Description
The Public Safety Director (Director) is responsible for managing the provision and performance of public safety services by providing oversight of public safety-related contracts between the City and other organizations. The Director leads two staff administering current public safety contracts. The Public Safety Director 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. Functions as the point of contact or liaison between organizations providing public safety services.
The ideal candidate will draw upon extensive criminal justice experience to provide creative solutions to complex problems. The Director will offer demonstrated leadership capabilities and a proven track record of successful interaction with employees, managers, and the public. The position requires an individual with excellent oral and written communication skills who is accessible, adaptable, and an active listener. The City is seeking candidates that are resourceful and solution oriented, while keeping a customer service mindset. They will have the ability to manage multiple projects, develop improvements in policies and procedures and recommend goals, objectives, and practices. Examples of desired candidates include current or former police chiefs, judges, and prosecutors.
Requirements
The Public Safety Director requires graduation from an accredited four-year university with a degree in criminal justice or closely related field. Additionally, the preferred candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible law enforcement/criminal justice experience with at least five years of which at the senior management or assistant police chief level. The City may consider candidates with a combination of related education and experience. The most competitive candidates will also have extensive knowledge of modern criminal justice systems including law enforcement, pre-trial services, criminal prosecution and defense, detention, court proceedings and probation. A valid Washington State driver's license is required.
