rocky Mount operates under a council/manager form of government with a city manager, two assistant city managers and 18 departments employing about 1,000 employees. The city manager reports to the Mayor and a seven-member City Council. Holding an Aa2 bond rating and multiple GFOA budget awards, the city has an annual budget of about $279 million, which includes a General Fund, an Electric Fund and a Gas Fund. In addition to traditional municipal departments, Rocky Mount is a member of Electric Cities, has a fixed route transit system, museum and theater. The city also boasts the Rocky Mount Event Center, which has received a Convention South Reader’s Choice award.