Public Safety Director

Overview

The Public Safety Director (Director) is responsible for managing the provision and performance of public safety services by overseeing public safety-related contracts between the City and other organizations. The Director leads two staff administering current public safety contracts. This is a newly created position, and the selected candidate will have the opportunity to bring new ideas to managing contracted public safety services within Spokane Valley to create a safer City, more effective and efficient services, and to be the voice of Spokane Valley managing those services.

The Director manages the budgets related to the City’s expenditures for contracted public safety services. Actively works to minimize costs and provides recommendations to the Deputy City Manager related to programs and the development of alternatives to meet future needs. Acts as the chief negotiator during contract renewals to further the City’s interests and goals. Meets daily with the contracted Police Chief and periodically with other contractors to resolve problems that may develop.

The Public Safety Director attends board and advisory board meetings of regional contracted providers and functions as the point of contact or liaison between organizations providing public safety services.

• Oversee provision and performance of public safety services by managing contracts between the City and other organizations.
• Lead two staff administering current public safety contracts.
• Act as chief negotiator during contract renewals to advance the City’s interests and goals.
• Engage daily with the contracted Police Chief and periodically with other contractors to resolve problems.
• Attend board and advisory board meetings of regional contracted providers and serve as the liaison between organizations providing public safety services.
• Manage budgets related to expenditures for contracted public safety services and seek cost-minimization opportunities; provide recommendations to the Deputy City Manager on programs and alternatives to meet future needs.

• Graduation from an accredited four-year university with a degree in criminal justice or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible law enforcement/criminal justice experience, with at least five years at senior management or assistant police chief level; combination of related education and experience may be considered.
• Extensive knowledge of modern criminal justice systems including law enforcement, pre-trial services, criminal prosecution and defense, detention, court proceedings and probation.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Strong leadership, communication (oral and written), adaptability, and customer service mindset; ability to manage multiple projects and develop improvements in policies and procedures.
• Examples of desirable candidates include current or former police chiefs, judges, and prosecutors.