Chief of Police

Position Description

The Chief of Police is responsible for the management, planning and direction of the complete law enforcement program for the Wisconsin State Fair Park (WSFP). This senior‑level management position reports to the WSFP Executive Director/CEO and oversees the Safety Division, made up of the Police Department, Public Safety Department, Risk Management, Fire Marshal, and First Aid Providers. The Chief of Police plays an active role in establishing operational priorities and coordinating resources to ensure public safety during the annual Wisconsin State Fair, which draws approximately one million patrons, as well as numerous other events held on the fairgrounds throughout the year.

The Chief of Police has command over Limited Term Employment (LTE) Police Officers and the department of Public Safety. The incumbent generates, reviews, and revises department rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and directives for the Police Department. In addition, the Chief of Police serves as a liaison between the department, law enforcement agencies, local municipalities, and the public. The Chief of Police is also responsible for financial management of the Police and Public Safety departments which include establishing and managing both departments’ budget.

Full‑time, permanent position in the unclassified service of the State of Wisconsin.

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications in alignment with the State of Wisconsin’s Compensation Plan for new hires, promotions, and transfers. As an unclassified position, this position best aligns to the pay range 81‑01 for salary purposes. Includes comprehensive fringe benefits package, including pension, health insurance, and paid time off.

This position is open to all qualified candidates who meet the outlined criteria.

• Plan, evaluate, coordinate, and provide overall direction for various programs and activities of the WSFP Police and Public Safety Departments
• Develop, review, and revise administrative rules, policies and procedures, and issue directives governing operation of WSFP Police and Public Safety Departments
• Manage all aspects of the financial operation of the departments, including budget development and administration using creative strategies and efficiencies to meet or exceed budget goals and objectives
• Monitor the purchasing process so that all expenditures meet both departments budget objectives and follow state purchasing guidelines and agency directives
• Coordinate and direct allocation of police department resources to accomplish operational goals and objectives
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, local municipalities, other state agencies, and WSFP managers and employees
• Administer department activities consistent with State Fair Park’s mission and objectives
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and the WSFP Administrative Code
• Participate in cooperation with other agency departments in development and implementation of emergency management plans and procedures

• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures
• Identify opportunities for improvements and review with the CEO
• Present findings to appropriate staff/management as necessary on process or procedure recommendations and seek necessary approvals
• Implement recommended and approved improvements General Supervision and Personnel Management of the Safety Division
  • Recruit, interview, recommend for hire and train year‑round LTE and seasonal LTE staff
  • Direct the day‑to‑day activities of the Deputy Director of Public Safety, Deputy Chiefs of Police and indirectly oversee the LTE staff of the department
  • Ensure appropriate staffing levels and organizational development through proper training and hiring techniques to ensure public safety of WSFP, its programming and its events
  • Ensure efficient, yet appropriate, staffing for events and day‑to‑day operations in accordance with event work orders and Event Managers, making the best…