Chief of Police
The Town of Kitty Hawk is Seeking Its Next Police Chief
This is an exciting opportunity to work and live in North Carolina’s beautiful Outer Banks. The Town of Kitty Hawk, year-round population of 3,700 and up to 20,000 seasonally, is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Chief. The current Chief will be retiring after 30 years of qualified service.
Position Summary
The successful candidate will be an experienced, proven, law enforcement leader who can develop a clear vision of community policing for the future of the Town and foster policies, practices and programs that will ensure the Kitty Hawk Police Department becomes the premier department in the area.
The candidate must be an out-of-the-box thinker and approach challenges in an innovative manner. He or she must demonstrate experience in delegation, mentoring and creating opportunities for growth, training, and career development while embracing principles of servant leadership. The candidate must have the ability to successfully collaborate throughout the organization as well as within the community. Highly effective communication skills are essential. The successful candidate will foster a transparent environment both within and outside the organization. He or she must be goal oriented and possess high standards for self and others in a culture that will encourage excellence, integrity, and accountability.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Kitty Hawk Police Chief is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Town’s Police Department, including directing day to day departmental operations and establishing overall departmental policies on law enforcement and related matters; developing short and long-range goals; and creating and managing a departmental budget of approximately $3.5 million. The Police Chief serves as a member of the Town’s senior management team and Emergency Operations Command staff and reports directly to the Kitty Hawk Town Manager.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of progressive law enforcement experience, to include 5 years of senior leadership experience; a bachelor’s degree with a master’s degree strongly preferred; a valid NC driver’s license, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of relocation. The position requires certification as a Police Officer through the NC Criminal Justice Education and Standards Commission. A successful out-of-state candidate will be required to meet the Commissions’ criteria within a reasonable time frame to be determined upon acceptance of the position. For more information, please visit
https://ncdoj.gov/law-enforcement-training/criminal-justice/officer-certification-programs/law-enforcement-certification-applicants/ Executive law enforcement training (e.g. FBI National Academy, SMIB, FBI LEEDA, etc) preferred. Any combination of education and experience equivalent to above criteria may be considered.
First review of applications will begin February 13, 2023.
This position is exempt. Salary is commensurate with experience; range is $82,432.00 to $130,70.96. The Town also offers an excellent Benefits package including Town paid Health, Dental, Vision and Life insurance, participation in the North Carolina LGERS Retirement system and a 401k match.
To Apply:
Please send cover letter, resume and salary requirements to:
Melody Clopton
Town Manager
PO Box 549
Kitty Hawk , NC 27949
mclopton@kittyhawktown.net
