Deputy Chief of Police

Deputy Chief of Police

The Port of Seattle is unable to sponsor employment visas at this time. Salary offers will be made within the posted range. Placement within the range will be determined based on your similar work experience. The Port considers work experience to be similar if the scope and level of responsibility of your prior positions match the job being offered.

Some of what you'll be doing:

The tentative date for the assessment process will be July 30-31, 2026. As Deputy Chief of Police, you will assist in the strategic planning and administration of the Police Department, as well as its policies and operations. You will also oversee a bureau and mid-level managers within the department and work closely with the Chief of Police and assume the full authority and responsibility of the Chief in their absence.

You will be a key member of the leadership team with the responsibility to ensure high quality public safety service in an international airport and maritime environment to accomplish the department's purpose and objectives. You will also collaborate to develop and implement short- and long-term plans and strategies in support of strategic initiatives. You will direct and lead a Police Bureau.

You will establish goals and objectives in support of the purpose and vision. You will also communicate the department vision, demonstrate a steadfast commitment to it, and inspire others to work toward achieving it. You will assist the Chief with management of the department and supervise assigned police managers, ensure necessary resources, and evaluate the performance of staff. You will also manage all functions of the department when delegated.

You will actively participate in negotiations and grievance hearings with the collective bargaining units representing department employees and coordinate labor relations activities with Port Labor Relations staff. You will build and maintain relationships and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, local and federal law enforcement agencies, service organizations, aviation and maritime businesses, community members, and other partners. You will support the preparation of short and long-term plans for the department to include budget, staffing, equipment, resources, facilities, and tactical planning.

You will review and analyze administrative, statistical, or specialized reports to forecast the needs of the department, design budget based on POSPD service level requirements and department objectives and goals. You will also assist the Chief of Police in researching and implementing improvements in departmental services. You will create a culture of inclusion and apply equity to exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work.

At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port jobs.

Who you are:

Experienced – You have five (5) years of experience supervising police department or agency staff sworn personnel, to include four (4) years of experience serving as a law enforcement commander, in senior leadership, or performing similar function in a police department or agency with responsibility for patrol operations, emergency incident response, or oversight of specialized teams and operational programs. Certifications - You must possess a Washington State Peace Officer Certification or the ability to obtain one within the first six months of employment (candidates who have been separated from commissioned law enforcement activities for five (5) years or more are not eligible for consideration).

You must also have the ability to obtain National Incident Management System ICS
300 and ICS
400 training within six months of hire. Desired – We hope you have completed the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, Police Executive Research Forum's Senior Management Institute for Police, or Northwest School of Police and Command. Committed to Equity – You will apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work. At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port employees.

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