Academy Director

City of Glendale•Glendale, AZ

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Shaping the future of public safety by leading the training, culture, and development of tomorrow’s law enforcement professionals. Holds a key leadership role in overseeing the training and development of future law enforcement officers. Responsible for the development of a solid training and learning platform, academy culture, and standard operating policies and procedures to ensure the graduating recruit is well prepared for the next and most important phase of their law enforcement training, the field training program.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Police Science, business or public administration or a related field and four years of experience in police administration with one year of supervisory experience.
Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.
One year of relevant experience may be substituted for each year of required education.
Knowledge of: Operations and methods of the specific area of assignment
Knowledge of: Teaching techniques and writing and design curricula
Knowledge of: Policies and restrictions of city involvement in outside programs and community standards sensitivity
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of Police, public, and government administration
Skill in: Designing, developing and presenting education classes utilizing projectors, audio-speakers, and video recording devices
Ability to: Write grants and award applications
Ability to: Interpret state and federal funding regulations and the impact to the City
Ability to: Administer and coordinate training and instruction in area of responsibility
Ability to: Write lessons plans, correspondence, schedules, and programs
Ability to: Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with employees and management
Ability to: Lead, direct and assign work to volunteers, staff, and project personnel
Ability to: Operate city vehicles
Valid AZ Driver’s License.
AZPOST Specialist Instructor certification within one year of date of hire.
Assist academy staff with curriculum instruction.
This position is classified as safety-sensitive which requires candidates to successfully undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to employment.
They will be subject to further drug and alcohol testing throughout their period of employment in accordance with the City of Glendale Substance Abuse policy.
A post-offer physical assessment is required.

Responsibilities

Oversees all academy staff, instructors, and support personnel.
Develops strategic plans for curriculum, recruitment, and academy growth.
Manages daily operations, including budgets, scheduling, and reporting.
Ensures classes meet legal, procedural, and community-policing standards.
Recruits, trains, and evaluates instructors and administrative personnel.
Adheres to the state policing standards, AZPOST—Peace Officer Standards and Training, under their AZ Administrative Rules.
Designs, approves, and updates training programs outside of POST curriculum.
Ensures all training aligns with legal, ethical, and procedural guidelines.
Maintains impartiality, integrity, and professionalism at all times.
Avoids conflicts of interest and upholds transparency in academy operations.
Is answerable to governing agencies, police departments, or boards.
Ensures financial responsibility and lawful use of academy resources.
Protects sensitive recruit, personnel, and training data.
Handles internal investigations discreetly and lawfully in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Maintains a safe and supportive training environment that protects the physical and psychological well-being of recruits.
Enforces safety protocols for firearms, defensive tactics, physical fitness, and scenario-based training.
Resolves conflicts and ensures staff performance meets expectations.
Monitors recruit performance, including academic, physical, and ethical conduct.
Enforces academy rules and handle disciplinary actions when necessary.
Serves as the point of contact with police departments, AZPOST, government agencies, and the public.
Represents the academy in law enforcement associations or public meetings.
Creates and enforces internal policies regarding operations, conduct, and training.
Stays current on evolving law enforcement issues and integrate them into training.
Conducts or oversees research on law enforcement best practices in the academy setting.
Manages grant writing and funding opportunities.
Organizes public or community outreach initiatives (e.g., recruit-community engagement).
Operates city vehicles.
Performs other related duties as assigned.